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It's the Middle Class, Stupid!
It’s the Middle Class, Stupid! confirms what we have all Washington and Wall Street have really screwed things up for the average American. Work has been devalued. Education costs are out of sight. Effort and ambition have never been so scantily rewarded. Political guru James Carville and pollster extraordinaire Stan Greenberg argue that our political parties must admit their failures and the electorate must reclaim its voice, because taking on the wealthy and the privileged is not class warfare—it is a matter of survival. Told in the alternating voices of these two top political strategists, It’s the Middle Class, Stupid! provides eye-opening and provocative arguments on where our government—including the White House—has gone wrong, and what voters can do about it. Controversial and outspoken, authoritative and shrewd, It’s the Middle Class, Stupid! is destined to make waves during the 2012 presidential campaign, and will set the agenda for legislative battles and political dust-ups during the next administration.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2012
28 people are currently reading
264 people want to read
About the author
James Carville
36 books46 followersJames Carville is an former U.S. Marine, political consultant, commentator, actor, media personality and pundit. Known as "the Ragin' Cajun," Carville gained national attention for his work as the lead strategist of the successful presidential campaign of then-Arkansas governor Bill Clinton. Carville was the co-host of CNN's Crossfire until its final broadcast in June 2005. Since its cancellation, he has appeared on CNN's news program, The Situation Room. As of 2006, he hosts a weekly program on XM Radio titled 60/20 Sports with Luke Russert, son of NBC's Tim Russert. He is married to Republican political consultant Mary Matalin.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
July 31, 2012
One of the things I have been pondering is where the money came from to increase the average CEO's income from 30 to 40 times the average worker's pay in the 80's to 300 to 500 times now. Turns out a chart showing the increase in business productivity versus the change in hourly pay (negative pay versus inflation over the last decade) and it shows that rather than allocate the increased profits among the stakeholders - shareholders and employees, they kept it. Goes a long way to explaining why we now have the highest level of inequality of any developed nation and why the middle class has had it tucked to them over the last dozen years. The book analyzes in clear, simple and quantitative fashion why the policies of this country need to focus on restoring the power of the middle class.
Don't believe it? Then bend over for the big Kochs and their ilk, but read the book to understand where the pain is coming from.
A bit shrill in places as these type of treatises tend to be (not quite as bad as the right wing versions, in my opinion, and yes, I do read them from both sides).
Don't believe it? Then bend over for the big Kochs and their ilk, but read the book to understand where the pain is coming from.
A bit shrill in places as these type of treatises tend to be (not quite as bad as the right wing versions, in my opinion, and yes, I do read them from both sides).
August 10, 2024
It's indeed the Middle Class, Stupid! I have three points to share about this book:
1. The graphs that James and Stan shared were majestic. They illustrated so well how the great middle of the American socio-economic hierarchy have been left behind. As the cost of education, health care, homes, energy, and basic commodities rose, their wages stagnated and their benefits were curtailed. Meanwhile, the top 1% saw their share of the economic pie grow larger than ever before. And its the disastrous economic policies of the Republican Party that are primarily to blame.
2. I like how the Harris campaign for president centered its message on rebuilding the American middle class. I have faith that it remains the strongest message for the Democratic Party despite the numerous and rapid changes occurring on the national and global political landscapes. If the Democrats go all in for the middle class and deftly play their cards, they can lock the deranged Republican Party out from power for quite a while and force it into a long overdue epiphany.
3. Finally, this book helped me clarify my perspective on the state of Philippine society, my vision for my people, and how to turn that vision into a reality. I would love to see data similar to what James and Stan presented in their book but in the Philippine context and work from there.
1. The graphs that James and Stan shared were majestic. They illustrated so well how the great middle of the American socio-economic hierarchy have been left behind. As the cost of education, health care, homes, energy, and basic commodities rose, their wages stagnated and their benefits were curtailed. Meanwhile, the top 1% saw their share of the economic pie grow larger than ever before. And its the disastrous economic policies of the Republican Party that are primarily to blame.
2. I like how the Harris campaign for president centered its message on rebuilding the American middle class. I have faith that it remains the strongest message for the Democratic Party despite the numerous and rapid changes occurring on the national and global political landscapes. If the Democrats go all in for the middle class and deftly play their cards, they can lock the deranged Republican Party out from power for quite a while and force it into a long overdue epiphany.
3. Finally, this book helped me clarify my perspective on the state of Philippine society, my vision for my people, and how to turn that vision into a reality. I would love to see data similar to what James and Stan presented in their book but in the Philippine context and work from there.
October 28, 2024
Amazing thoughts from a pair of truly thoughtful political wonks.
