Skeptic Ginger
9th April 2008, 06:13 PM
2008 Faith and Finance: The Twin Pillars of American Politics (https://go.washington.edu/uwaa/events/2008cas_twinpillars/details.tcl)
Forgot to ask if anyone was going to this 4 part lecture series at the UW in Seattle.
Starts tonight 4/9 and goes each Wed 7-9pm for a total of 4 lectures. It's full but there is usually standby and it's free.
It looks to be real good from the books the speakers have written.
Domke:
The God Strategy: How Religion Became a Political Weapon in America (Hardcover) by David Domke (Author), Kevin Coe (Author) (https://go.washington.edu/uwaa/events/2008cas_twinpillars/details.tcl)Review
"The God Strategy is a sobering look at just how deeply imbedded religion has become in the contemporary American political psyche. Both the person of faith and the non-believer should fear what is revealed in this carefully crafted review of modern campaign strategies to 'get the God vote'. Domke and Coe demonstrate, with stunningly clear examples, just how the union of government and religion tends to degrade the integrity of both." --Rev. Barry Lynn, Executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State
"Religion has become central to American politics. The God Strategy is a superb overview of what happened and how it has impacted our democracy. David Domke and Kevin Coe have done the nation a service." --George Lakoff, author of Don't Think of an Elephant!
"Domke and Coe have done a masterful job of giving us insight into the mix of religion and politics. The God Strategy taught me much about a field I thought I knew. Anyone who wants to understand how the deeply religious character of America could be used to effect coming elections needs to read this book." --Joel Hunter, Pastor and Member, Board of Directors of the National Association of Evangelicals
"The God Strategy offers an intriguing look at what has become one of the most powerful shaping forces in American political life. Like it or not, religion has for years been establishing the parameters of public debate. As Domke and Coe make clear, this is unlikely to change anytime soon." --Ron Reagan
"The God Strategy tells an intriguing story - the story of how god-talk has functioned in American political life in recent decades. Domke and Coe invite both Democrats and Republicans to take the planks out of their own eyes before casting the first stone (mixed allusion intended). This book could become a voter's bible, helping citizens (and media pundits) evaluate election-cycle rhetoric with the same critical scrutiny they have learned to apply to infomercials and religious broadcasting." --Brian McLaren, author of The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything
God Willing? : Political Fundamentalism in the White House, the 'War on Terror,' and the Echoing Press (Paperback) by David Domke (Author) (http://www.amazon.com/God-Willing-Political-Fundamentalism-Echoing/dp/0745323057/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b)Political fundamentalism, according to Domke, has four major characteristics:
·A black and white world view that has no patience with complexities
·A sense of urgency that drives towards immediate and enduring action
·Identification of the Christian faith with the values of freedom and liberty
·Intolerance of dissent
For each of these four aspects, Domke presents excerpts from speeches by President Bush between September 11, 2001 and May, 2003, when Bush declared "mission accomplished" in Iraq. Domke analyzes the vocabulary and concepts in Bush's speeches that manifest this approach used so effectively by Bush's administration. Domke notes the way those same words and concepts appear in editorials and TV commentary within a few days of each speech.
The net effect, according to Domke, of the Bush administration's political fundamentalism, and the echoing of those views in the press, is a compromise of the very principles that make democracy work: discussion of various points of view and the willingness to take the time to reach some level of consensus. In fact, Domke argues that our administration is doing the very same kinds of things that the violent Islamic fundamentalists are doing: using religion to justify self-interest.
Everyone who feels uneasy about the Bush Administration's use of religious images, as well as those who have concerns about the way the press helped Bush advance his agenda, should read this book.
Smith
Research (http://faculty.washington.edu/masmith/research.html)On a substantive level, my research focuses on conservative groups, ideas, institutions, and rhetoric in modern American politics. My first book (University of Chicago Press, 2000) investigated the political activities of business, finding that business unifies only on issues that also present strong incentives for officeholders to respond to constituent sentiment and that make election outcomes important determinants of policy change. Business's political fortunes under those conditions depend more on a favorable climate of public opinion than on its own efforts to advance its interests, though business associations also gain noticeable returns from shaping public opinion. My second book (Princeton University Press, 2007) studies how, why, and with what effects conservative intellectuals and leaders of the Republican party, from the early 1970s to the present, reformulated their rhetoric to incorporate a stronger economic component. A long-term rise of economic insecurity prompted the right to highlight the potential economic benefits of its policies on taxation, regulation, and the welfare state while downplaying arguments conservatives formerly made that rested on other grounds. In my current project I am examining the Christian right, showing how its political stances have reflected a tension between a literal interpretation of Biblical passages and the pragmatic need to remain within the confines of enduring American values.
