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Trumpocracy: The Corruption of the American Republic Kindle Edition

4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,726 ratings

From Russia to South Africa, from Turkey to the Philippines, from Venezuela to Hungary, authoritarian leaders have smashed restraints on their power. The freedom of the media and the judiciary have eroded. The right to vote remains, but the right to have one’s vote counted honestly does not.

Until the US presidential election of 2016, the global decline of democracy seemed a concern for other peoples in other lands. That complacent optimism has been upended by the political rise of Donald Trump. 

The crisis is upon Americans, here and now.

Quietly, steadily, Trump and his administration are damaging the tenets and accepted practices of American democracy, perhaps irrevocably. As he and his family enrich themselves, the presidency itself falls into the hands of the generals and financiers who surround him. 

David Frum has been collecting the lies, obfuscations, and flagrant disregard for the traditional limits placed on the office of the presidency. During his own tenure in the White House as speechwriter for George W. Bush, Frum witnessed the ways the presidency was limited not by law but tradition, propriety, and public outcry, all now weakened. Whether the Trump presidency lasts two, four, or seven more years, the nature of the office has changed for the worse, and will likely remain so for decades. 

In this powerful, eye-opening book, Frum makes clear that the hard work of recovery starts at home. Trumpocracy outlines how Trump could push America toward illiberalism, what the consequences could be for our nation and the world, and what we can do to prevent it. 


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Editorial Reviews

Review

“All but the most determined Trump enthusiasts should feel pin pricks of recognition and...a queasy discomfort.” — New York Times

“A far more rewarding book than Fire and Fury.” — Financial Times

“Magnificent.…The wisdom of the final chapter in particular absolutely floored me.” — Laurence Tribe

“No conservative has been a more astute, unsparing or courageous critic of Trumpism than David Frum. Trumpocracy is a powerful summation of the case against Trump based on a close reading of his first year in office. Even those who have followed the Trump administration closely will find much to surprise and enrage them in Frum’s devastating analysis.A must-read to understand what we went through in 2017--and where we are going next.” — Max Boot, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick senior fellow in national security studies, Council on Foreign Relations

“With precision and even eloquence, Frum details how the Trump campaign and administration has damaged American institutions and the American psyche. For those who oppose Trumpism, this is a clarion call.” — Booklist

 “The most important new book about the dangers of Donald Trump’s presidency” — San Francisco Chronicle

“In the midst of all the Trump-fueled hysteria and Trump-related gossip, it’s a godsend to have David Frum lay out the case against Trump and his kleptocracy in this measured, insightful, and scrupulously researched book. He builds his argument with the precision of a prosecuting attorney, and writes about it in the riveting style of a thriller writer.  This is an essential guide to the malevolent tragedy that is Trumpocracy.” — Robert De Niro

“Fascism did not rise in the 30’s because it was strong but rather because Democracy was weak. David Frum has written an essential book for a time when the pillars and norms of American Democracy are under threat from the leaders pledged to preserve it.” — Stephen Schmidt, strategist for George W. Bush, John Mccain, and Arnold Schwarzenegger

“An outstanding chronicle of the unending corruption, deceit, and chaos that acts as rocket fuel for the administration, and ego, of President Donald J. Trump. This is a brilliant book of a frightening American present, it is also an honest discussion of the gifts a Trump Presidency has unwittingly revealed.” — Malcolm Nance, author of The Plot to Hack America: How Putin’s Cyberspies and Wikileaks Tried to Steal the 2016 Election

“Frum charts the erosion of democratic principles over the course of Donald Trump’s campaign and first year in office, enumerating both the president’s own improprieties and the misdeeds of his various advisers and hangers-on. Frum’s incisive prose and optimism set this apart.” — Publishers Weekly

“Evenhanded, ideologically consistent, and guaranteed to generate a slew of angry tweets should a copy land at the White House.” — Kirkus Reviews

From the Back Cover

From Russia to South Africa, from Turkey to the Philippines, from Venezuela to Hungary, authoritarian leaders have smashed restraints on their power. The freedom of the media and the judiciary have eroded. The right to vote remains, but the right to have one’s vote counted honestly does not.