August 5, 2012
It's the Middle Class, Stupid! by James Carville and Stan Greenberg
"It's the Middle Class, Stupid!" is the timely book that provides the Democratic Party blueprint for this election year 2012. It's an accessible book that emphasizes that this campaign should be mainly about the future of the forgotten middle-class. High-energy political guru James Carville and well known pollster Stan Greenberg join forces in a back and forth discussion about the middle class and this upcoming elections. The book starts off a little slowly but picks up to eventually become an entertaining read. This 336-page book is composed of nineteen chapters and a notes sections that links well in the Kindle version.
Positives:
1. Topical book, just in time before the elections.
2. Engaging, well-written, well-researched book that is accessible to the masses.
3. Many election topics of interest discussed.
4. Good use of charts and references to back arguments. One of my favorites: The Sane World vs. the Fog Machine.
5. The impact of politics on the middle class. The main focus of this book.
6. The contrast between Clinton's and Bush's presidency as it relates to the middle class.
7. The importance of education and the factors undermining it.
8. A look at the "fog machine" and how it works to deny. Great examples: Climate-change.
9. What voters feel strongly about according to surveys and how politicians must take such findings into account. Interesting.
10. The reality of inequality. The policies that have worked. "We want a government that works for the 80 percent, not the 1 percent".
11. Laying out the best strategy for America. The right approach to telling the middle class story.
12. A look at what's wrong with the Ryan budget. The impact to Medicare.
13. The ways to reduce the impact of big money.
14. A great discussion on health care. The importance of reducing health care costs. Solid points.
15. Developments that marginalized the middle class. What can be done about it.
16. A look at the authors' tax code proposal.
17. How to rebuild and strengthen our own economy and society so that the middle class gains. The government's role.
18. A new approach on energy. The future of energy.
19. The impact of China.
20. Links worked great!
Negatives:
1. The book focuses on general discussions about the middle class but doesn't go into much depth. So if you are looking for an in-depth discussion this is not the book for you.
2. Of course there is liberal bias. I think the authors were fairly reasonable but then again, I am in agreement with a lot of their philosophy.
3. There are many books that cover this topic at least as well.
4. The authors' are in general agreement so the book lacks that friction or controversy that helps generate buzz.
5. The book rarely goes over controversial topics in any depth: gay rights, abortion, separation of church and state, immigration, etc...
In summary, this is a 3.5 star book. It starts off a little slow going over the authors' backgrounds and the reason for writing this book, eventually the book takes off and covers all matters relating to the middle class and the importance of this upcoming election. Carville and Greenberg provide many sound reasons for their arguments but are usually on the same page. A book of this nature would probably have more public appeal if say they were on opposing sides of the issues. Be that as it may, I enjoyed the informal conversation and would recommend this to anyone interested in the suggested blueprint for the 2012 elections.
Further suggestions: "Winner Take All" by Dambisa Moyo, "The Post-American World" by Fareed Zakaria, "Energy for Future Presidents" by Richard Muller, "End This Depression Now!" by Paul Krugman, "That Used to be Us" by Thomas Friedman, "War on the Middle Class" by Lou Dobbs, "Aftershock" by Robert B. Reich, “Winner-Take All Politics” by Jacob S. Hacker, “Screwed the Undeclared War Against the Middle Class” by Thom Hartmann, “The Monster: How a Gang of Predatory Lenders and Wall Street Bankers Fleeced America…” by Michael W. Hudson, “Perfectly Legal…” by David Cay Johnston, "The Republican Brain" by Chris Mooney, and “The Great American Stickup” by Robert Scheer.
"It's the Middle Class, Stupid!" is the timely book that provides the Democratic Party blueprint for this election year 2012. It's an accessible book that emphasizes that this campaign should be mainly about the future of the forgotten middle-class. High-energy political guru James Carville and well known pollster Stan Greenberg join forces in a back and forth discussion about the middle class and this upcoming elections. The book starts off a little slowly but picks up to eventually become an entertaining read. This 336-page book is composed of nineteen chapters and a notes sections that links well in the Kindle version.
Positives:
1. Topical book, just in time before the elections.
2. Engaging, well-written, well-researched book that is accessible to the masses.
3. Many election topics of interest discussed.
4. Good use of charts and references to back arguments. One of my favorites: The Sane World vs. the Fog Machine.
5. The impact of politics on the middle class. The main focus of this book.
6. The contrast between Clinton's and Bush's presidency as it relates to the middle class.
7. The importance of education and the factors undermining it.
8. A look at the "fog machine" and how it works to deny. Great examples: Climate-change.
9. What voters feel strongly about according to surveys and how politicians must take such findings into account. Interesting.
