The man who sold the world

By William Kleinknecht William Kleinknecht

Subjects: Ethics, Biography & Autobiography, Politics and government, Politics, National characteristics, american, Social values, Nonfiction, United states, social policy, American National characteristics, United states, social conditions, 1980-, Influence (Literary, artistic, etc.), United states, economic policy, 1981-1993, United states, politics and government, 1981-1989, National characteristics, American, Social policy, Social conditions, City and town life, Economic policy, Reagan, ronald, 1911-2004, Political and social views, Influence

Description: Since Ronald Reagan left office--and particularly after his death--his shadow has loomed large over American politics: Republicans and many Democrats have waxed nostalgic, extolling the Republican tradition he embodied, the optimism he espoused, and his abilities as a communicator. This carefully calibrated image is complete fiction, argues journalist William Kleinknecht. The Reagan presidency was epoch-shattering, but not--as his propagandists would have it--because it invigorated private enterprise or made America feel strong again. His real legacy was the dismantling of an eight-decade period of reform in which working people were given an unprecedented sway over our politics, our economy, and our culture. Reagan halted this almost overnight. Kleinknecht explores middle America--starting with Reagan's hometown of Dixon, Illinois--and shows that as the Reagan legend grows, his true legacy continues to decimate middle America.--From publisher description.