It’s Even Worse Than It Looks

How the American Constitutional System Collided with the New Politics of Extremism

By: Thomas E. Mann, Norman J. Ornstein

Narrated by: William Hughes

Hyperpartisanship has gridlocked the American government. Congress' approval ratings are at record lows, and both Democrats and Republicans are disgusted by the government's inability to get anything done. In It's Even Worse Than It Looks, Congressional scholars Thomas E. Mann and Norman J. Ornstein present a grim picture of how party polarization and tribal politics have led Congress - and the United States - to the brink of institutional failure.

In this revised edition, the authors bring their seminal book up to date in a political environment that is more divided than ever. The underlying dynamics of the situation - extremist Republicans holding government hostage to their own ideological, antigovernment beliefs - have only gotten worse, further bolstering their argument that Republicans are not merely ideologically different from Democrats, but engaged in a unique form of politics that undermines the system itself. Without a fundamental change in the character and course of the Republican Party, we may have a long way to go before we hit rock bottom.

©2016 Thomas E. Mann & Norman J. Ornstein (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

Prescient

If only more had listened. This book should be read and the feeling that it is now outdated or quaint should be understood to be an ominous truth.

Great explanation of our polarized populace

In depth analysis of how political gamesmanship has taken us to the brink of destruction. The only area that needed more direct attention was white supremacy's overwhelming role in all of this.

This book has become more relevant with time

This book has become more relevant with time, not less. More clear, more true, like written tomorrow about the events in the papers today. God help us.

It's even worse than they say

You left out a lot. Some of the most egregious actors are the media. News outlets like the New York Times and MSNBC have profound effects and they have essentially become tools of the corporations who own them to strategically influence politicians and the public. this is a major part of the story that you completely ignore. I I feel like it's a crucial part of both the agreement and the explanation.

Great book!

This is an important book that should serve as a wake up call to all of us.

Sadly under-anticipates the severity of the problem

This book was unusual in that, after describing the events with unusual objectivity, they actually delved into a list of changes they think would be helpful based on comparative analysis.

Unfortunately, those in the movement not presented as the savior of the American way that they pose as, will reject 100% of the descriptions, observations, and suggestions, as further example of the problems they described.

So, I recommend you avoid this book if you recognize yourself explicitly, of subconsciously by your anger, to avoid being triggered… well, unless you’re like the mass of people who enjoy that.sort of thing.

A good summary of US politics before Trump destroyed everything

This is a blow-by-blow rundown of how US politics deteriorated into the morass it is today. The authors insist their research is unbiased very credibly but this is not for Republicans, who even by 2012 had lost the ability to think or act rationally. Much of the work is a steady Chinese torture of deplorable actions by the GOP which is not fun to hear. I was sad to learn how long this has persisted and now have no faith that we will ever recover anything like responsible government. Recommended, despite all that.

Takes some tIme to complete

It was an informative and listen. But you’ve got to really set aside time to get into it. I still recommend it if you want to learn how we got hear.

We need to hear these Truths!

Truth can make you sad, mad, or glad but it is necessity! This book helped solidify an understanding of how and why our systems designed to be of help have failed us and are further ruining the democracy. Well read and flowed well.

Sadly the book is still very relevant

This book provides an even handed and very well documented analysis of the fracture in our nations politics. Excellent reading for anyone that has a pragmatic political bent. Unlike many critical analyses, the authors provide a realistic set of potential corrections