Until the US presidential election of 2016, the global decline of democracy seemed a concern for other peoples in other lands. That complacent optimism has been upended by the political rise of Donald Trump. 

The crisis is upon Americans, here and now.

Quietly, steadily, Trump and his administration are damaging the tenets and accepted practices of American democracy, perhaps irrevocably. As he and his family enrich themselves, the presidency itself falls into the hands of the generals and financiers who surround him. 

David Frum has been collecting the lies, obfuscations, and flagrant disregard for the traditional limits placed on the office of the presidency. During his own tenure in the White House as speechwriter for George W. Bush, Frum witnessed the ways the presidency was limited not by law but tradition, propriety, and public outcry, all now weakened. Whether the Trump presidency lasts two, four, or seven more years, the nature of the office has changed for the worse, and will likely remain so for decades. 

In this powerful, eye-opening book, Frum makes clear that the hard work of recovery starts at home. Trumpocracy outlines how Trump could push America toward illiberalism, what the consequences could be for our nation and the world, and what we can do to prevent it. 

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07F15FV2K
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Harper Paperbacks; Reprint edition (October 9, 2018)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ October 9, 2018
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.3 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 320 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 4.5 out of 5 stars 1,726 ratings

About the author

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David Frum
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David Frum is senior editor at the Atlantic. He is the author of nine books, most recently Trumpocracy: The Corruption of the American Republic (2018). In 2001-2002, he served as speechwriter and special assistant to President George W. Bush. You can read him at https://www.theatlantic.com/author/david-frum/ and on Twitter @davidfrum

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Customers find the book insightful and well-researched. They describe it as a compelling read with excellent content. Readers praise the writing quality as clear, articulate, and logical. They consider the author thoughtful and honest, calling the book the first true anti-Trump conservative book about the man himself. The presentation style is described as professional and elegant, with some finding it alarming while others find it necessary. Opinions differ on the scariness level, with some finding it enlightening while others consider it frightening.

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114 customers mention "Insight"108 positive6 negative

Customers find the book insightful and well-researched. They appreciate the author's analysis and quotable points. The book is a scholarly summary of the decline of the Republican Party. Readers mention that the book is well-documented and sourced.

"David Frum’s timely and prescient book “Trumpocracy” is a vital read in not solely understanding the baseness that is Donald Trump – but most..." Read more

"...of it you have heard in the news, but Frum ties it together in a coherent narrative that makes for both interesting reading and insight beyond the..." Read more

"...including current Trump supporters, as it is a valuable, cogent analysis that will provoke thinking and rethinking...." Read more

"...his work for many years and always found him to be challenging and well informed...." Read more

76 customers mention "Readability"72 positive4 negative

Customers find the book readable and engaging. They appreciate the sources' notes and the author's honest, insightful writing style. The book chronicles Trump's presidency in an honest and thoughtful manner. Readers also value the final chapter, which provides a positive outlook after reading through distressing material.

"...ties it together in a coherent narrative that makes for both interesting reading and insight beyond the tweets and "Breaking News"..." Read more

"...Frum has caused me to have solid respect for his principles and integrity...." Read more

"...Frum is a Republican of unimpeachable credentials and a solid record of public service...." Read more

"...This is the best book so far, in our opinion. While the book is about Trump, it also is about something far deeper." Read more

59 customers mention "Writing quality"55 positive4 negative

Customers find the writing quality good and easy to read. They describe the author as talented, clear, and compassionate. The narration is good and understandable. Overall, readers find the book insightful and refreshing.

