American Politics Audiobooks | Politics

From the bestselling author of Nixonland: a dazzling portrait of America on the verge of a nervous breakdown in the tumultuous political and economic times of the 1970s. In January of 1973 Richard Nixon announced the end of the Vietnam War and prepared for a triumphant second term—until televised Watergate hearings revealed his White House as little better than a mafia den. The next president declared upon Nixon’s resignation “our long national nightmare is over”—but then congressional investigators exposed the CIA for assassinating foreign leaders. The collapse of the South Vietnamese government rendered moot the sacrifice of some 58,000 American lives. The economy was in tatters. And as Americans began thinking about their nation in a new way—as one more nation among nations, no more providential than any other—the pundits declared that from now on successful politicians would be the ones who honored this chastened new national mood.Ronald Reagan never got the message. Which was why, when he announced his intention to challenge President Ford for the 1976 Republican nomination, those same pundits dismissed him—until, amazingly, it started to look like he might just win. He was inventing the new conservative political culture we know now, in which a vision of patriotism rooted in a sense of American limits was derailed in America’s Bicentennial year by the rise of the smiling politician from Hollywood. Against a backdrop of melodramas from the Arab oil embargo to Patty Hearst to the near-bankruptcy of America’s greatest city, The Invisible Bridge asks the question: what does it mean to believe in America? To wave a flag—or to reject the glibness of the flag wavers?

Rick Perlstein (Author), David De Vries (Narrator)

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The First Family Detail: Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents

As in a play, presidents, vice presidents, and presidential candidates perform on stage for the public and the media. What the nation's leaders are really like and what goes on behind the scenes remains hidden. Secret Service agents have a front row seat on their private lives and those of their wives and children. Crammed with new, headline-making revelations,THE FIRST FAMILY DETAIL: Secret Service Agents Reveal the Hidden Lives of the Presidents by Ronald Kesslertells that eye-opening, uncensored story. Since publication of hisNew York Timesbestselling bookIn the President's Secret Service, award-winning investigative reporter Ronald Kessler has continued to penetrate the wall of secrecy that surrounds the U.S. Secret Service, breaking the story that Secret Service agents who were to protect President Obama hired prostitutes in Cartagena, Colombia and revealing that the Secret Service allowed a third uninvited guest to crash a White House state dinner. Now Kessler presents far bigger and more consequential stories about our nation's leaders and the agency sworn to protect them. Kessler widens his scope to include presidential candidates, former presidents after they leave the White House, and the presidents' relationships to their first ladies and children. From observing Vice President Joe Biden's reckless behavior that jeopardizes the country's safety, to escorting Bill Clinton's mistress at Chappaqua, to overhearing First Lady Michelle Obama's admonitions to the president, to witnessing President Nixon's friends bring him a nude stripper, to seeing their own agency take risks that could result in an assassination, Secret Service agents know a secret world that Ronald Kessler exposes in breathtaking detail. THE FIRST FAMILY DETAILreveals: -Vice President Joe Biden regularly orders the Secret Service to keep his military aide with the nuclear football a mile behind his motorcade, potentially leaving the country unable to retaliate in the event of a nuclear attack. -Secret Service agents discovered that former president Bill Clinton has a blond mistress. Within minutes of Hillary Clinton's leaving, the woman-codenamed Energizer by agents-shows up to be with Bill every day while the likely future presidential candidate is away. -The Secret Service covered up the fact that President Ronald Reagan's White House staff overruled the Secret Service to let unscreened spectators get close to Reagan as he left the Washington Hilton, allowing him to be shot by John W. Hinckley Jr. -Secret Service agents have been dismayed to overhear Michelle Obama push her husband to be more aggressive in attacking Republicans and to side with blacks in racial controversies. -Secret Service Director Mark Sullivan diverted agents from protecting President Obama and his family at the White House and ordered them instead to protect his assistant at her home and illegally retrieve confidential records as a favor to her. -Because Hillary Clinton is so nasty to agents, being assigned to her protective detail is considered a form of punishment and the worst assignment in the Secret Service. -Secret Service agents were ordered to ignore security rules and allow the SUV carrying actor Bradley Cooper to drive unscreened into a secure restricted area when President Obama was about to deliver his speech at the White House Correspondents Dinner. -Vice President Joe Biden spends millions of taxpayer dollars flying to and from his home in Delaware on Air Force Two. His office tried to cover up the costs of the personal trips. -Because the Secret Service refused to provide enough magnetometers at his campaign events, Mitt Romney regularly left himself open to assassination by giving speeches to unscreened crowds. -Vice President Joe Biden swims nude at the vice president's residence in Washington and at his home in Delaware, offending female agents. From the Hardcover edition.

