The Betrayal

How Mitch McConnell and the Senate Republicans Abandoned America

By: Ira Shapiro

Narrated by: Paul Bellantoni

In two previous highly regarded books on the US Senate, Ira Shapiro chronicled the institution from its apogee in the 1970s through its decline in the decades since. Now, Shapiro turns his gaze to how the Senate responded to the challenges posed by the Trump administration and its prospects under President Biden.

The Founding Fathers gave the US Senate many functions, but it had one fundamental responsibility—its raison d'etre: to provide the check against a dangerous president who threatened our democracy. Two hundred and thirty years later, when Donald Trump, a potential authoritarian, finally reached the White House, the Senate should have served as both America's first and last lines of defense. Instead, we had the nightmare scenario: today's Senate, reduced through a long period of decline to a hyper-partisan, gridlocked shadow of its former self, was unable to meet its fundamental responsibility.

Shapiro documents the pivotal challenges facing the Senate during the Trump administration, arguing that the body's failure to provide leadership represents the most catastrophic failure of government in American history. The last section covers the Senate's performance during President Biden's first year in office and looks forward to the 2022 Senate elections and beyond.

©2022 Ira Shapiro (P)2022 Tantor

Thought provoking and frustrating

Serving the interests of the American people should be a driving force in politicians that makes them consider their (the politician's) decision to oppose or support a policy from the opposite party not from personal opinion or "political survival". To compromise at times and to oppose those within their party (regardless of position) when overall facts support it.
This book did well showing how Mitch McConnell could say and do the right things but unfortunately fall back on simple political survival if not in his own personal interests.
No surprise.

Short, sweet, and to the point

Focus on Mitch was healthy. Not sure others have been paying attention but this one man has done more to destroy this democracy. Mitch McConnell has done a lot of damage that will have long term ramifications. I’m sure he and his fans are happy but am troubled that one man can hurt so many people……. And clearly, he does not care. This book explains the issue in great detail. I am grateful for this book and the information it provides.

Learned a lot about McConell. Audio was very good.

I am grateful for this book because it gives an in-depth look at Mitch McConnell. Prior to listening to this book, McConnell struck me as an example of money buying politicians which buys both legislators and judges (supreme court justices on down) which buys laws. In other words, he helped the billionaire class (why else would you need the Citizens United decision) and hurt our democracy. This book provides a lot more information that I knew prior to reading it. Unfortunately, my opinion of McConnell is even lower now.

READ! Shocking and Shameful

This book is a great account of the downfall of our senate. All young adults should be required to read this so that they see how important it is to be aware and involved in choosing our leaders from the bottom up.