"...Very good writer full of expression and wit." Read more

"...It's a bizarre realm. Frum does a great job of clear writing and compiling relevant facts (not fake news) to shine a light on the president...." Read more

"...but also lends credence to Frum’s integrity because he speaks out ealy.,..." Read more

"...In a series of twelve well written chapters Frum analyzes the rise of Donald Trump and the disastrous 2016 campaign which unexpectedly put him in..." Read more

22 customers mention "Author"19 positive3 negative

Customers find the book an important and honest review from a conservative Republican. They say it's the first true anti-Trump conservative book about the man himself and makes the case as a must-read for all patriots. Readers appreciate the author's principled conservatism that should be appreciated across the political spectrum.

"...the early details of the Trump administration, but also lends credence to Frum’s integrity because he speaks out ealy.,..." Read more

"...I am a liberal and progressive yet I find Frum to be solid in his conservative views and, like George Will, is one of the top intellectuals of the..." Read more

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"...related to present U.S. politics, this is the most strongly written criticism of the Republicans and it is written by a Republican!!..." Read more

13 customers mention "Presentation style"13 positive0 negative

Customers find the book well-presented and comprehensive. They describe the author as thoughtful, articulate, and full of expression. The writing style is professional with a clear and concise approach.

"...Very good writer full of expression and wit." Read more

"...He struck us as unusually thoughtful and articulate...." Read more

"...Mr Frum is a clear and elegant writer. He knows how to use language clearly to get his points across without belabouring them...." Read more

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Customers have different views on the book's scariness level. Some find it alarming and a prophetic warning about chaos and corruption under Trump. Others describe it as depressing, frustrating, and repetitive.

"...As with anything Trump, it's an incredibly frustrating read, knowing what Trump has and is doing to democratic values here and abroad...." Read more

"Excellent and prophetic warning about the chaos and corruption Trump would bring upon the country and the government...." Read more

"Scary read! In today's age of "Fake News" one has to wonder what can be taken for real vs what is ... not...." Read more

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*Very timely and important read* regardless of party affiliation
5 out of 5 stars
*Very timely and important read* regardless of party affiliation
David Frum’s timely and prescient book “Trumpocracy” is a vital read in not solely understanding the baseness that is Donald Trump – but most importantly those who have enabled him to come to this point in risking the security, reputation, and long term stability of our country in great risk. It is vital that we learn from the lessons of history and the implications that they can mean to our present situation. Donald Trump is a unique threat and we truly are living in a perilous time in our nation’s history. I truly believe that history will judge this time as to where people stood and the causes they advocated once history is recorded. The most amazing thing is to see the number of people who simply seem to accept the fact (or in denial) that Donald Trump and his campaign were involved in nefarious activities with a foreign adversary who tried to tilt our election in his favor. I believe that history will record Donald Trump as the *Asterisk President – one that history records as illegitimate. Before that time comes, we are faced with a unique threat in terms of both the debasing of our cherished institutions and democratic process; as well as this reckless malignant narcissist increasing the chances of a nuclear war in which millions of people can perish in the blink of an eye.David Frum is a principled conservative who never sold out his soul, character, integrity and morals to support a demagogue. As David Frum excerpts from an op-ed he wrote toward the end of the election cycle on why he voted for Hillary Clinton, “Previous generations accepted infinitely heavier sacrifices and more dangerous duties to defend democracy. I am voting to defend Americans’ profoundest shared commitment: a commitment to norms and rules that today protect my rights under a president I don’t favor, and that will tomorrow do the same service for you.” As we have come to see in just the past year how true these words were then and resonate even more now. Putting America first is not about using demagogic tactics of the authoritarians, totalitarians and fascists of the first half of the 20th Century. It is not about being a liar and telling your core supporters that all news against the Dear Leader is “fake news”. It is not lying about lying and lying as a normal practice. We cannot allow Donald Trump to represent a new normal. Donald Trump is an aberration and a stain on both the office of the Presidency and to the history and ideals of our country. I look forward to Bob Mueller releasing his final report. And if warranted, treasonous/traitorous actions should have consequences. We will soon see whether Republicans in Congress have the slightest modicum of integrity and humility in putting country and humanity over the parochial whims of being members of Congress.By the way, the tone and voice of the author was very much alive in this reading. Very good writer full of expression and wit.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2018
    David Frum’s timely and prescient book “Trumpocracy” is a vital read in not solely understanding the baseness that is Donald Trump – but most importantly those who have enabled him to come to this point in risking the security, reputation, and long term stability of our country in great risk. It is vital that we learn from the lessons of history and the implications that they can mean to our present situation. Donald Trump is a unique threat and we truly are living in a perilous time in our nation’s history. I truly believe that history will judge this time as to where people stood and the causes they advocated once history is recorded. The most amazing thing is to see the number of people who simply seem to accept the fact (or in denial) that Donald Trump and his campaign were involved in nefarious activities with a foreign adversary who tried to tilt our election in his favor. I believe that history will record Donald Trump as the *Asterisk President – one that history records as illegitimate. Before that time comes, we are faced with a unique threat in terms of both the debasing of our cherished institutions and democratic process; as well as this reckless malignant narcissist increasing the chances of a nuclear war in which millions of people can perish in the blink of an eye.

