What's The Matter With Kansas? How Conservatives Won The Heart Of America

This book has become somewhat old already, however I still think it's an important read to see yet another explanation behind yet another slice of the pie, slowly being sliced away from our America, depleting us of any dignity or culture.

One of the few political books I'd recommend. Very interesting take on the cultural conservative resurgence starting in Kansas in the 90's. Frank is very insightful and makes excellent arguments that I agreed with, well, maybe cuz I'm a liberal independent, but they are well researched and thought out in any event.

I love this book! This book articulates the argument for progressive populism in a clear, incisive, and humorous way - and makes it so much easier to parse and dissect far right neoconservativism. Coming from someone who has always had a hard time articulating why I am fiscally progressive in particular ("But ... how can you not see why unregulated capitalism is a bad thing?"), this...more

I love this book! This book articulates the argument for progressive populism in a clear, incisive, and humorous way - and makes it so much easier to parse and dissect far right neoconservativism. Coming from someone who has always had a hard time articulating why I am fiscally progressive in particular ("But ... how can you not see why unregulated capitalism is a bad thing?"), this book is required reading.   hide

One would think that I would enjoy this, but I really didn't. At times too heavily biased. It was a good review of nearby cities and their proximate location to where I live.

Growing up in Kansas, there certainly are valid points in this book which offer some interesting context around the voting mentality of midwesterns, primarily rural folks who are bitter. That said, I think there are some generalizations and assumptions made which do not have as much to do with Kansans being bitter and voting on values rather than not having a mixed cultures, ethnicities and views...more

Growing up in Kansas, there certainly are valid points in this book which offer some interesting context around the voting mentality of midwesterns, primarily rural folks who are bitter. That said, I think there are some generalizations and assumptions made which do not have as much to do with Kansans being bitter and voting on values rather than not having a mixed cultures, ethnicities and views which gives them a broader sense of different points of view. I do agree that there was an over-saturation of media around the pro-life Wichita hysteria of the 90s, which could have contributed to some misguided thinking, but in recent years I think the general Kansas voter is becoming more in tuned with issues extending away from voting on mere values. Overall, an interesting read which I can see some valid points.   hide

While I do agree with Frank's ideology on the conservative movement, I don't think the book was great. The vast amount of cases against the conservatives and republicans were all there, but the solutions were not. He kept presenting case after case as to why the Republicans were throwing insult to injury at the conservatives, but left the reader (me in any case) saying, Now what?

After reading this book false prophet talking heads like Sarah Palin will scare the hell out of you. I write this review from the heart of Kansas, where the lies and disappointments of the Republican agenda have struck hardest here yet no one talks about how their leaders have betrayed them. They continue to whine about abortion gays, and guns, but never about what will actually put food on their...more

After reading this book false prophet talking heads like Sarah Palin will scare the hell out of you. I write this review from the heart of Kansas, where the lies and disappointments of the Republican agenda have struck hardest here yet no one talks about how their leaders have betrayed them. They continue to whine about abortion gays, and guns, but never about what will actually put food on their tables. The GOP has removed reality from politics and it has served them well and the country as a whole very, very badly.   hide

Interesting to read in light of the 2008 elections. The author tries to explain why social issues seem to trump economic issues in national politics. And he gives a great description of the cultural/political shift. But the answer, though, is not clear from this book. Frank seems to argue that Republicans have pulled a bait and switch, tricking the working class to provide votes, then using...more

Interesting to read in light of the 2008 elections. The author tries to explain why social issues seem to trump economic issues in national politics. And he gives a great description of the cultural/political shift. But the answer, though, is not clear from this book. Frank seems to argue that Republicans have pulled a bait and switch, tricking the working class to provide votes, then using power to promote big business. The truth is simpler. When voters see no benefit in one party over another, they vote to limit damage they believe could be done to them. If I don't believe government can or will help me, then I'll vote to get government to leave me alone.   hide

Besides the fact that it's flat? Lol. Seriously, this was a good book.