Authoritarian Nightmare

Trump and His Followers

De: John W. Dean, Bob Altemeyer

Narrado por: Rick Adamson

How did America end up with a leader who acts so crudely and despotically, and counter to our democratic principles? Why do his followers stick with him, even when he acts against their interests?

To fully understand, John Dean, a man with a history of standing up to autocratic presidents, joins with Bob Altemeyer, a psychology professor with a unique area of expertise: authoritarianism.

Together, using psychological diagnostic tools, as well as exclusive research and analysis from the Monmouth University Polling Institute - one of America's most respected public opinion research foundations - the authors provide us with an eye-opening understanding of the Trump phenomenon...and what we may be able to do to stop it.

©2020 John W. Dean and Robert A. Altemeyer (P)2020 Kalorama

A great historical guide of a Monster!

As a Hidden Child of WWII the Authors of this “Nightmare “we are all experiencing is to me an accurate ,masterfully written with well chosen truthful words of human descriptions of an unceasing dictatorship of Donald J.Trump which strongly reminds me of Hitler.May our young generations be well guided through this very meaningful book.

Long awaited sequel

This is the sequel to Bob Altmeyer's "The Authoritarians" about fundamental differences between left wingers and right wingers. The science has exploded over the last decade and Altmeyer is a leading voice in finding these splits. Specifically, he studies Right Wing Authoritarians (RWAs) both in terms of people who have high scores as authoritative leaders and people who score high in thoughts that people should follow the authoritative leaders and the few who score highly as both (the double highs). Since the rise of Trump we have seen a very unique version of RWAs that merited this closer look at what the research means in this modern era. Sadly, most of the first five hours are spent complaining about Trumps bad behavior, dishonesty, inefficiency, hypocrisy, immorality etc. to show what his followers are ignoring. Much of that information could be gathered from any number of sources and are fairly well known. When I read this in the future I will probably skip a lot of those first five hours. There are probably too many jabs in the later chapters as well. I happen to think every single criticism they throw is exactly right - I just think that the value of this book is the science. I hope this book inspires the genre to expand as this is most interesting and most definitive branches of psychology today

Excellent Book

This is the best explanation I’ve seen of why people are followers of Trump. A superbly written and narrated book.

Thorough explanation of why Trump supporters are so loyal

This book provides powerful insights into authoritarian tendencies. It gives the psychological and scientific basis for why Trump supporters are so loyal to him. Warning: this book can frighten you but it can also give you hope. Highly recommend it.

Deep dive into DJT and his Maga followers

John W. Dean (yes THAT John Dean) and hs writing partner dissect the personalities of the Maga leader and his followers. WHY do people follow him? WHY do many of the Christian Right swarm to him, a non-believer and liar? From WHERE did DJT form his beliefs which an overbearing father and a mother who showed so little interest in him?

This is an important book and you should learn from it!

Unexpected

I enjoyed this audible immensely. Had previously heard of Author but had no idea he was so talented! Very well done.

Well worth your time

Since 2015, I have been asking, “ why do people support Donald Trump?”. I have read several books in an effort to understand how we, as a citizenry, have arrived at this point in our history, to have a solid 35% of the public support a lying, autocratic-leaning, malignant narcissist.

These books have been insightful regarding our political system and the power brokers who moved us towards a Trumpian presidency. But none of these books explained WHY people support him.

This book, Authoritarian Nightmare, offers a deep dive into the personality traits and socioenvironmental contributors of those who follow/support/promote authoritarian leaders.

I listened to chapters 5-11, four times. I also looked up many of the referenced research. The book leaves this listener with a far better understanding of the “why”.

I have integrated this book’s information with the “how” books I have read which leads me to the astonishing conclusion that our democratic republic is in very serious, grave danger; basically at a tipping point of survival.

Chapter 12 includes a clarion call for citizens to be diligent in protecting our now-fragile democracy & to engage the youth of our nation to be active participants in our system of government. I completely agree.

Finally, I appreciated the sarcastic, humorous quips interspersed throughout the book as it periodically ‘broke’ the content’s grave nature.

I highly recommend this book.

Making today’s headlines yesterday.

The book is very well written as well as researched so it’s more of a book of facts than opinions & makes it’s credibility much more invaluable considering many of the words & thoughts are making headlines today after the election is over & the words of this book press on.

Great information

This is a bit more academic than I had expected but I found it riveting. Great explanation of - in particular - the lack of education in America and the appalling effect of ignorance. People who are easily swayed by demagogues always vote against their own interests. How about we teach critical thinking in school hahaha. Good luck with that.

Great analysis of Trump

Political views aside, this book did a great job of explaining the authoritarian principles and how it got Trump elected.