Ronald Kessler (Author), Michael Bybee (Narrator)

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The Way Forward: Renewing the American Idea

From the intellectual leader of the Republican party, an unvarnished look into the state of the conservative movement today and a clear plan for what needs to be done to save the American Idea. THE WAY FORWARD challenges conventional thinking, outlines his political vision for 2014 and beyond, and shows how essential conservatism is for the future of our nation. Beginning with a careful analysis of the 2012 election--including a look at the challenge the GOP had in reaching a majority of voters and the prevalence of identity politics--Ryan examines the state of the Republican party and dissects its challenges going forward. THE WAY FORWARD also offers a detailed critique of not only President Obama but of the progressive movement as a whole--its genesis, its underlying beliefs and philosophies, and how its policies are steering the country to certain ruin. Culminating in a plan for the future, THE WAY FORWARD argues that the Republican Party is and must remain a conservative party, emphasizing conservatism in a way that demonstrates how it can modernize and appeal to both our deepest concerns and highest ideals.

Paul Ryan (Author), Jonathan Davis (Narrator)

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The Clinton, Inc.: The Audacious Rebuilding of a Political Machine

How did Bill and Hillary Clinton plot a comeback from the depths of disgrace to the pinnacle of American politics and the ranks of the global elite? Thirteen years ago, Bill and Hillary Clinton left the White House under a cloud, dogged by sordid sexual scandals, a series of highly compromising investigations, and last-minute pardons that won widespread bipartisan condemnation. Even many Democrats were glad to see them go. Yet within just a few years Bill had secured a new reputation as a global humanitarian and Democratic Party elder statesman, and Hillary was running for president. Despite her 2008 loss to Barack Obama, Hillary bounced back to become one of the most powerful and respected figures in his cabinet. Along the way, she and Bill have gone from being virtually penniless to millionaires many times over. Today the Clintons are among the most popular politicians in America, respected and feared by Republicans and Democrats alike. Their transformation has been so complete that it takes an effort to recall just how low their fortunes were a decade ago. Hillary is already the presumptive frontrunner for 2016, while Bill jets around the world dispensing advice, making deals and collecting huge fees. Meanwhile, Chelsea Clinton has emerged as a formidable public figure in her own right. None of this happened by accident. Behind the Clintons' remarkable comeback is an untold story of strategic calculation, backroom deals, reckless gambles, and an unquenchable thirst for wealth and power. In Clinton, Inc., Weekly Standard reporter Daniel Halper compiles a wealth of research, exclusive documents, and candid interviews with former Clinton administration officials, senators, congressmen, friends, allies, and former enemies of the Clintons to reveal how they rebuilt their reputations, reconstructed their political machine, and positioned themselves for even greater success. Clinton, Inc. describes in intimate detail how the Bill and Hillary partnership works: they are, in effect, dual CEOs of a single enterprise, often playing both sides of the street, sometimes at odds with each other, but always focused on the ultimate goal of reclaiming political power. Halper provides new insights into their deals with Barack Obama and the inner workings of their surprising friendship with the Bush family; how the Clintons managed to pacify their once most bitter enemies; how Bill and Hillary are laying the groundwork for Hillary's upcoming presidential campaign; and how Vice President Biden and other Democrats are trying to maneuver around her. He reveals the Clintons' plans for Chelsea's future and the lengths to which they will go to protect her carefully cultivated image. Halper also reveals the secrets of the Clintons' skillful media management, the survival of the Clintons' marriage, as well as the Clintons' financial backers and hidden corporate enterprises. The book also discusses a comprehensive Republican effort to bring their ambitions to a halt. Compulsively readable and filled with juicy scoops and inside information, Clinton, Inc. is the key to understanding America's most powerful political couple.

Daniel Halper (Author), Harvey Betancourt (Narrator)

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Washington Journal: Reporting Watergate and Richard Nixon's Downfall

Elizabeth Drew's groundbreaking work on the Watergate Scandal and the downfall of President Richard Nixon brings to life Washington in all its complexity and contradiction. Unfolding over the course of a single year, from September 1973 to August 1974, Washington Journal is the record of the near-dissolution of a nation's political conscience—told from within. In this book, we see corruption in its most prosaic and grandest forms, along with occasional flashes of decency, ethics, and humanity, and other sights rarely witnessed in the wilds of the capital. Cool and understated—and all the more devastating for its understatement—Washington Journal was hailed upon its publication as a landmark work of journalism. With an introduction that brings this all too relevant book squarely into the present, Washington Journal is ready for its place in the pantheon of great writing about American politics.

Elizabeth Drew (Author), Jo Anna Perrin (Narrator)

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All the Presidents' Bankers: The Hidden Alliances That Drive American Power

All the Presidents' Bankers is a groundbreaking narrative of how an elite group of men transformed the American economy and government, dictated foreign and domestic policy, and shaped world history. Culled from original presidential archival documents, All the Presidents’ Bankers delivers an explosive account of the hundred-year interdependence between the White House and Wall Street that transcends a simple analysis of money driving politics—or greed driving bankers. Nomi Prins ushers us into the intimate world of exclusive clubs, vacation spots, and Ivy League universities that binds presidents and financiers. She unravels the multi-generational blood, intermarriage, and protégé relationships that have confined national influence to a privileged cluster of people. This unprecedented history of American power illuminates how financiers have retained their authoritative position through history, swaying presidents regardless of party affiliation. It explores the alarming global repercussions of a system lacking barriers between public office and private power. Prins leaves us with an ominous choice: either we break the alliances of the power elite, or they will break us.

Nomi Prins (Author), Marguerite Gavin (Narrator)

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Uncertain Justice: The Roberts Court and the Constitution

With the Supreme Court more influential than ever, this eye-opening book tells the story of how the Roberts Court is shaking the foundation of our nation's laws From Citizens United to its momentous rulings regarding Obamacare and gay marriage, the Supreme Court under Chief Justice John Roberts has profoundly affected American life. Yet the court remains a mysterious institution, and the motivations of the nine men and women who serve for life are often obscure. Now, in Uncertain Justice, Laurence Tribe and Joshua Matz show the surprising extent to which the Roberts Court is revising the meaning of our Constitution. This essential book arrives at a make-or-break moment for the nation and the court. Political gridlock, cultural change, and technological progress mean that the court's decisions on key topics-including free speech, privacy, voting rights, and presidential power-could be uniquely durable. Acutely aware of their opportunity, the justices are rewriting critical aspects of constitutional law and redrawing the ground rules of American government. Tribe-one of the country's leading constitutional lawyers-and Matz dig deeply into the court's recent rulings, stepping beyond tired debates over judicial "activism" to draw out hidden meanings and silent battles. The undercurrents they reveal suggest a strikingly different vision for the future of our country, one that is sure to be hotly debated. Filled with original insights and compelling human stories, Uncertain Justice illuminates the most colorful story of all-how the Supreme Court and the Constitution frame the way we live.

Joshua Matz, Laurence Tribe (Author), Holter Graham, Robert Petkoff (Narrator)

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Falling in Love with America Again

In his new role as president and CEO of The Heritage Foundation, Jim DeMint has travelled the country talking to Americans about how to return to our founding principles and restore and protect our economy and culture for future generations. He's realized that he-and all of us as fellow citizens-must fall in love with America-again. In this audiobook, DeMint introduces Americans all across the country who are working towards the same goal, We see example after example of Americans coming together locally in what DeMint calls the "little platoons"-the families, churches, communities and voluntary organizations succeeding on the model that smaller is better. They are the hands-on citizens who make America the exceptional, caring and can-do country it has always been. DeMint illustrates why each of us-regardless of political party, age, race, religion or ethnicity-must rediscover the power we represent. The country's future is at risk, not just because of constant pressure from "the Bigs" (big government, big banks, big labor, big Wall Street cronies etc.), but because so many of us fear it's too late to solve problems so huge and seemingly intractable. Jim DeMint is here to reassure us that this is not true. In riveting yet plainspoken style, he tells real-life success stories and affirms the compelling truth that conservative ideas are really American ideas, and they must guide us as we turn our institutions upside-down, taking them from the top-down centrally-controlled bureaucracies they've become back to the bottom-up democratic framework the Constitution intended. Through this heartfelt, fascinating and inspiring look inside the America of both yesterday and today, and the everyday citizens who are working tirelessly and selflessly to insure its future fulfills the promise of its beginnings, Jim DeMint is beckoning us to join him on one of the most meaningful and momentous journeys we have ever undertaken together: FALLING IN LOVE WITH AMERICA AGAIN.

Jim Demint (Author), Tim Andres Pabon (Narrator)

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Conform: Exposing the Truth About Common Core and Public Education

Using actual quotes from policy makers, politicians and educators, Glenn Beck goes point by point through the centuries-long debate over education to illustrate why our solutions continue to fail. Offering reasoned, fact-based analysis, Beck proves that it's not more money our schools need, it's a complete refocusing of priorities and a total restructuring of the relationship between local schools and our federal government. From Common Core to homeschooling to teachers' unions, Beck exposes the politically,motivated truth behind our systems flaws and offers real, tangible ideas for change.