    David Frum is a principled conservative who never sold out his soul, character, integrity and morals to support a demagogue. As David Frum excerpts from an op-ed he wrote toward the end of the election cycle on why he voted for Hillary Clinton, “Previous generations accepted infinitely heavier sacrifices and more dangerous duties to defend democracy. I am voting to defend Americans’ profoundest shared commitment: a commitment to norms and rules that today protect my rights under a president I don’t favor, and that will tomorrow do the same service for you.” As we have come to see in just the past year how true these words were then and resonate even more now. Putting America first is not about using demagogic tactics of the authoritarians, totalitarians and fascists of the first half of the 20th Century. It is not about being a liar and telling your core supporters that all news against the Dear Leader is “fake news”. It is not lying about lying and lying as a normal practice. We cannot allow Donald Trump to represent a new normal. Donald Trump is an aberration and a stain on both the office of the Presidency and to the history and ideals of our country. I look forward to Bob Mueller releasing his final report. And if warranted, treasonous/traitorous actions should have consequences. We will soon see whether Republicans in Congress have the slightest modicum of integrity and humility in putting country and humanity over the parochial whims of being members of Congress.

    By the way, the tone and voice of the author was very much alive in this reading. Very good writer full of expression and wit.
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars
    *Very timely and important read* regardless of party affiliation

    Reviewed in the United States on January 19, 2018
    David Frum’s timely and prescient book “Trumpocracy” is a vital read in not solely understanding the baseness that is Donald Trump – but most importantly those who have enabled him to come to this point in risking the security, reputation, and long term stability of our country in great risk. It is vital that we learn from the lessons of history and the implications that they can mean to our present situation. Donald Trump is a unique threat and we truly are living in a perilous time in our nation’s history. I truly believe that history will judge this time as to where people stood and the causes they advocated once history is recorded. The most amazing thing is to see the number of people who simply seem to accept the fact (or in denial) that Donald Trump and his campaign were involved in nefarious activities with a foreign adversary who tried to tilt our election in his favor. I believe that history will record Donald Trump as the *Asterisk President – one that history records as illegitimate. Before that time comes, we are faced with a unique threat in terms of both the debasing of our cherished institutions and democratic process; as well as this reckless malignant narcissist increasing the chances of a nuclear war in which millions of people can perish in the blink of an eye.

    David Frum is a principled conservative who never sold out his soul, character, integrity and morals to support a demagogue. As David Frum excerpts from an op-ed he wrote toward the end of the election cycle on why he voted for Hillary Clinton, “Previous generations accepted infinitely heavier sacrifices and more dangerous duties to defend democracy. I am voting to defend Americans’ profoundest shared commitment: a commitment to norms and rules that today protect my rights under a president I don’t favor, and that will tomorrow do the same service for you.” As we have come to see in just the past year how true these words were then and resonate even more now. Putting America first is not about using demagogic tactics of the authoritarians, totalitarians and fascists of the first half of the 20th Century. It is not about being a liar and telling your core supporters that all news against the Dear Leader is “fake news”. It is not lying about lying and lying as a normal practice. We cannot allow Donald Trump to represent a new normal. Donald Trump is an aberration and a stain on both the office of the Presidency and to the history and ideals of our country. I look forward to Bob Mueller releasing his final report. And if warranted, treasonous/traitorous actions should have consequences. We will soon see whether Republicans in Congress have the slightest modicum of integrity and humility in putting country and humanity over the parochial whims of being members of Congress.

