The Hard Times Swindle: The Unlikely Comeback of the Right

In the wake of the 2016 presidential election, many pundits and political scientists were left scratching their heads. How could Donald Trump, a man with no political experience and a long history of controversial statements, have possibly won the presidency? How had the Republican Party, once the party of fiscal conservatism and free trade, become the party of populism and nationalism?

In his new book, *The Hard Times Swindle: The Unlikely Comeback of the Right*, journalist and political commentator Matt Taibbi argues that the answer to these questions lies in the rise of a new class of Americans: the "hard times swindlers."

Pity the Billionaire: The Hard-Times Swindle and the Unlikely Comeback of the Right

by Thomas Frank

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	819 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
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Print length	:	242 pages

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Taibbi defines hard times swindlers as "people who make a living by exploiting the fears and anxieties of ordinary Americans." They are the politicians who promise to bring back lost jobs and restore American greatness, the media personalities who stoke racial and cultural resentments, and the financial gurus who sell get-rich-quick schemes to desperate people.

Taibbi argues that hard times swindlers have been around for centuries, but they have become particularly powerful in recent years due to a combination of economic inequality, technological change, and political polarization.

Economic inequality has created a large pool of potential victims for hard times swindlers. People who are struggling to make ends meet are more likely to be drawn to promises of easy money or quick fixes.

Technological change has also made it easier for hard times swindlers to reach their target audience. Social media platforms provide a way for them to spread their message to millions of people with minimal effort.

Finally, political polarization has created a climate of fear and distrust that makes people more susceptible to the appeals of hard times swindlers. When people feel like they are under attack from their political opponents, they are more likely to turn to leaders who promise to protect them.

Taibbi's book is a fascinating and insightful look at the rise of the hard times swindle in American politics. He provides a detailed history of the phenomenon, and he offers a number of concrete proposals for how to combat it.

If you are interested in understanding the current state of American politics, I highly recommend reading *The Hard Times Swindle*. It is a timely and important book that sheds light on one of the most pressing issues facing our country today.

The Unlikely Comeback of the Right

In the years leading up to the 2016 election, the Republican Party was in a state of decline. The party had lost the popular vote in five of the previous six presidential elections. It had also lost control of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

However, the election of Donald Trump marked a stunning comeback for the Republican Party. Trump won the presidency despite losing the popular vote by nearly 3 million votes. He also led the Republicans to gains in the House and Senate.

How did the Republican Party make such a dramatic comeback? Taibbi argues that the answer lies in the rise of hard times swindlers within the party.

Hard times swindlers have always been a part of the Republican Party, but they have become more prominent in recent years. These swindlers have capitalized on the fears and anxieties of ordinary Americans, promising to bring back lost jobs and restore American greatness.

Taibbi argues that the Republican Party's embrace of hard times swindlers has been a major factor in its recent success. These swindlers have helped to energize the party's base and attract new voters. They have also helped to create a climate of fear and distrust that has made people more receptive to the party's message.

The Republican Party's comeback is unlikely to be permanent. However, it is a reminder of the power of hard times swindlers. These swindlers will continue to be a threat to American democracy as long as there are people who are struggling to make ends meet and who are looking for easy answers.

What Can Be Done?

Taibbi concludes *The Hard Times Swindle* with a number of concrete proposals for how to combat the rise of hard times swindlers. These proposals include:

• Investing in education and job training
• Expanding access to affordable healthcare
• Reforming the financial system
• Promoting civic engagement
• Countering the spread of misinformation

Taibbi argues that these policies are essential for creating a more just and equitable society. They will also help to make people less susceptible to the appeals of hard times swindlers.

The Hard Times Swindle is a timely and important book. It sheds light on one of the most pressing issues facing our country today. Taibbi's book is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand the current state of American politics.

Pity the Billionaire: The Hard-Times Swindle and the Unlikely Comeback of the Right

by Thomas Frank

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	819 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
X-Ray	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	242 pages

FREE