The Grift: The Downward Spiral of Black Republicans from the Party of Lincoln to the Cult of Trump

by Clay Cane

Part history and part cultural analysis, The Grift chronicles the nuanced history of Black Republicans. Clay Cane lays out how Black Republicanism has been mangled by opportunists who are apologists for racism.

After the Civil War, the pillars of Black Republicanism were a balanced critique of both political parties, civil rights for all Americans, reinventing an economy based on exploitation, and, most importantly, building thriving Black communities. How did Black Republicanism devolve from revolutionaries like Frederick Douglass to the puppets in the Trump era?

Whether it's radical conservatives like South Carolina Senator Tim Scott or Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, they are consistently viral news and continuously upholding egregious laws at the expense of their Black brethren. Black faces in high places providing cover for explicit bigotry is one of the greatest threats to the liberation of Black and brown people. By studying these figures and their tactics, Cane exposes the grift and lays out a plan to emancipate our future.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, History, Race, Audiobook, Sociology, African American

394 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 30, 2024

Reviews

[Taneka · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another book that I will have to pick up in physical form. He named some materials that I want to go back and read so get a better understanding of the Fredrick Douglass Republicans and their history as well as some of the grifters that he named.

I guess when greed is at play, anyone can be a player in this game. The problem is there are innocent bystanders that are getting hurt.

[Hannah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very powerful book. Will need to read it multiple times to absorb it all.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book that examines Black people in their history with the republican parties ending with black politicians and those who have absolutely drank the Kool-Aid that the Republicans are handing out. From Abraham Lincoln to the new deal with Roosevelt all the way to the clown Donald J Trump Mr. Cane doesn’t hold back when it comes to holding black politicians with their own self interest at the forefront and not the black community as a whole. He says these are people that would sell their own mama to get a head and he is probably right. I am not a Republican nor am I a black person but I think the only way we can cohesively make this a better place is to know where our friends are coming from whether we agree with them or not. I found this book interesting historically and factually it held my attention and it is a book I definitely recommend to anyone with an interest in politics and especially those segments we don’t get to know first hand in. What a great book this was way more interesting than I initially thought it would be and although I am a big fan of politics in the social workings of communities I do not belong to I wasn’t prepared for the honesty and great talent this book was written with I am not familiar with Clay Cane until I read this book and although I did not agree with him on everything I do have lots of respect for this politician and author. I want to think Sourca books nonfiction and Net Galley for my free Ark copy please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.

[Ben Pearman · Rating 3 out of 5]

More “activist” than “academic” than what I would have liked. Despite the overload of buzzy adjectives used, Cane presents an excellent historical account of Black Republicanism. From Frederick Douglass’s skeptical support of the Lincoln administration to the bona fide Black grifters of today’s party of Trump (although all Trump sycophants, regardless of race, are grifters), Cane profiles and opines on the most influential and powerful Black Republicans in US history.

[Beverley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so enlightening. I will read again, as I did not absorb ALL the information in this one read. This is the type of book where you need to take notes and/or highlight for further research. Clay Cane did a phenomenal job on this informative history and civics lesson.

[LaShanda Chamberlain · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clay Cane's "The Grift" offers a new perspective on America's politics and the history of Black Americans in the Republican Party. This book explores the history of Black individuals and their connection to the Republican Party, discussing politicians and dedicated supporters from Abraham Lincoln to Donald J. Trump. Cane boldly criticizes black politicians who prioritize personal interests over the well-being of the Black community, and I found his perspectives on Clarence Thomas, Herman Cain, and Ben Carson particularly interesting.

Cane deserves praise for his extensive research on this topic. Not only did he provide the facts, but he also brought the receipts!!! Cane has created an educational and empowering journey for readers, unlike any historical context found in many history books.

For Black History Month 2024, this book is the perfect kickoff! I wholeheartedly recommend it.

[Sheldon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an interesting read. Cane tells a very compelling story through a focus on popular black conservative figures and highlights the contradictions between individual's political leanings and their public actions. The tone of the book is critical, and a bit dismissive at points. He establishes that there is a valid conservative perspective held by some early African Americans, but seems to argue that any trace of that has been eroded by a combination either benign neglect or intentional malfeasance from the larger GOP. While I agree with the overall message of the book, I think the focus on individual "grifters" does not tell the full story of how conservative thought within the Black community has evolved. And while that might not be within the scope of this project, I felt like the focus on elite, popular Black conservatives overshadows a more interesting story about race, partisanship and American politics. Overall, if I could give an additional 1/2 star I would because it was an interesting read, but I think it could have done more to really flesh out the biographies of the people considered and painted a more nuanced picture of ideological diversity within black culture.

