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Why We're Liberals: A Political Handbook for Post-Bush America
The bestselling author demolishes myths about liberalism in a spirited polemic
Thanks to the machinations of the right, there is no dirtier word in American politics today than “liberal”—yet public opinion polls consistently show that the majority of Americans hold liberal views on everything from health care to foreign policy. In this feisty, accessible primer, bestselling author Eric Alterman sets out to restore liberalism to its rightful honored place in our political life as the politics of America’s everyday citizens.
In Why We’re Liberals Alterman examines liberalism’s development and demonstrates how its partisans have come to represent not just the mainstream, but also the majority of Americans today. In a crisply argued though extensively documented counterattack on right-wing spin and misinformation, Alterman briskly disposes of such canards as “Liberals Hate God” and “Liberals Are Soft on Terrorism,” reclaiming liberalism from the false definitions foisted upon it by the right and repeated everywhere else. Why We’re Liberals brings clarity and perspective to what has often been a one-sided debate for nothing less than the heart and soul of America. Why We’re Liberals is the perfect election-year book for all of those ready to fight back against the conservative mud-slinging machine and claim their voice in the political debate.
Thanks to the machinations of the right, there is no dirtier word in American politics today than “liberal”—yet public opinion polls consistently show that the majority of Americans hold liberal views on everything from health care to foreign policy. In this feisty, accessible primer, bestselling author Eric Alterman sets out to restore liberalism to its rightful honored place in our political life as the politics of America’s everyday citizens.
In Why We’re Liberals Alterman examines liberalism’s development and demonstrates how its partisans have come to represent not just the mainstream, but also the majority of Americans today. In a crisply argued though extensively documented counterattack on right-wing spin and misinformation, Alterman briskly disposes of such canards as “Liberals Hate God” and “Liberals Are Soft on Terrorism,” reclaiming liberalism from the false definitions foisted upon it by the right and repeated everywhere else. Why We’re Liberals brings clarity and perspective to what has often been a one-sided debate for nothing less than the heart and soul of America. Why We’re Liberals is the perfect election-year book for all of those ready to fight back against the conservative mud-slinging machine and claim their voice in the political debate.
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2008
19 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Eric Alterman
22 books38 followersEric Alterman is a CUNY Distinguished Professor of English and Journalism, a media columnist for the Nation, a Senior Fellow at the Center for American Progress, and the author of seven books, including the national bestsellers What Liberal Media? and The Book on Bush. He lives in New York City.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
June 19, 2008
Something got garbled between the writing of this book and the selection of the title. It's far less about the moral underpinnings of liberalism and more a catalog of conservative hypocrisy. Which is fine if that's what you're looking for, but I've read enough of that already. If you're looking for a coherent explanation of liberalism, I recommend Being Right Is Not Enough by Paul Waldman. I've also got The Conscience of a Liberal by Paul Krugman on my list.
June 20, 2014
The first half of this book was really good - great history of the rise of the liberal and conservative movements, a good perspective on the Bush years (this was published in 2008). So much so, that I was thinking the title and cartoonish cover did a disservice to the book. But then he got into some of the more social issues, and I started to get really annoyed. I had to cut him a bit of slack on the gay-marriage stuff - it was 2008, and marriage equality was just getting started. Ok. But abortion rights? He was way too wishy-washy and middle of the road to call himself a true liberal. He's clearly never actually talked to a woman who needed to terminate a pregnancy.
And maybe it's because I'm reading this in an Obama/Tea-Party/Occupy Movement world, so I just feel like he's a bit soft on where we need to be as a movement. So, 3.5 stars.
And maybe it's because I'm reading this in an Obama/Tea-Party/Occupy Movement world, so I just feel like he's a bit soft on where we need to be as a movement. So, 3.5 stars.
November 16, 2008
If you are liberal, or even just think you are you MUST read it. This book changed my view of the world and let me hear the call of war. For far too long we liberals stood in the shadows ashamed of our name, no more. The conservatives must prepare to come and do battle, and learn once again that we will not stand down and allow them to trample upon our views.
January 13, 2018
It was very thorough, for better or worse, though at the length, that should be a given.
It took me a while to read this book and by the end I forgot what some of the chapters were about. It didn't help that while reading these chapters, I usually felt like the chapter title could be for a different topic or the text could have had a different question. I sometimes liked how he just had moments of hypocrisy just plopped on the table for everyone, but I don't really think that's the best rhetoric for arguments.
There were some chapters where I just disagreed with him, though I guess this comes down to liberalism in the mid-2000's versus trying to shed neoliberalism in the mid-2010's.
It took me a while to read this book and by the end I forgot what some of the chapters were about. It didn't help that while reading these chapters, I usually felt like the chapter title could be for a different topic or the text could have had a different question. I sometimes liked how he just had moments of hypocrisy just plopped on the table for everyone, but I don't really think that's the best rhetoric for arguments.