    By the way, the tone and voice of the author was very much alive in this reading. Very good writer full of expression and wit.
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    131 people found this helpful
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  • Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2018
    Trumpocracy takes you into the world of Trump. It's a bizarre realm. Frum does a great job of clear writing and compiling relevant facts (not fake news) to shine a light on the president. If you are a fan of Trump, turn away because this book will give you heartburn. This is an honestly unflattering picture of the unorthodox and detrimental conduct of Mr. Trump. The chapters in the book cover various aspects of Trump behavior or the administration. Much of it you have heard in the news, but Frum ties it together in a coherent narrative that makes for both interesting reading and insight beyond the tweets and "Breaking News" coverage.

    Here are a few quotes to give you a sample of what's in the book.
    "Donald Trump did not create the vulnerabilities he exploited. They awaited him. The irresponsibility of American elites, the arrogance of party leaders, the insularity of the wealthy; those and more were resources Trump used on his way to power."
    "He excelled instead at discerning the grievances and angers that set American apart from American -..."
    "One thing was clear: everyone who entered the Trump administration for nonselfish motives would sooner or later find himself or herself betrayed by a president who demanded loyalty in its most servile form, but who never returned it."
    "Say this for Trump: In all the vast arsenal of his faults, one was missing. There is no hypocrisy about Donald Trump." (That one I take exception to -- lying is pure hypocrisy.)

    If you want to understand Trump, this is the book to start with. If you want an elaboration beyond Trump to a more general view of what is happening to our democracy, here are some other suggestions: How Democracies Die, Killing Democracy, The Road to Unfreedom, On Tyranny. The first two are complementary works. How Democracies Die is more researched and looks at historical and current events to narrate the course of events that has transpired to remove democracies. Killing Democracy explains how to literally kill a democracy in a deliberate fashion. It's a guidebook that would be useful for any authoritarian; unfortunately its somewhat fictional advice reads a lot like today's reality. It's short and an easy read. The Road to Unfreedom is the most academic of the four listed here. You get a lot of useful information about Russia, the USA, and Europe and how things are deteriorating in part because of Russian influence. You'll come to believe that Russia is indeed an ongoing adversary - big time. Unfortunately, the author tries to force fit the facts into his model for interpreting them and that sometimes makes for awkward reading. On Tyranny is very short and cryptic, but has some good zingers in it.
    5 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on June 14, 2019
    The current age leaves me with a distaste and disdain even for the word conservative. The book becomes quickly dated with the early details of the Trump administration, but also lends credence to Frum’s integrity because he speaks out ealy., Frum has caused me to have solid respect for his principles and integrity. I disagree with many conservative ideas, but in the current culture of lies and corruption, Frum importantly restored my faith in a loyal opposition. Further, he is clearly a man of intellect and a formidable proponent of his ideology. I may not always agree with him, but I do not question his sincerity, veracity, or loyalty to the American ideal.
    One person found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