10. The reality of inequality. The policies that have worked. "We want a government that works for the 80 percent, not the 1 percent".
11. Laying out the best strategy for America. The right approach to telling the middle class story.
12. A look at what's wrong with the Ryan budget. The impact to Medicare.
13. The ways to reduce the impact of big money.
14. A great discussion on health care. The importance of reducing health care costs. Solid points.
15. Developments that marginalized the middle class. What can be done about it.
16. A look at the authors' tax code proposal.
17. How to rebuild and strengthen our own economy and society so that the middle class gains. The government's role.
18. A new approach on energy. The future of energy.
19. The impact of China.
20. Links worked great!
Negatives:
1. The book focuses on general discussions about the middle class but doesn't go into much depth. So if you are looking for an in-depth discussion this is not the book for you.
2. Of course there is liberal bias. I think the authors were fairly reasonable but then again, I am in agreement with a lot of their philosophy.
3. There are many books that cover this topic at least as well.
4. The authors' are in general agreement so the book lacks that friction or controversy that helps generate buzz.
5. The book rarely goes over controversial topics in any depth: gay rights, abortion, separation of church and state, immigration, etc...
In summary, this is a 3.5 star book. It starts off a little slow going over the authors' backgrounds and the reason for writing this book, eventually the book takes off and covers all matters relating to the middle class and the importance of this upcoming election. Carville and Greenberg provide many sound reasons for their arguments but are usually on the same page. A book of this nature would probably have more public appeal if say they were on opposing sides of the issues. Be that as it may, I enjoyed the informal conversation and would recommend this to anyone interested in the suggested blueprint for the 2012 elections.
Further suggestions: "Winner Take All" by Dambisa Moyo, "The Post-American World" by Fareed Zakaria, "Energy for Future Presidents" by Richard Muller, "End This Depression Now!" by Paul Krugman, "That Used to be Us" by Thomas Friedman, "War on the Middle Class" by Lou Dobbs, "Aftershock" by Robert B. Reich, “Winner-Take All Politics” by Jacob S. Hacker, “Screwed the Undeclared War Against the Middle Class” by Thom Hartmann, “The Monster: How a Gang of Predatory Lenders and Wall Street Bankers Fleeced America…” by Michael W. Hudson, “Perfectly Legal…” by David Cay Johnston, "The Republican Brain" by Chris Mooney, and “The Great American Stickup” by Robert Scheer.
October 8, 2012
I like politics, but I was a little scared to listen to this audiobook. I wasn’t sure who James Carville and Stan Greenberg actually were to begin with and I was afraid the book would be a screaming partisan rant. Instead I found a very thoughtful debate about the current status of the middle class and what can be done to improve its lot. As I am firmly in the middle class, I was very intrigued with this premise and found myself frequently agreeing with Carville and Greenberg.
While both Carville and Greenberg were advisors to Bill Clinton and are on the liberal side of the tracks, they both found fault with both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama’s platforms. I was only annoyed a few times by a few “facts” that weren’t quite right. One quip about the state of politics in Wisconsin was wrong in which they stated that firefighters and policemen had their union rights and pensions cut. In fact, they were not cut, which is part of the debate. Only the teachers and other public workers unions were busted in Wisconsin (Democratic) while the Republican leaning Firemen and Police Unions were left intact. That is why the law was actually just struck down by a judge because it was so partisan based.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the way Carville added Southern sass to the audiobook while Greenberg had the more level headed reading. It was very interesting learning their backgrounds and entry into politics and I enjoyed their views on the middle class and how both parties need to bring the focus back on the middle class. This is a great book to listen to during a heated campaign season.
This review was originally posted on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2012/...
While both Carville and Greenberg were advisors to Bill Clinton and are on the liberal side of the tracks, they both found fault with both Mitt Romney and Barack Obama’s platforms. I was only annoyed a few times by a few “facts” that weren’t quite right. One quip about the state of politics in Wisconsin was wrong in which they stated that firefighters and policemen had their union rights and pensions cut. In fact, they were not cut, which is part of the debate. Only the teachers and other public workers unions were busted in Wisconsin (Democratic) while the Republican leaning Firemen and Police Unions were left intact. That is why the law was actually just struck down by a judge because it was so partisan based.
Otherwise, I enjoyed the way Carville added Southern sass to the audiobook while Greenberg had the more level headed reading. It was very interesting learning their backgrounds and entry into politics and I enjoyed their views on the middle class and how both parties need to bring the focus back on the middle class. This is a great book to listen to during a heated campaign season.
This review was originally posted on my blog at: http://lauragerold.blogspot.com/2012/...