The Right Talk: How Conservatives Transformed the Great Society into the Economic Society (Hardcover) by Mark A. Smith (Author) (http://www.amazon.com/Right-Talk-Conservatives-Transformed-Economic/dp/0691130175)Review
Richard Parker American Prospect : The Right Talk argues that during the last 30 years...the language and logic of the market have invaded almost every corner of society--to the right's great advantage...Smith's further point--important by itself--is that while Republicans shifted their rhetoric and arguments toward the logic of the market, Democrats made a different shift, to their own political disadvantage... The Right Talk [is] worth reading as [a provocation] to greater clarity about the still unanswered question of why Republicans keep winning.
Review
Robert M. Entman, George Washington University : The Right Talk explains how conservatives reshaped American politics by seizing the political advantage on economic growth and security. The book reveals that the conservative movement reframed rather than changed its traditional policy goals, emphasizing lower taxes and smaller government as the path to prosperity rather than as a guarantor of freedom. In the wake of growing economic insecurity since 1970, through organization and skilled rhetoric, conservative Republicans successfully cast Democrats as the dreary party of 'fiscal responsibility.' This is a fascinating, complex, clearly written study that creatively interlaces data and penetrating analytical insights to show the continued importance of economics to voters. The Right Talk marks a significant advance in our understanding of American political communication and party politics.
John Samples, Cato Institute : Mark Smith has taken up William Riker's intriguing but ignored challenge to understand political change through rhetorical analysis. The result is a fine book that should appeal to readers of all political persuasions. He shows that Republicans, more than Democrats, better adapted their appeals to changed economic circumstances, thereby attaining political dominance. That success, however, came at a price: economic growth, not liberty, became the core of Republican appeals to the electorate. Democrats will find in these pages evidence to understand their difficulties and, perhaps, to inform their revival. For everyone, Smith offers a remarkably dispassionate and engrossing guide to the politics we have experienced over two generations.
Mark Blyth, Johns Hopkins University : This book takes the study of American politics out of its self-enforced rationalist ghetto and makes connections with other parts of political science and even political sociology. It does so by taking on the account of the chattering classes that if it weren't for God, guns, and gays, the GOP wouldn't stand a chance. Smith shows this to be an unsustainable argument.
Andrew Rich, author of "Think Tanks, Public Policy, and the Politics of Expertise" : Mark Smith offers a new account of why Democrats are having such trouble in American elections. Republicans are winning not despite the economy but largely because of the economy, or at least because of how they frame their rhetoric and arguments around the economy. Smith makes this point and supports it with a careful assessment of the evidence. This book will provoke important discussions--and will be indispensable for future scholars.
PM me if you are going to any of these and we can meet up if you are interested.
Forgot to ask if anyone was going to this 4 part lecture series at the UW in Seattle.
Starts tonight 4/9 and goes each Wed 7-9pm for a total of 4 lectures. It's full but there is usually standby and it's free.
It looks to be real good from the books the speakers have written.
Domke:
The God Strategy: How Religion Became a Political Weapon in America (Hardcover) by David Domke (Author), Kevin Coe (Author) (https://go.washington.edu/uwaa/events/2008cas_twinpillars/details.tcl)Review
"The God Strategy is a sobering look at just how deeply imbedded religion has become in the contemporary American political psyche. Both the person of faith and the non-believer should fear what is revealed in this carefully crafted review of modern campaign strategies to 'get the God vote'. Domke and Coe demonstrate, with stunningly clear examples, just how the union of government and religion tends to degrade the integrity of both." --Rev. Barry Lynn, Executive director of Americans United for Separation of Church and State
"Religion has become central to American politics. The God Strategy is a superb overview of what happened and how it has impacted our democracy. David Domke and Kevin Coe have done the nation a service." --George Lakoff, author of Don't Think of an Elephant!
"Domke and Coe have done a masterful job of giving us insight into the mix of religion and politics. The God Strategy taught me much about a field I thought I knew. Anyone who wants to understand how the deeply religious character of America could be used to effect coming elections needs to read this book." --Joel Hunter, Pastor and Member, Board of Directors of the National Association of Evangelicals
"The God Strategy offers an intriguing look at what has become one of the most powerful shaping forces in American political life. Like it or not, religion has for years been establishing the parameters of public debate. As Domke and Coe make clear, this is unlikely to change anytime soon." --Ron Reagan
"The God Strategy tells an intriguing story - the story of how god-talk has functioned in American political life in recent decades. Domke and Coe invite both Democrats and Republicans to take the planks out of their own eyes before casting the first stone (mixed allusion intended). This book could become a voter's bible, helping citizens (and media pundits) evaluate election-cycle rhetoric with the same critical scrutiny they have learned to apply to infomercials and religious broadcasting." --Brian McLaren, author of The Secret Message of Jesus: Uncovering the Truth that Could Change Everything
God Willing? : Political Fundamentalism in the White House, the 'War on Terror,' and the Echoing Press (Paperback) by David Domke (Author) (http://www.amazon.com/God-Willing-Political-Fundamentalism-Echoing/dp/0745323057/ref=pd_bxgy_b_text_b)Political fundamentalism, according to Domke, has four major characteristics:
·A black and white world view that has no patience with complexities
·A sense of urgency that drives towards immediate and enduring action
·Identification of the Christian faith with the values of freedom and liberty
·Intolerance of dissent
For each of these four aspects, Domke presents excerpts from speeches by President Bush between September 11, 2001 and May, 2003, when Bush declared "mission accomplished" in Iraq. Domke analyzes the vocabulary and concepts in Bush's speeches that manifest this approach used so effectively by Bush's administration. Domke notes the way those same words and concepts appear in editorials and TV commentary within a few days of each speech.