[Don Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay Cane takes the reader through a historic journey that lands them to the middle of the American Civil War and the dynamics that led Lincoln to what would become the Emancipation Proclamation. The key figure in the early pages is not Lincoln, but Frederick Douglass and his effect on the new Republican Party.

Cane highlights key figures that led to the 14th and 15th Amendments to the U.S. Constitution and how and why Reconstruction started to fall apart in the 1870's. From there, Mr. Cane takes through American history to present day (2024). What he gives us is a focused, unfiltered history lesson on African-Americans who tried to make a difference for all, but were many times railroaded by climbers from their own community who were only in it for themselves.

Clay Cane does not hold back. He calls it like he sees it, with some anger but also with a lot of passion and honesty. I found that refreshing. Some people might find it hard to have accurate history put right in their face, but if the reader sticks with it, Mr. Cane provides a lot of hope and optimism at the end.

This is a well written book, in a style that is easy to read. As painful as some of the history is, you want to keep turning the page to find out what happens next. To the non-African-American, this is a good history lesson that needs to be taught to all of us. It's a history that all Americans should know.

[Colin Scanlon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really well detailed history of black Republicans in America. I’ve had this on my list for quite a while so I was glad I finally made some time for it (shout out Jackson Public Libraries). Having not taken APUSH because my mom thought I wasn’t smart enough for it, I never had a great background in early American politics. This was a really fun way to learn one piece of that history. Additionally, I appreciate the author addressing the revisionist way early black leaders are often portrayed. It’s refreshing to read a book that challenges the propaganda often taught in us history classes. Having first hand experience with colleagues “coming out as conservatives” gives the author a lot of credibility and a unique perspective. I would love to read an additional chapter covering the last 4 years, especially the alienation of black voters in the 2024 election. Parts of the book were frustrating knowing liberals keep repeating the same mistakes that enable black republicans to make waves on Fox News. My only real critique of the book is how the author inserts his own opinions into parts of the book without clearer delineation between fact and opinion. Not a huge problem as they’re easy enough to parse, but I definitely had to reread some sections to better understand what was being presented.

[Caleb Lagerwey · Rating 3 out of 5]

While fairly polemical and partisan, Cane kept his book well-sourced and nuanced: Cane makes explicit the diference between Black people who are honestly committed to conservative values for legitimate reasons (e.g., Colin Powell) and the eponymous grifters who adopt the stances of White folks in order to personally profit, often at the expense of their fellow African Americans. I especially appreciated a lot of the earlier, pre-1990 history that mentions the sell-outs of the Jim Crow or Civil Rights Eras. Many know about liberal complaints about Clarence Thomas or Candance Ownes, for example, but I appreciated Cane's elevation of lesser-know, positive quotes from Jackie Robinson as he was a postive roll models amidst the political shifting of the 1964 election. I also appreciated his section on Isaiah Montgomery, a Black politician in the 1890s who voted FOR the infamous 1890 Mississippi Plan to disenfrancise African American voters--possibly in order to gain protection for Mound Bayou, Montgomery's Black town.

[Ander · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was craving some nonfiction and this was the perfect answer. I got a great history lesson that spread through time into the modern day. The context of the events that we are witnessing unfold today being told through this lens is a perspective that I feel is important and one you can't get it very many other places. I love that about books, especially nonfiction ones, you aren't going to get this synthesis of knowledge almost anywhere else. There was also a wonderful call to action at the end which is not only imperative for making change but providing hope. I think this is a great book in general and even more so if you're looking for something to broaden your world view with a little American history thrown in there.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fascinating. This audiobook feels like a long form podcast, and I appreciate that the author read his own book. Cane does an admirable job of breaking down decades of history and weaving politician decision-making into a compelling narrative around the intellectual disconnect that I cannot help encountering when trying to understand the evolution of some parts of our political party system. Its particularly impactful to read this as a Georgia resident, where so many elements of the race/policy dichotomy feel ever present. shout out to a rutgers alum!

[JazzReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was very educational and provides a great timeline for the type of relationship Black Republications have with the Republican Party. I was very curious before reading this book about the grift going on with Black people in that party. This book gave additional information on how Black republications shift to what we see today in this administration.

[🫶Ali🫶 · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75
There are a few stylistic choices that I personally didn’t love but I’m not going to go into it because I believe his message of focusing the vote and getting out and voting is too important to take attention away from.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clay Cane doesn't hold back in this expose of black grifters through American history. Truly interesting and these modern grifters are especially gross.

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Add it to your TBR.. tons of great information

[Alexandrea Somers · Rating 4 out of 5]

I appreciate the deep dive into people's prospectives and the confronting historical narratives versus historical lies. There was a missing component that party lines are not the only means of social control. If a progressive gets in office, there's way too many ways for them to be stopped. I wish his recommendations at the end took into consideration how resistant to change the political system is.

[Jannice Newson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I did not realize 1-how many of these people there were and 2-the extent that they unravel the policies that placed them there in the first place. Fantastic book.

[Tino · Rating 3 out of 5]

Pretty okay but a lot of opinions stated as facts. Especially Cane’s views on Lincoln that most modern scholars don’t agree with. Still a decent read. 3 stars.

[Eliza · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Finally, to Black Republicans who are willing Judases, may history be ruthless to the legacy of betrayal you left behind.”

A powerful ending to an extremely informative book. Required reading for this election season and every election season beyond. Please vote wisely - not for yourself, but for your legacy. Cannot wait to read more Clay Cane!

[Alex Edwards]

This feels topical.

[Audrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

the content was really interesting and I learned a lot, but the lack of organization was off putting and i expected it to be more matter-of-fact, like a longform article instead of an opinion piece. maybe that's just my gripe with the author's personal writing voice?? this also could be because i was listening to the audiobook (the ebook wasn't available on libby), but it was getting really convoluted and almost... like rambly? at times
also the random pauses and mispronunciations of words in the audiobook recording (the author himself narrates it) confused me a lot. seems like the audiobook wasn't well produced or something??? i wish it would've been better polished because it was really distracting me from the content at times (but also i have awful auditory processing thanks to my adhd so maybe that's on me)

[Dominique McDaniel · Rating 4 out of 5]

The USA continues to celebrate the myth of rugged individualism, so is there any surprise that there are people who will sell out their own community for a slice of the pie? This book explores that idea, but through the lens of grifting Black Republicans.

It was interesting to follow the thread of Black Republicans from Frederick Douglass,and Lincoln to, MLK Jr. and ultimately to Clarence Thomas and Trump.

The book was informative, but I did get a little bored during the middle portion because I wanted to get to the Trump stuff, but I understand why the author took that route. Trump wasn’t an anomaly.

My biggest take away is that, friends don’t let other friends grift (even if they can make a ton of money and gain power at the cost of selling their soul). Rounding up to 4 stars ⭐️

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Incredibly well-researched, fair assessment of the actions, ideologies and character of Black Americans who had or have been members of the Republican Party. I deeply appreciate the author breaking down the time frame in which Black men and women have taken part in Republican Party politics, ranging from Frederick Douglass to Tim Scott and how each has strived to advance the civil, voting, and human rights of Black people (like Douglass) and those that have found it pays to play in white supremacy and oppression (like Scott). In the last chapter, Clay Cane makes a strong case and plea for Black people to get and/or remain politically engaged. To value our vote and use it wisely for the candidates that may or may not look like us but who will advance the policies that protect us and lift us socially and economically. He was very careful to incorporate the voices of Black Republicans that sincerely seek to restore the party of Douglass to sanity and those who would deny us justice like Kentucky Attorney General Daniel Cameron. This was a very timely read and I am glad that this author brought clarity to a very complex situation.

[D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would recommend this book.

I feel conflicted about “The Grift” because while I did enjoy the book, the first thoughts that come to mind are what I wished Cane would have included in his book. Cane made solid arguments for why some notable Black Republicans could be considered grifters but I think some readers might wonder if these individuals are exceptions to the norm. I am not making an opinion one way or another if that is the case but I wish Cane had. If he had, it would bolster his position that the GOP is exploitative in their attempts to recruit Black people to support their party. What also would have help is if he discussed in a bit more depth if the Democratic Party does the same. Cane does acknowledge the Democratic Party is far from perfect but without explaining some of the shortcomings of the Democratic Party or even the positive qualities of it, the reader has to take his word that whatever those transgressions are, they aren’t as bad as what the Republican Party is offering.

Again, I thought it this was an interesting book but I think it could have been more.

[Essence Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is definitely a book that I have to get a physical copy.
As I read, I learned a few new things, and was reintroduced to things that I had already known. One of the most interesting parts was chapter 5 "Reagan, Pierce, and Thomas". Clearance Thompson was mentioned in this chapter, and how he came to be, which was very enlightening. More than half of the book mentioned things I had not lived through, but I didn't have to because it's clear that things just continuously repeat themselves.

[Arik Darnell Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Book with Real Facts!

I was both happy and sad reading this book. Happy that factual information is presented without opinionated, factless hyperbole. Sad because of the traitors to Black people in Black skin.

The book is easy to read with a large number of references. I recommend.

[Lauren · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book promotes socialism as the solution to the problems he writes about. He views those who support capitalism as traitors.

[Socraticgadfly · Rating 2 out of 5]

DNF, for a variety of reasons, but the biggie was on page 145, re Clarence Thomas' Supreme Court confirmation hearing. Cane quotes Thomas:

"From my standpoint as a Black American, as far as I'm concerned, it is a high-tech lynching for uppity Blacks ..."