January 14, 2013
This book was such a disappointment. From the title and comments from others, I thought maybe Carville was having a change of heart. Boy, was I fooled! Throughout the book, he tries to make the reader believe that he is really interested in the plight of the middle class. Nothing could be further from the truth. Additionally, there is no question that Mr. Carville hates Republicans with a passion, so much so that his ability to think logically is impaired.
Let's face it, Folks, if you are in the 2%, you either cannot understand or don't care what it means to be middle class. Like rich Republicans, rich Democrats are only interested in getting more money in their own pockets. They really don't care who it comes from as long as it comes to them.
Every solution offered by Carville and his co-author misses their professed goal of helping the middle class. What the solutions do is take from the 98% to give to the 2%. I think we already have that so I don't think their solutions will have any impact on the status quo.
Three solutions that are killing us already:
1. Encouraging students to borrow money to go to school.
2. Allowing the federal government to spend more money than elected officials are willing to tax.
3. Patronizing the middle class with glittering generalities that have no substance.
Let's face it, Folks, if you are in the 2%, you either cannot understand or don't care what it means to be middle class. Like rich Republicans, rich Democrats are only interested in getting more money in their own pockets. They really don't care who it comes from as long as it comes to them.
Every solution offered by Carville and his co-author misses their professed goal of helping the middle class. What the solutions do is take from the 98% to give to the 2%. I think we already have that so I don't think their solutions will have any impact on the status quo.
Three solutions that are killing us already:
1. Encouraging students to borrow money to go to school.
2. Allowing the federal government to spend more money than elected officials are willing to tax.
3. Patronizing the middle class with glittering generalities that have no substance.
February 9, 2016
Nothing very new here. James Carville and Stan Greenberg explain what is going on with American politics and the economy and how the middle class American will be on the endangered species list if things in Washington continue the way they are.
Of course we have to raise taxes on the wealthy, but the US Government won't. Of course we have to overturn the Citizen United decision, but no steps are currently being taken to do that. Of course we need to strengthen the social safety net, but it looks like it will be torn apart.
What they don't mention in any great way is the importance of regulating trade if the American middle class is to survive.
They propose very good steps to take to restore our country's economy, however things are looking very grim and if we don't at least take some of the actions they propose we are doomed, and I think they do not take things far enough in order to have a sustainable future.
Of course we have to raise taxes on the wealthy, but the US Government won't. Of course we have to overturn the Citizen United decision, but no steps are currently being taken to do that. Of course we need to strengthen the social safety net, but it looks like it will be torn apart.
What they don't mention in any great way is the importance of regulating trade if the American middle class is to survive.
They propose very good steps to take to restore our country's economy, however things are looking very grim and if we don't at least take some of the actions they propose we are doomed, and I think they do not take things far enough in order to have a sustainable future.
August 6, 2016
A book that discusses the problems that the US middle class faces, written by two prominent Democratic consultants.
The book tended to drone on and on. It wasn't anything earth-shattering or eye-popping and quite frankly, I'm a little suspicious since they aren't economists. They look at the problems facing the US middle class in terms of health care, education, etc. The book somewhat intrigued me by discussing their personal biographies in their own words, but it was a problem when the book tried to present itself as a conversation between the two rather than a...book.
Honestly, I don't think it's worth a pick up and really sold itself based on the author's names alone. If you're a Republican, likely it'll annoy you. And even if you're a Democrat, you'll probably be really bored.
The book tended to drone on and on. It wasn't anything earth-shattering or eye-popping and quite frankly, I'm a little suspicious since they aren't economists. They look at the problems facing the US middle class in terms of health care, education, etc. The book somewhat intrigued me by discussing their personal biographies in their own words, but it was a problem when the book tried to present itself as a conversation between the two rather than a...book.
Honestly, I don't think it's worth a pick up and really sold itself based on the author's names alone. If you're a Republican, likely it'll annoy you. And even if you're a Democrat, you'll probably be really bored.
Read
May 16, 2013I liked the interviews with citizens, but the constant attack on the right was a little annoying. Granted, I don't necessarily agree with everything the typical party line says, it was tedious to read something that was constantly attacking and pointing out failures instead of completely focusing on the objective goals.
That being said: I expected nothing less from this book.
It was an interesting read, even if I felt it was repeating itself after I reached the halfway mark. Probably the biggest reason why it took me so long to read.
The talk back and forth took away from the narrative, but that's just my honest opinion.
Chance of recommendation: 4/10
That being said: I expected nothing less from this book.
It was an interesting read, even if I felt it was repeating itself after I reached the halfway mark. Probably the biggest reason why it took me so long to read.