There were some chapters where I just disagreed with him, though I guess this comes down to liberalism in the mid-2000's versus trying to shed neoliberalism in the mid-2010's.
December 5, 2017
This was a pretty good book covering a wide range of topics. At a decade old, some of it is a little dated with references to names that are sometimes forgotten now. Sometimes it's a little heavy on quotes instead of analysis. I think it's a little self congratulatory but looking at when it was published, it makes sense for why he thinks American liberalism is okay.
May 8, 2012
I was expecting an exploration of ideology and philosophy, instead it's an annoying sermon on the ills of the Republicans and a bunch of mansplaining about the problems of the pro-choice movement and whiny feminists and civil rights activists not towing the line exclusively for the Democrats.
Screw you. Seriously.
Screw you. Seriously.
July 30, 2024
A MARVELOUS CRITICAL SUMMARY OF LIBERAL/PROGRESSIVE VIEWS
Eric Alterman (born 1960) is a journalist, blogger, and commentator, who has also written books such as 'Kabuki Democracy: The System vs. Barack Obama,' 'The Cause: The Fight for American Liberalism from Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama,' 'What Liberal Media? The Truth About Bias and the News,' etc.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2008 book, "That liberals remain on the defensive regarding the accusation that their positions are out of step is more the product of effective conservative propaganda and credulous reporting than any genuinely identifiable trends in public opinion, but it serves nevertheless to effectively prevent our political system from responding to the democratic demands of its citizens. If this book serves only one purpose, it would be to help remove this logjam and thereby open the way for Americans to get the government they repeatedly say they want." (Pg. 17)
He admits, "Herein lies one of liberalism's most glaring weaknesses, and one that consistently mitigates its political effectiveness. Because many liberals believe themselves to be 'above politics,' they are unwilling or unable to commit themselves to the kinds of political compromise and cooperation that make political wheels spin." (Pg. 60)
After considering several European nations, he suggests, "While these societies are hardly utopias---much of Europe remains riven by apparently insoluble Islamic immigration crisis and relatively high unemployment---the benefits provided by many if not most of these societies would, for most Americans, prove a wonder to behold. Despite the fact that Americans work nearly four hundred more hours a year than those famously industrious Germans, and more than workers in virtually every western European nation by a considerable margin, these same states somehow sponsor far more generous programs of training and job mobility, and pay generous unemployment benefits." (Pg. 63)
He argues, "Liberals do, indeed, pay a political price for the media's insistence on using Hollywood celebrities as emblems of liberalism... When tied to movie stars who go to charity balls for causes like animal rights and the environment... liberalism becomes a politics 'of shallow appearances, of fatuous self-righteousness.'... (this) is not a politics likely to be attractive to large numbers of people." (Pg. 184) He adds, "Liberals, particularly religious liberals, have done a poor job of communicating their own bedrock values to America's religious majority. Following the 1960s the left made the politically suicidal choice of cultural radicalism, which succeeded, over political and economic radicalism, which failed." (Pg. 237)
Alterman's book will be of extreme interest to liberals and progressives, and may also be of interest to others who simply want to see a well-argued defense of the philosophy.
Eric Alterman (born 1960) is a journalist, blogger, and commentator, who has also written books such as 'Kabuki Democracy: The System vs. Barack Obama,' 'The Cause: The Fight for American Liberalism from Franklin Roosevelt to Barack Obama,' 'What Liberal Media? The Truth About Bias and the News,' etc.
He wrote in the Introduction to this 2008 book, "That liberals remain on the defensive regarding the accusation that their positions are out of step is more the product of effective conservative propaganda and credulous reporting than any genuinely identifiable trends in public opinion, but it serves nevertheless to effectively prevent our political system from responding to the democratic demands of its citizens. If this book serves only one purpose, it would be to help remove this logjam and thereby open the way for Americans to get the government they repeatedly say they want." (Pg. 17)
He admits, "Herein lies one of liberalism's most glaring weaknesses, and one that consistently mitigates its political effectiveness. Because many liberals believe themselves to be 'above politics,' they are unwilling or unable to commit themselves to the kinds of political compromise and cooperation that make political wheels spin." (Pg. 60)
After considering several European nations, he suggests, "While these societies are hardly utopias---much of Europe remains riven by apparently insoluble Islamic immigration crisis and relatively high unemployment---the benefits provided by many if not most of these societies would, for most Americans, prove a wonder to behold. Despite the fact that Americans work nearly four hundred more hours a year than those famously industrious Germans, and more than workers in virtually every western European nation by a considerable margin, these same states somehow sponsor far more generous programs of training and job mobility, and pay generous unemployment benefits." (Pg. 63)
He argues, "Liberals do, indeed, pay a political price for the media's insistence on using Hollywood celebrities as emblems of liberalism... When tied to movie stars who go to charity balls for causes like animal rights and the environment... liberalism becomes a politics 'of shallow appearances, of fatuous self-righteousness.'... (this) is not a politics likely to be attractive to large numbers of people." (Pg. 184) He adds, "Liberals, particularly religious liberals, have done a poor job of communicating their own bedrock values to America's religious majority. Following the 1960s the left made the politically suicidal choice of cultural radicalism, which succeeded, over political and economic radicalism, which failed." (Pg. 237)
Alterman's book will be of extreme interest to liberals and progressives, and may also be of interest to others who simply want to see a well-argued defense of the philosophy.