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  • Mary Lazier Corbett
    5.0 out of 5 stars Interesting piece about the horror that is Donald Trump
    Reviewed in Canada on March 18, 2024
    A friend I respect suggested it - I was surprised as I had found Frum's work a little right wing for my tastes. This book is fascinating and appears (despite my fears) to be thoughtfully written with all kinds of interesting insights.
  • Charlotte
    5.0 out of 5 stars Superb
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on June 4, 2020
    Mr. Frum knows his subject. He gives a clear and concise dive into today’s White House. I’m late in giving this review because having bought this book many months ago, the predictions have now been spot on. Recommend this for anyone who has even the slightest curiosity in US politics as it’s an easy read, if like me you’ve made a study of recent US/World politics this is essential reading.
  • Art Hirtman
    5.0 out of 5 stars Kein Enthüllungsbuch, sondern eine geistreiche Analyse
    Reviewed in Germany on April 3, 2018
    Bernd Ulrich hat im Online-Betrieb der Wochenzeitung die „Zeit“ angemerkt, dass die aktuelle Aufmerksamkeit für Donald Trump an dessen „ganz eigene(r) Verbindung von Macht und Pornografie“ liege, „wenn man (l)etztere definiert als: maximale Nähe bei minimalem Kontext“.

    Vom Medienecho her schien mir, dass „Fire & Fury“, das Werk von Michael Wolff, exakt dieser Nähe entsprechen würde – davon hatte ich bereits mehr als genug und ließ die Finger davon.

    Mit David Frums „Trumpocracy“ fand sich eine Auseinandersetzung mit Trump, die ihn nicht als Verursacher, sondern als Symptom einer amerikanischen Krise beschreibt. Frum, der hierzulande, wo man die Nase eher zu rümpfen, denn zu putzen lernt, als Redenschreiber von George W. Bush sowie als „Neokonservativer“ verschrien ist, bietet eine interessante Analyse, welche Kräfte der republikanischen Partei, welche Wahrnehmungsdefizite und ideologischen Verblendungen insbesondere des republikanischen Partei-Establishments Trump möglich machten (Defizite die sich aufs Verhältnis zwischen Volk und Repräsentanten beziehen, es wird also keine esoterische Analyse der Parteibürokratie geliefert).
    Frum zeigt im Detail u.a., wie politische Fehler der Amtsvorgänger Trumps dessen Wahlkampf bzw. das erste Jahr seiner Präsidentschaft befeuerten. Während es z.B. Obama noch in seiner ersten Amtszeit ausdrücklich ablehnte, auf dem Verordnungsweg den mit ihren Eltern illegal in die USA eingewanderten „Dreamers“ einen besseren Status zu verschaffen – mit der sonoren Überzeugtheit des ehemaligen Juraprofessors – handelte er dann in der zweiten Amtszeit wider sein besseres Verfassungsjuristenwissen. Ohne in der Sache zu urteilen: Dieses Vorgehen nahm der republikanischen Kongress-Mehrheit die politische Verantwortung für rund 800.000 faktische Angehörige der USA von den Schultern und trug dazu bei, die formale, also freiheitsverbürgende Kompetenzverteilung zwischen Präsident und Kongress weiter erodieren zu lassen.

    Beispiele politischer Korruption zeigen, wie es funktioniert: die Clintons und Obama genießen millionenschwere Buchverträge, ein republikanischer Kandidat erhält massive Wahlkampfspenden zu einem Zeitpunkt der Kampagne, als er diese gar nicht mehr ausgeben kann – als Lohn des Publikums dafür, dass er einen „Guardian“-Journalisten geschlagen hatte. Trump wirbt mit seinem Inaugurationsball Millionen an Geldern ein, die der strengen Kontrolle der staatlichen Spendenüberwachung entzogen bleiben und wahrscheinlich mehr oder minder ins Privatvermögen der Trumps fließen – während sich drüben und hierzulande alle Welt köstlich über die Lügen zur Zahl der Fest-Besucher amüsiert.

    Frum legt Beispiele für zeitliche Merkwürdigkeiten vor – etwa jenen zwischen den Leaks über Fehlverhalten in der Führung der Demokratischen Partei, der kurz auf die „Grab them by the p___“-Enthüllung folgten – ohne das Wort „Hochverrat“ auszusprechen. Meines Erachtens eine sehr angemessene Darstellungsweise.