Glenn Beck, Glenn Beck (Author), Jeremy Lowell (Narrator)

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Don't Hurt People and Don't Take Their Stuff: A Libertarian Manifesto

Don't Hurt People and Don't Take Their Stuff is a rational yet passionate argument that defends the principles upon which America was founded—principles shared by citizens across the political spectrum. The Constitution grants each American the right to self-determination, to be protected from others whose actions are destructive to their lives and property. Yet as Matt Kibbe shows, the political and corporate establishment consolidates its power by infringing upon our independence—from taxes to regulations to spying—ultimately eroding the ideals, codified in law, that have made the United States unique in history. Kibbe offers a surefire plan for reclaiming our inalienable rights and regaining control of our lives, grounded in six simple rules: don't hurt people, don't take people's stuff, take responsibility, work for it, mind your own business, and fight the power.

Matt Kibbe (Author), John Pruden (Narrator)

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A Travel Guide to Life: Transforming Yourself from Head to Soul

For the many inspired by Anthony DeStefano's A Travel Guide to Heaven -a remarkable tour of the pleasures God has in store for us in the next and everlasting life-more inspiration is here in A TRAVEL GUIDE TO LIFE, offering an enlightening tour of the kind of deeply meaningful and happy life we can live here on earth. DeStefano outlines the path that can lead each and every one of us to renewed faith, understanding and fulfillment. With simplicity, honesty and a personal and practical look at the challenges God places before us, he outlines a reassuring and hopeful framework for living the life God has designed for us all ... even if we're not sure (yet) that we're true believers. DeStefano offers hope and optimism to everyone-committed Christians as well as struggling doubters, agnostics and even atheists-whether we've lived exemplary lives or are sinners who've lost all hope, whether we're struggling to keep a roof overhead and food on the table or are seemingly successful and surrounded by material wealth. This frank and inspiring guide incorporates that crucial element so often missing from other self-help and personal development books about living a happy life: spirituality and a living, working faith in God. Clear and basic "Lifetime Principles" are at its heart, to be followed whenever we are ready to begin, no matter the lives we've lived, no matter the baggage we carry, no matter the faith we've had (or lacked) up until now: Accept yourself as one person - body, mind and spirit, all connected and interrelated - the way God created you. Make a decision to start over - you can do it any time, on one tiny part of life or everything in it - and begin living the way God intends. Take action - start with just one small step and each successive one will be easier - following the example God gave us as Jesus moved from infancy to manhood and wisdom, His momentum growing step by step. Put God first - most importantly of all - wholeheartedly if you can, or hesitatingly if your heart still harbors doubt. DeStefano's personal no-holds-barred yet joyful style is always positive, always encouraging. Travelers who take this incredible journey with him will come to truly understand that when we take up the crosses in our lives - the whole of our lives, the good and the not-so-good - and follow God, He will transform it all, making everything brand new and granting us the strength, peace and happiness for which we yearn. So take heart. Take hold of the powerful path open to you on the pages of A TRAVEL GUIDE TO LIFE. And take your place in God's happy universe, living out the humble requests asked in the prayer taught by Jesus Himself: "...Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."

Anthony DeStefano (Author), Anthony DeStefano (Narrator)

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American Panic: A History of Who Scares Us and Why

What political panics—from the Salem witch trials to the Tea Party—can tell us about our modern society In American Panic, New York Times bestselling author Mark Stein traces the history and consequences of American political panics through the years. Virtually every American, on one level or another, falls victim to the hype, intensity, and propaganda that accompany political panic, regardless of their own personal affiliations. By highlighting the similarities between American political panics from the Salem witch trials to present-day vehemence over issues such as Latino immigration, gay marriage, and the construction of mosques, Stein closely examines just what it is that causes us as a nation to overreact in the face of widespread and potentially profound change. This book also devotes chapters to African Americans, Native Americans, Catholics, Mormons, Jews, Chinese and Japanese peoples, communists, capitalists, women, and a highly turbulent but largely forgotten panic over freemasons. Striking similarities in these diverse episodes are revealed in primary documents Stein has unearthed, in which statements from the past could easily be mistaken for statements today. As these similarities come to light, Stein reveals why some people become panicked over particular issues when others do not. “If there is an American cultural DNA Mark Stein is the guy who most ably picks apart the strands that tell us who we are—and in this case, what scares us and why and puts them and ultimately us under a microscope for a rarefied, compelling, and unforgettable view.”—Brian Unger, TV host, actor

Mark Stein, Sheila C. Bair (Author), David Drummond (Narrator)

Audiobook

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