All correctly quoted.

Now, let's see the spinning in action by Cane in his next paragraph.

"High-tech lynching" was a grand grift for Thomas. There is no such thing as a high-tech lynching, but Thomas put the imaginary noose in the hands of "uppity Blacks."

First, when "lynching" is used metaphorically (or even when used literally, as lynching is not limited to hanging), yes there are high-tech lynchings.

Second, the biggie? No, Thomas did NOT put the imaginary noose in the hands of uppity Blacks. Clay can't be so stupid (I think) as to accidentally do a total misreading, so this has to be deliberate, and ergo ...

A grift on his own part.

I have no love lost for Clarence Thomas, but this is laughable. (That said, Cane gets a backhanded kudo for inspiring me to create a new bookshelf.)

I was already at the point of "grokking" here.

The first one-quarter of the book was a somewhat stale and tedious rehash of Reconstruction-era US history, with Clay stressing how Lincoln had to be pushed by Frederick Douglass, while ignoring the political context that Lincoln saw himself in at times. Sidebar: Douglass himself wasn't perfect, especially on American Indian issues, per David Blight. And, per John Stauffer, Douglass may not always have been all that in other ways.

We then move into the rise of modern Republicanism with the start of the Civil Rights movement, Goldwater, Reagan, etc. Then, Cane's grift drops. (In the next chapter, he attacks 1990s Black Republicans who went after the likes of Marion Berry and the Nation of Islam while giving a one-sided account of the reality.)

The other reason I was already at the point of grokking?

I "snapped," or rather, I chose to "snap," at yet another writing being based in part on a liberal Christian telling the world that conservative Christians "aren't real Christians."

Bullshit.

First, there's anti-gay language (Cane is gay as well as Black) in BOTH the Tanakh/Old Testament AND the New Testament. And, yes, despite efforts to explain away Paul's words by both liberal Christians and (why?) some atheists, they're anti-gay. Besides, unless one is a modern Marcionite, like Bart Ehrman, the Tanakh/Old Testament IS part of your Christian Bible anyway. And, don't say that Jesus didn't say anything one way or the other about homosexuality. He didn't say anything one way or the other about many things. Proof-texting the bible? Paralleled in the US by proof-texting the US Constitution. Don't get me started on that.

Remember that Yahweh orders a holocaust against Amalek in 1 Samuel. The Tanakh in general is religious ethno-nationalism in a way, if one wants to be blunt. But, in the New Testament? Jesus tells the Samaritan woman in John 4 that "salvation is from the Jews." In Mark, the Syro-Phoenician woman eventually has Jesus allowing that the dogs can eat the crumbs after the Jewish dinner-table crowd eats the main course.

Anyway, that's enough on that, but if some other book has the "conservative Christians aren't real Christians" as part of its thesis, I can always copy-paste. Or do that on my blog.

The idea of the Black conservative grift is real enough this book is more than one star. But no more than two, and not worth enough thought from me to parse that down to the half-star or quarter-star level.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the under-sung themes of early European contacts with Amerindians is how they were frequently assisted by native leaders who calculated that they could use the Europeans to get the better of their various rivals.

This is the analogy that occurs to me as I reflect on this work by Clay Cane, not one that is even hinted at by the author. It is my own Eurocentric reflection on the author’s distressing litany of Black figures who have, with varying blends of self-deception and venality, furthered their own careers by the simple expedient of espousing anti-Black policies.

Clay is thoughtful and allows for nuance and even nobility in certain figures such as Colin Powell. Booker T Washington before him is not so well thought of. Clarence Thomas is an especially egregious grifter who has openly acknowledged the role that affirmative action policies played in his own white-world success, even as he has worked to block the continuance of the same policies.

Clay wants to be clear about one thing: while the Democratic Party may have its share of racists and racist policies, only one of the two parties today is a true haven for racism and racists. This became nakedly obvious with the rise of Trump, and the sporadic Black figures who have risen to prominence in the Trump show are the lowest of the low because of their uncaring cynicism about the harm they may do to the Black constituency at large even as they say stuff that racist whites love to hear.

He closes with practical advice for the Black voter, and especially, the Black non-voter: it is not about committing to a choice between the lesser of two evils. The choice a dubious voter faces is between the evil of racism and the banality of a more genuinely inclusive option.

I hesitate to mention that I absorbed this as an audiobook, and that it was one of the weirdest audio experiences I have come across. Principally, it was absolutely rife with uncomfortable pauses, like long enough that you start to think your phone has died, and then the narration just keeps on going, right in the middle of a sentence. Also, I really judge you hard if you use “exasperated” when “exacerbated” is meant. That happened. I was really, really exacerbated.