Mary Ross | Site Director
With the political climate we find ourselves in, many people are trying to learn more. Whether your politically engaged friend is new to the game or has been in it for a while, the books below will be the perfect gift. Each book is labeled as liberal, conservative or neutral for a better idea of what each one is about and supports.
What It Means to Be a Democrat by George S. McGovern (Liberal)
McGovern’s What It Means to Be a Democrat provides an analysis of what being a Democrat means as he feels Democratic politicians have lost sight of the basis ideals of the Democrat ideology. McGovern, who has extensive background in politics and military life, used his life and expertise to discuss a wide range of topics including military spending and education reform. He also describes his vision for the future of the Democratic Party and how to work toward becoming that party that all Democrats can be proud of.
The Socialist Manifesto (Liberal)
Sunkara’s 2019 book dives into the basics of modern socialist ideology and advocates for the ideology as the only way to move forward. He discusses how right now, this world is drowning in wealth inequality and economic crises, but argues that socialists can win better wages, create democratic workplaces and communities, and create opportunities for better housing for all people. One reviewer from Verso Books wrote in his review that “Sunkara’s book is crucial for obliterating the myths and propaganda that have often drowned socialism, and instead illuminating its genuine virtues.”
Democracy Matters by Cornel West (Liberal)
West’s book is a follow up on his major bestseller, Race Matters, that talks of the scars of racism in American democracy. In Democracy Matters, West comes back with analysis of halted development of democracy in America and the Middle East. Claiming that to continue spreading democracy throughout the world, the United States must rid itself of the imperialist corruption that has infiltrated many aspects of American democracy. West’s argument brings together the thoughts of many powerful voices and calls for the revival of a better democracy.
The Trump Century by Lou Dobbs (Conservative)
Lou Dobbs, in his book entitled The Trump Century, dives into Trump’s thinking of the economy, foreign policy, and border security. He compares it to previous eras of thought. An avid supporter of Trump and his policies as compared to prior policies, Dobbs argues that Trump has set a new and better standard for all presidents for the next century and people will be grateful for Trump when they realize all he has done.
How to Destroy America in 3 Easy Steps by Ben Shapiro (Conservative)
Shapiro lays out a multi-part argument, beginning with people he labels as disintegrationists are tearing the United States apart. Disintegrationists he believes view American culture as a facade that reinforces power structures and hierarchies instead of being a culture that guarantees freedom for individuals, the mindset Shapiro has. He moves on to argue that in order to be a cohesive nation, people must uphold the foundational truths about who we are, and fight off the values of disintegrationists.
Conscience of a Conservative: A Rejection of Destructive Politics and a Return to Principle (Conservative)
Inspired by Barry Goldwater’s The Conscience of a Conservative, Jeff Flake’s 2017 book entitled Conscience of a Conservative: A Rejection of Destructive Politics and a Return to Principle is a book that builds upon Goldwater’s book. It shows the differences between the right and left in American politics before framing traditional Conservative thought. It covers topics such as education, labor unions, social welfare and more, bringing more modern ideas from the Republican Party into consideration.
Moral Politics: How Liberals and Conservatives Think (Neutral)
George Lakoff’s 1996 book Moral Politics: How Liberals and Conservatives Think argues that conservatives and liberals have different ideas of morality, which account for their differences in ideology. After explaining both sides using cognitive linguistics, Lakoff argues that there is no way to have an objective study of politics due to a person’s own political ideology to be based off subjective morality, or one person’s own idea of morality.
What You Should Know about Politics…But Don’t by Jessmyn Conrad (Neutral)
Conrad’s book breaks down many issues including the economy, the war in Iraq, health care, climate change and more explaining who stands for what and why they stand for it. This is a book that helps people to understand platforms and ultimately who they should vote for in elections.
Red State, Blue State, Rich State, Poor State: Why Americans Vote the Way They Do by Andrew Gelman (Neutral)
Gelman takes all the myths and stereotypes we hold about red states and blue states and debunks them to show that all Americans are still Americans just with different belief systems that inform how they vote. Especially in an era when all people try to clump those who opposes their beliefs under one stereotype and group title, this a great book to humanize the people who also vote in this country.
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