A compelling indictment of the Bush Administration's cynical, anti-democratic manipulation of the media

In this devastating analysis of American politics today, a former Democratic campaign advisor pulls back the curtain on the pervasive political manipulation of the media-and reveals just how fragile our democracy is. From political ads and talk shows to mainstream media reporting, Glenn Smith shows how American political discourse is now dominated by carefully scripted images and rhetoric-most of which benefit the Republicans and their corporate allies. The result is public apathy toward politics-and a real threat to American freedom.

To reclaim our nation, Smith argues, we must revitalize politics at the grassroots level-and liberals must realize that religion and spirituality are not antithetical to a progressive agenda. For anyone troubled by manipulative political advertising, self-aggrandizing celebrity pundits, and the undiminished role of money in politics, this necessary book lays out the full scope of the problem-and points the way toward solutions.

Glenn Smith (Austin, TX), a former journalist and political consultant, managed MoveOn.org's Defending Democracy Campaign. He is currently managing DriveDemocracy.org, a spin-off of MoveOn, and a consultant to the Rockridge Institute, a progressive think tank.

"Smartly written and provocative, Smith's book draws on colorful and historical anecdotes to depict a degraded state of democracy in the U.S., at one point comparing, in detail, the country's de facto mechanisms of ideological control to those of Cold War-era communist regimes. A long chapter on 'some of the deficiencies of the news media' touches on familiar gripes about the banalization and commercialization of news, but includes a useful history of how corporate consolidation happened. A related discussion on the psychology of politics and imagery ('I see someone shake Bugs Bunny's hand; I shake Bugs' hand. Bush rattles a sabre; I draw my sword') draws out real consequences from virtual presidential appearances, whether ad- or soundbite-based. In terms of assessing what the electoral consequences have been, Smith, director of DriveDemocracy.org, essentially accuses Bush of being a consummate politician (relying on political advertising, manipulative slogans, flashy and often substance-light appearances), but it's clear that he believes Bush is more an expression of the current system than its creator. Smith recommends increasing public involvement in the political process by using the Internet to encourage grassroots participation and to decrease reliance on large financial contributions. Those propositions are familiar, as is much of the analysis, but Smith's clarity and ingenuity set his book apart." Publishers Weekly (Copyright Reed Business Information, Inc.)

A look at the language of contemporary political dialogue reveals the growing ease with which Americans are manipulated by advertising and the media, estranged from personal political involvement, and held captive by manufactured fears and enforced deprivations.

PRAISE FOR THE POLITICS OF DECEIT

" From straight out of the frontline trenches of political warfare, some genuinely original thinking, a few laughs and a glimpse of a better world. Can’ t ask for more than that."

– Molly Ivins, columnist and author, most recently, of Bushwhacked

" Glenn Smith goes beyond the hype, with deep, eye-opening insights into the history-making possibilities of online activism. Having run political campaigns the old way, Smith is no starry eyed idealist, yet projects a thoughtful and optimistic vision for democracy in America. The Politics of Deceit is a must-read."

– Wes Boyd, cofounder, MoveOn.org

" Glenn Smith has documented how a radical conservative minority has achieved political domination in America largely through deceit– carefully crafted, well-funded, systematic deceit. In doing so, they have fragmented American’ s sense of unity, and weakened our position in the world, our military, our economy, our environment, our health, and our educational system. Worst of all, they threaten our very freedoms. The Politics of Deceit is a call to action, grass-roots political action. It is time to be citizens again."

– George Lakoff, Senior Fellow, The Rockridge Institute

author, Moral Politics: How Liberals and Conservatives Think

professor, University of California at Berkeley

Glenn Smith (Austin, TX), a former journalist and political consultant, managed MoveOn.org's Defending Democracy Campaign. He is currently managing DriveDemocracy.org, a spin-off of MoveOn, and a consultant to the Rockridge Institute, a progressive think tank.

Saving Freedom and Democracy from Extinction.