The net effect, according to Domke, of the Bush administration's political fundamentalism, and the echoing of those views in the press, is a compromise of the very principles that make democracy work: discussion of various points of view and the willingness to take the time to reach some level of consensus. In fact, Domke argues that our administration is doing the very same kinds of things that the violent Islamic fundamentalists are doing: using religion to justify self-interest.
Everyone who feels uneasy about the Bush Administration's use of religious images, as well as those who have concerns about the way the press helped Bush advance his agenda, should read this book.
Smith
Research (http://faculty.washington.edu/masmith/research.html)On a substantive level, my research focuses on conservative groups, ideas, institutions, and rhetoric in modern American politics. My first book (University of Chicago Press, 2000) investigated the political activities of business, finding that business unifies only on issues that also present strong incentives for officeholders to respond to constituent sentiment and that make election outcomes important determinants of policy change. Business's political fortunes under those conditions depend more on a favorable climate of public opinion than on its own efforts to advance its interests, though business associations also gain noticeable returns from shaping public opinion. My second book (Princeton University Press, 2007) studies how, why, and with what effects conservative intellectuals and leaders of the Republican party, from the early 1970s to the present, reformulated their rhetoric to incorporate a stronger economic component. A long-term rise of economic insecurity prompted the right to highlight the potential economic benefits of its policies on taxation, regulation, and the welfare state while downplaying arguments conservatives formerly made that rested on other grounds. In my current project I am examining the Christian right, showing how its political stances have reflected a tension between a literal interpretation of Biblical passages and the pragmatic need to remain within the confines of enduring American values.
The Right Talk: How Conservatives Transformed the Great Society into the Economic Society (Hardcover) by Mark A. Smith (Author) (http://www.amazon.com/Right-Talk-Conservatives-Transformed-Economic/dp/0691130175)Review
Richard Parker American Prospect : The Right Talk argues that during the last 30 years...the language and logic of the market have invaded almost every corner of society--to the right's great advantage...Smith's further point--important by itself--is that while Republicans shifted their rhetoric and arguments toward the logic of the market, Democrats made a different shift, to their own political disadvantage... The Right Talk [is] worth reading as [a provocation] to greater clarity about the still unanswered question of why Republicans keep winning.
Review
Robert M. Entman, George Washington University : The Right Talk explains how conservatives reshaped American politics by seizing the political advantage on economic growth and security. The book reveals that the conservative movement reframed rather than changed its traditional policy goals, emphasizing lower taxes and smaller government as the path to prosperity rather than as a guarantor of freedom. In the wake of growing economic insecurity since 1970, through organization and skilled rhetoric, conservative Republicans successfully cast Democrats as the dreary party of 'fiscal responsibility.' This is a fascinating, complex, clearly written study that creatively interlaces data and penetrating analytical insights to show the continued importance of economics to voters. The Right Talk marks a significant advance in our understanding of American political communication and party politics.
John Samples, Cato Institute : Mark Smith has taken up William Riker's intriguing but ignored challenge to understand political change through rhetorical analysis. The result is a fine book that should appeal to readers of all political persuasions. He shows that Republicans, more than Democrats, better adapted their appeals to changed economic circumstances, thereby attaining political dominance. That success, however, came at a price: economic growth, not liberty, became the core of Republican appeals to the electorate. Democrats will find in these pages evidence to understand their difficulties and, perhaps, to inform their revival. For everyone, Smith offers a remarkably dispassionate and engrossing guide to the politics we have experienced over two generations.
Mark Blyth, Johns Hopkins University : This book takes the study of American politics out of its self-enforced rationalist ghetto and makes connections with other parts of political science and even political sociology. It does so by taking on the account of the chattering classes that if it weren't for God, guns, and gays, the GOP wouldn't stand a chance. Smith shows this to be an unsustainable argument.
Andrew Rich, author of "Think Tanks, Public Policy, and the Politics of Expertise" : Mark Smith offers a new account of why Democrats are having such trouble in American elections. Republicans are winning not despite the economy but largely because of the economy, or at least because of how they frame their rhetoric and arguments around the economy. Smith makes this point and supports it with a careful assessment of the evidence. This book will provoke important discussions--and will be indispensable for future scholars.
PM me if you are going to any of these and we can meet up if you are interested.