The talk back and forth took away from the narrative, but that's just my honest opinion.
Chance of recommendation: 4/10
December 3, 2012
For someone who is not really updated on the predicament of the middle
class in today's America," It's the Middle Class,Stupid" by James Carville and Stan Greenberg would be a great introduction. For the last
forty years middle class people have seen no rise in their condition. In
spite of the fact that their production has increased tremendously, the
profits achieved by these improvements have not been shared at all equitably.Instead, the rewards have gone all to the top 10% of the economic heap. Unless something is done very soon, we shall see the middle class continue to wane,while the uppermost of the economic ladder
will continue to take the winnings of the economy.
May 9, 2013
I'm "finished", not because I read the whole book, but because I can't stand any more. I detest the informal, sometimes crude, and immature dialogue between Carville and Greenberg. Given the importance of the topic, our country's economy, I expected proper English, a lack of profanity, and a cohesive argument for Carville and Greenberg's solutions. Instead, I find the book to be extremely disjointed with few concrete suggestions. I really wanted to be enlightened, but I'm just very disappointed!
March 6, 2013
Currently reading. Gives an interesting historic point of view on Democrats vs Republicans. Will write more when I finish it.
Well was unable to finish it because I had a 15 cent fine and couldn't renew. Anyhow...I made it about three-quarters through it and I got the message loud and clear. The middle class has really been overlooked throughout the past 30 years and it's time to reclaim our voice!!
Well was unable to finish it because I had a 15 cent fine and couldn't renew. Anyhow...I made it about three-quarters through it and I got the message loud and clear. The middle class has really been overlooked throughout the past 30 years and it's time to reclaim our voice!!
April 8, 2016
If Only!!!
As a grandfathered-in member of the paycheck to paycheck crowd, I am holding my breath that the coming election will break the Republican stranglehold on our nation and allow our elected representatives to do something - anything but the shameful thumb-twiddling they've dumped onto President Obama's lap. We as a nation has what it takes to succeed. Congress, do your damn job!
As a grandfathered-in member of the paycheck to paycheck crowd, I am holding my breath that the coming election will break the Republican stranglehold on our nation and allow our elected representatives to do something - anything but the shameful thumb-twiddling they've dumped onto President Obama's lap. We as a nation has what it takes to succeed. Congress, do your damn job!
September 5, 2012
This is Carville and Greenberg's blueprint for how the Democratic National Committee should conduct the campaign this election year. From what I saw
at the convention last night, the DNC has taken Carville's advise. Interesting study of political analysis and strategy.
at the convention last night, the DNC has taken Carville's advise. Interesting study of political analysis and strategy.
September 22, 2012
These 2 authors make for an interesting and entertaining tag-team; the wonky pollster (Greenberg) and the passionate political operative (Carville) combining forces to make their argument that this election season needs to be about fairness to the middle class of America. The case is well made.
October 1, 2012
A well thought out book that gives the Democratic message for the middle class. You may not agree with all they say, but their case is compelling. Reading this is far better than the one minute spots on TV.
September 30, 2012
Carville at his best! They say there is no middle class anymore. There's just the rich and the poor. After reading this book maybe the talk is right. The middle class gets hit with everything! Enjoyed this book a lot.
August 16, 2013
Other political parties can belly-ache about the economy, the middle class, and health care. But what Carville and Greenberg stated in this book is that both Republicans and Democrats have to share their toys in order to find common ground in America.
April 7, 2013
A bit strident at times, and the format -- attempting to present their ideas as a back-and-forth discussion -- didn't really work for me. That being said, they seemed to make a pretty good argument about the plight of the middle class.
June 20, 2013
With Carville's characteristic bluntness and Greenburg's more reserved insights, the book analyzes how life in the U.S. has changed for the middle class. The authors focus on key issues (work, education, health care) as well as the shifiting wealth in the U.S. to the top 1%.
Currently reading
July 22, 2012So far so good. Always enjoy a good laugh when it comes to our illustrious political system.
August 22, 2012
I loved this book. It's well done and will make you think. It's made me decide to be more disciplined with money.
August 23, 2012
Very timely book! Excellent read with valid information that every politician should read...and every voter!
September 11, 2012
Not the most eloquent prose I have ever read, but based on solid research and addresses the one issue of most vital importance in the coming election.
September 25, 2012
Too Pro-Clinton.
September 12, 2012
Super great book. It's hard to put down because I learned so much.
September 29, 2012
Very interesting, I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot that I didn't know. Quite motivating.
October 15, 2012
Good read before elections.
October 21, 2012
as a staunch democrat, loved it. if you are republican, don't bother.
April 28, 2013
Terribly written.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews