The Longest Con

How Grifters, Swindlers, and Frauds Hijacked American Conservatism

By: Joe Conason

Narrated by: Steve Marvel

Length: 10 hrs and 55 mins

Publisher's summary

The Longest Con tells the fascinating story of the partisan con artists who have corrupted conservative politics in our time, creating a toxic phenomenon that culminated in the election of Donald Trump, a bumptious fraud whose checkered career and tawdry retinue, including his presidential cabinet, have featured almost every variety of scam. But long before he appeared, Trump's path to power was blazed by the motley horde of swindlers and quacks who preceded him.

From the "professional anti-communists" (whose tactics even J. Edgar Hoover despised) to the "populist" grifters of the Tea Party movement and the religious charlatans of the "prosperity gospel" (who provided a pious front for Trump), the right-wing ripoff has remained remarkably consistent, even as personalities change and new technologies emerge: Stir up anger and resentment, demonize political opponents, promise vengeance, and collect donations from the gullible. It's a highly lucrative game that any unscrupulous charlatan can play, as many have-and they are named in this book.

In an unsparing and often comic narrative, Joe Conason explores the right's long, steep descent into a movement whose principal aim is not to protect freedom or defend the Constitution, but merely to line the pockets of pretenders and blowhards whose malevolent tactics now endanger the nation.

©2024 Joe Conason; foreword copyright 2024 by George T. Conway III (P)2024 Kalorama

Very interesting wide lens view

This is a very well researched wide lens view of an important subject about which so many should know. Seemingly explaining the present and potentially the future by examining the past is so important.

This Explains Alot

Ever since the rise of Trump commentators have struggled to explain why he has such a devoted following. Conason gives us a tour of the conservative mental landscape, it's history of turning paranoia into profit. Growing up watching tv and movies like Mission Impossible and The Sting, I thought con men had to be clever and cunning, but Trump proved that the way to gain a marks confidence is to tell him you hate his enemies just as much as he does.

great research

A must listen for real American Patriots. The truth is needed before a informed vote can be cast for either party.

Great History

A well-researched examination into exactly how ‘the machine’ works. The motivation is cash and influence. (power) Yes, there are tens of millions of them out there as the author indicates they are born hourly by the dozens.

Lying Sells

How well the facts were presented with evidence. He named names and history of the grifters

The extent of corruption of Republicans & Evangelical leaders

Love how Conason draws the links from Roy Cohn’s shady schemes in the 1950’s to the current criminal schemes of Trump, his family, and other Republicans. I was surprised to learn how some Evangelical preachers were involved in various grifts make money.

Republicans, please do NOT read this!

All the lies, the grift, the money making is here. Stay away if you love Trump and his cronies - I'd hate for you to learn the truth!

Eye Opening

Excellent book, loaded with characters. Every voter should read it. Narration was perfect. Recommend

truth

very informative but then I am not MAGA. I once fell for the PTL scam. Never fell for Swaggart or the two fat guys.

Every Conservative Should Read

I started to suspect something was up during the Tea Party uprising. I was turning 30 at the time and the inconsistencies in conservatism were starting to become too blatant to ignore. By the time Trump came on the scene I was in a trot away from the far right, and after Jan 6 I was in a dead sprint. Today, I can't believe I once supported these grifters and con artists. But at least I can say I don't any more.