Cracking the Code

By: Thom Hartmann

Narrated by: Lloyd James

Millions of working Americans talk, act, and vote as if their economic interests match those of the megawealthy, global corporations, and the politicians who do their bidding. How did this happen? According to Air America radio host Thom Hartmann, the apologists of the Right have become masters of the subtle and largely subconscious aspects of political communication. It's not an escalation in Iraq, it's a surge; it's not the inheritance tax, it's the death tax; it's not drilling for oil, it's exploring for energy.

Conservatives didn't intuit the path to persuasive messaging; they learned these techniques. There is no reason why progressives can't learn them too. In Cracking the Code, Hartmann shows you how. Drawing on his background as a psychotherapist and advertising executive as well as a national radio host, he breaks down the structure for effective communication, sharing exercises and examples for practical application.

Audio includes introduction read by Hartmann and new foreword written and read by Jim Hightower!

©2008 Berrett-Koehler Publishers (P)2008 Berrett-Koehler Publishers

exposes the con in conservative

one more great Thom Hartmann book.explains the biological processes of communication and how concervatives have weaponised them against American democracy.

One of most informative and important books in a long time

Positive knowledge for change. Helps you talk to people and explain what's going on and why we are all so confused. Helps you learn how to explain what's happening and how we can change things for the better for all our fellow citizens

find out what everyonea talking about.

After the second or third time thru in about a week. I was able to capture more insights and themes. Get this book I listen to Thom Hartmann Everyday live. I learn something everyday.

Very informative

How can it be that the republicans have harnessed the powers of darkness and the democrats languish! This was well written and read and contains clearly referenced and verifiable research - well worth a read.

Very informative

I learned a lot. The book gave some easy to follow concepts in communication. It is a good read.

Why do we not enforce the fairness doctrine?

Like Tom‘s other books this book where is little ink on vapid banner, and gets to the point. If you want to understand why politics has devolved to the point where it is now this book is an invaluable tool to deciphering the way it occurs. One reason why Democrats don’t get the message out though is because 98% of the media is “conservative.” But in fact, conservative is a misnomer, because the people running right wing media, are radical Puritans.

User-friendly course on political communication

I've been listening to Thom Hartmann's AirAmerica radio show for years and have learned so much more about American history and politics than in all the college courses I've taken. In this book, he clearly explains how to understand political communication by "decoding" it. He also instructs how you can clearly and calmly communicate your own political thoughts as well, which is very helpful when you are talking to an irrational right-winger. Highly recommended, along with his previous book, "Screwed." Narrator was excellent, although it would be even better to have Hartmann reading. I longed for the enthusiasm and good humor that he projects so well on his radio show. Interesting and informative - critical to truly understanding what politicians and other purveyors of persuasion are really saying. Protect yourself from thought manipulation! Spread the aloha. Tag, you're it!

superb thinker

this book should be read by everyone puzzled by all the fighting that's going on over politics in this country. there's a better way to communicate, and Tom teaches us how.

"Tag, you're it"

This is my third time through this great book. If we listen to, grasp, and look deeply into what Thom Hartmann has offered us here, we can begin to change hearts and minds. We can move away from the fear that we may be powerless and take hold of a future where we all know is best for us. "Tag, you're it."