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The Democrats

A Critical History (Updated edition)
By Lance Selfa
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Check link for latest rating. ( 204 ratings, 37 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Democrats by Lance Selfa offers a broad historical perspective on the Democratic Party's consistent prioritisation of Wall Street interests and U.S. imperial ambitions over the hopes and needs of ordinary people. It explores the uneasy relationship between party leaders and social movements, from civil rights to anti-war protests, and critiques the party's historic alliance with labour. Selfa also evaluates the challenges and failures of third-party alternatives amidst this backdrop.
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Format: Paperback / softback
$4800

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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is well-suited for readers interested in political history, US politics, social movements, and critiques of mainstream political parties. It appeals particularly to those looking to understand the systemic challenges within the Democratic Party and its impact on progressive change.

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"A smart, readable history of the Democrats that reminds us of the party's allegiance to capital."Indypendent

Author will be available for broadcast news outlets Advance review copies available, at BEA Pacifica and NPR radio tour to be pitched Excerpts in The Indypendent, TruthOut Advertising in The Progressive Published to coincide with the DNC Promotion on dedicated book website TK Publicity and promotion in conjunction with the author's speaking engagements CBSD galley box and giveaways

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Offering a broad historical perspective, Selfa shows how the Democratic Party has time and again betrayed the aspirations of ordinary people while pursuing an agenda favourable to Wall Street and U.S. imperial ambitions.

He examines the relationship between party leaders and social movements, from the civil rights struggle to the movement to end the Iraq war; reveals the unhappy marriage between U.S. labour and the party of the people; and assesses the mixed record of attempts to build a third party alternative.

Further, Selfa argues that the Democrats' record of backing the rich and breaking promises to its voting base is not a recent departure from an otherwise laudable past, but results from its role as one of two parties serving the interests of the U.S. establishment.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Praised for its rigorous critique, The Democrats is described as essential reading for anyone interested in American politics. Robert W. McChesney calls it a compelling challenge to the notion of the Democratic Party as a progressive force. Roger D. Hodge highlights Selfa's portrayal of the party as the "graveyard" of social movements, explaining why reform efforts have frequently faltered. The book's new chapter on the Obama era further elucidates the party's role in sidelining substantial change.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9781608461929

Publisher: Haymarket Books

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 07 August 2012

Country: United States

Imprint: Haymarket Books

Edition: Revised

Illustration: Illustrations

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Width: 143.0mm

Height: 215.0mm

Weight: 368g

Pages: 260

Collections

American & Canadian History Education & Reference History & Archaeology History & Military Lance Selfa Non-Fiction Politics & Current Affairs

About the Author

Lance Selfa is an editor of and contributor to International Socialist Review. He edited The Struggle for Palestine (Haymarket, 2002). He lives in Chicago.

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