Off Center

A New York Times Editors' Choice Book. "The most illuminating book on contemporary American politics to be published in over a decade." --Eric Alterman The Republicans who run American government today have defied the normal laws of political gravity. They have ruled with the slimmest of majorities and yet have transformed the nation's governing priorities. They have strayed dramatically from the moderate middle of public opinion and yet have faced little public backlash. Again and again, they have sided with the affluent and ideologically extreme while paying little heed to the broad majority of Americans. And much more often than not, they have come out on top. This book shows why--and why this troubling state of affairs can and must be changed. Written in a highly accessible style by two professional political scientists, Off Center tells the story of a deliberative process restricted and distorted by party chieftains, of unresponsive power brokers subverting the popular will, and of legislation written by and for powerful interests and deliberately designed to mute popular discontent. In the best tradition of engaged social science, Off Center is a powerful and informed critique that points the way toward a stronger foundation for American democracy. "An important new book." --Paul Krugman, The New York Times "One very serious, smart work of political science." -- The Washington Post Book World "The most important political science book in a decade." --Robert Kuttner, editor, American Prospect "Required reading for anyone interested in the triumph of the neocons or worried about where they are leading America." -- Publishers Weekly