Title: The man who sold the world
First published: 2009
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.
Subjects: Politics and government, Influence, Social policy, Political and social views, Economic policy, Social conditions, National characteristics, American, Social values, Ethics, City and town life, Biography & Autobiography, Nonfiction, Politics, American National characteristics, Influence (Literary, artistic, etc.), Reagan, ronald, 1911-2004, National characteristics, american, United states, politics and government, 1981-1989, United states, economic policy, 1981-1993, United states, social policy, United states, social conditions, 1980-
Places: United States
People: Ronald Reagan
Time periods: 1981-1993, 1980-1993, 1981-1989, 1980-
LC classification: E877.2 .K58 2009