Partisans

The Conservative Revolutionaries Who Remade American Politics in the 1990s

By: Nicole Hemmer

Narrated by: Nicole Hemmer

A bold new history of modern conservatism that finds its origins in the populist right-wing politics of the 1990s

Ronald Reagan has long been lionized for building a conservative coalition sustained by an optimistic vision of American exceptionalism, small government, and free markets. But as historian Nicole Hemmer reveals, the Reagan coalition was short-lived; it fell apart as soon as its charismatic leader left office. In the 1990s — a decade that has yet to be recognized as the breeding ground for today’s polarizing politics — changing demographics and the emergence of a new political-entertainment media fueled the rise of combative far-right politicians and pundits. These partisans, from Pat Buchanan and Newt Gingrich to Rush Limbaugh and Laura Ingraham, forged a new American right that emphasized anti-globalism, appeals to white resentment, and skepticism about democracy itself.

Partisans is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the crisis of American politics today.

Critic reviews

Nicole Hemmer’s Partisans shines fresh, provocative light on America’s political history, showing that Ronald Reagan’s anointed successors were not public servants so much as performance artists growing rich and powerful by selling division and resentment. Partisans provides a whole new meaning to the Reagan Revolution by focusing on the charlatans of the 1990’s it spawned. —Jane Mayer, Chief Washington Correspondent, The New Yorker

For Nineties kids (and adults putting away childish things)

The author has a cutesy, folksy, smart assed edge to her knowing reading that is reminiscent of her subjects. More like an anthology of magazine profiles than a thesis to me, but I enjoyed it a lot and would recommend it to Zoomers who never heard of these people and live with their legacy every day. (If you’re not new to these delightful whack jobs, skip the prologue exposition and go straight to the pork.)

Demagogue subversion of a weak party

I enjoyed the book greatly. It puts the history of how the right is so out of whack, being so conspiratorial and anti establishment, but still relevant.

The focus on media environment, and how the “shock jock” style the far right has used since the late 80’s has kept the attention on them. Various provocateurs like Rush, Tucker, Coulter, and more all kept eyes on them, even though their opinions are not necessarily popular with the broader electorate.

It leads me to the conclusion that the republicans basically flanderized themselves. They fed into the loop of headlines over accuracy to such a point that the party has launched off the chain.

Their media dominance and always being on attack lets them control the conversation. I don’t hate the media, but if the right always have initiative, the media is basically forced to cover them, it is time for the left to be aggressive, but maybe not as stupid.

Excellent analysis of the growth of conservative partisanship.

An excellent review of the growth of conservative partisanship dividing our country with disinformation, conspiracy theories and outrageous propaganda in order to maintain minority party power.

Well told and depressing

Very well researched and explained, but ultimately depressing, account of how some cynical people pursued money and power, and ended up deeply dividing the country.

History of insanity

This is a good exploration of the insanity that has infected the GOP, and it’s long storied origins. Another important aspect of how we got where we are in 2022. Highly recommend