    Ich finde es überaus erfreulich, bei Frum über Details informiert zu werden, die ich deutschen Medien bislang nicht entnehmen konnte (was Wunder, selbst Korrespondenten wie Marcus Pindur schienen sich während des Wahlkampfs in Washington zu verschanzen wie der selige Gerhard Konzelmann einst in seinen Beiruter Kneipen). Ein Beispiel: Das für deutsche Wähler so unverständliche Chaos des amerikanischen Wahlrechts barg, wie Frum zeigt, einerseits sehr überschaubare Risiken, durch illegale Stimmabgaben manipuliert zu werden, hatte aber andererseits in seiner archaischen einzelstaatlichen Form den Vorteil, für Hacker nicht sonderlich gut angreifbar zu sein.

    Dass Trump nach seiner Wahl, gestützt auf die absurde Behauptung, er hätte auch im „popular vote“ die Mehrheit erzielt, wären da nicht die illegalen Stimmen der Mexikaner gewesen, eine Untersuchungskommission unter Vizepräsident Pence einsetzte, ist wohl vor diesem Hintergrund zu sehen: Hätten sich nicht die Bundesstaaten diesem Anliegen widersetzt, wäre die Trump-Organisation in den Besitz von Millionen Wählerdaten gekommen, einschließlich Sozialversicherungsnummern und etwaiger Präferenzen als „registrierte Wähler“. Ein gefundenes Fressen für gezielte Ansprache mit Fehlinformaitonen, beispielsweise um Wählern den gegnerischen Kandidaten madig zu machen.

    Das Beispiel mag zeigen, dass die Angreifbarkeit jener Institutionen, die die amerikanische Republik neben der Schweiz und einigen anderen obskuren Kleinstaaten zur ältesten funktionierenden Demokratie mach(t)en, auch dann nicht ausgestanden sein wird, wenn Trump – wie ich meine, nicht Frum erklärt – endlich in einem US-Bundesgefängnis sitzt.

    David Frum ist, wie erwähnt ein Konservativer (der auch die Herzen Liberaler europäischen Formats höher schlagen lässt). Wenn ich mir so anschaue, dass bei uns Figuren wie Wolfgang Bosbach oder Jens Spahn (oder der völlig zurecht wieder verschollene BWL-Professor Bernd Lucke) als Hoffnungsträger des Konservatismus gelten, wird mir leicht übel – ein Grund mehr vielleicht, einmal zu lesen, wie konservativer Kampfgeist im Dienst einer Republik aussieht, wenn der Mann auch noch den passenden Intellekt dazu hat.

    Ein Hinweis für Menschen, die sich eingeladen fühlen, meine Produktbesprechung mit Kommentaren zu verzieren: Ich werde mich mit ihnen nicht auseinandersetzen. Ich würde es, wie Frum (in einem Interview äußerte), begrüßen, müssten Onlineforen die Nutzer der Kommentarspalten in die presserechtliche Verantwortung nehmen, also die böse Klarnamenspflicht etablieren. Solange das nicht der Fall ist, halte ich politische Streitgespräche in Kommentarbereichen für nicht zielführend.
  • Ram Mohan
    5.0 out of 5 stars intelligent and calm/rational writing
    Reviewed in India on February 9, 2018
    David Frum is a top class conservative intellectual (isnt it a contradiction in terms?) who has a clear point of view on the present goings-on in the Trump world. This book is an objective take on the present day American political phenomenon, and identifies several trends leading to the present. However, David Frum is long on descriptions, and super-short on prescriptions: all his eloquence deserts him when it comes to the question of what can be done now. That said, a delightful, intelligent and calm/rational writing.
  • Amazon Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars A fellow Republican's warning.
    Reviewed in Canada on April 6, 2018
    For those of us trying to get our heads around how the Hell a clown like this could have ever been elected to the White House this is a good place to start. What makes it especially effective is that it's written by a Republican. David Frum's book is not just an anti-Trump rant, although there is that element to it. He does point out how the Trump presidency is a danger to American democracy and how the man debases not just his office, but the whole American system, which is based just as much on trust and convention than any written rules. It makes for some very thought provoking reading.

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