November 21, 2020
As a liberal, I was both pleased and offended by this book. Pleased because Alterman understood exactly what he was talking about; offended because he used sarcasm to try to make his point. Alterman has made a career of taking the liberal fight to the right, even as a columnist for The Daily Beast, but the level of sarcasm in this book almost seems to demonstrate an inability to separate opposing statements from the truth. It is impossible for the casual reader to take the book seriously, and the literalism on the right allows them to completely miss the points he attempts to make in this book by using the sarcastic statements as confirmation of their bias.
If you can see through the sarcasm, this is an excellent book to understand liberalism. Unfortunately, it fails in all other respects.
Note: By "sarcasm", I use the standard definition of the words and the meaning not matching each other.
If you can see through the sarcasm, this is an excellent book to understand liberalism. Unfortunately, it fails in all other respects.
Note: By "sarcasm", I use the standard definition of the words and the meaning not matching each other.
November 23, 2025
I received this book anonymously for my birthday, and I picked it up this summer. It's been eye-opening to revisit the Bush years and the rise of today's brand of conservatism. It's interesting to see that, indeed, liberalism did reposition itself in the Obama campaign but then the Trump administration reactivated the worst of Bush years and somehow made it even worse. There's an analysis of how Bush wanted to show that government doesn't help people, undermined FEMA, and then got the exact results that you get when you think that and undercut programs that *do* indeed help people.
The book made me think and got me thinking about how we talk about these values and how, 20 years later, liberals are still struggling to defend in words and actions the extraordinary benefits of liberal approaches to society. We've got to be better.
The book made me think and got me thinking about how we talk about these values and how, 20 years later, liberals are still struggling to defend in words and actions the extraordinary benefits of liberal approaches to society. We've got to be better.
March 14, 2008
Republicans have devoted a lot of resources to the smearing of liberals, but Eric Alterman is not going to let them get away with it. He has a mission to correct misconceptions spewed by conservatives and regurgitated by mainstream media. His well-researched "Handbook for Post-Bush America" is chock-full of the staggering statistics, rational reasoning, and liberal principles that are under-represented – and sometimes completely absent – in the so-called "liberal media." This history of liberalism is an opportunity for young progressives to read about a time when liberalism was unbelievably popular, and to discover the origins of stereotypes that plague modern liberalism, many of which are baseless.
In chapters like "Why Do Liberals Hate Patriotism?", "Why Do Liberals Hate Religion?" and "Why Are Liberals Such Wimps?" Alterman attacks the assumptions that liberals are "soft" on national defense and crime and rejects the nonsensical labels – like "elitist," "tax-and-spend" and "anti-family" – that form the modern liberal public relations crisis. While any self-described liberal should realize the ridiculousness of these accusations, many are treated as fact by both conservative and moderate pundits and media sources. Proud liberals may feel the book is preaching to the choir, but as the old saying goes, "That's how you make them sing." Liberals have a lot of singing to do if they want to reclaim their good name, and provide the logic and compassion America needs to fight the reactionary politics and religious fundamentalism offered by conservatives.
Alterman insists that liberals have a unique opportunity at this particular moment, and also acknowledges the difficulties we face. He also has no problem with telling liberals what they're doing wrong, and he makes some interesting suggestions for politicians and pundits in the wake of the utter catastrophe of the Bush regime. Some of his ideas are already being used by prominent Democrats. However, some of his ideas walk the fine line between pragmatism and abandoning liberal ideals. Alterman does not want liberals to make the same mistakes they have made in the past – a logical, if somewhat bloodless stance.
The most inspiring part of Why We're Liberals may be the argument that a supermajority of Americans hold liberal viewpoints, but do not call themselves liberals. In his conclusion, Alterman writes: "...Most Americans are indeed liberals. They'd prefer to live in a society with increased equality of opportunity; greater access to health care for all; a more equitable system of taxation; a healthier respect for the environment; and a less belligerent and more cooperative foreign policy." If liberals are in fact a silent majority, it is time for us to demand the representation we deserve.
Review originally published at Feminist Review.
In chapters like "Why Do Liberals Hate Patriotism?", "Why Do Liberals Hate Religion?" and "Why Are Liberals Such Wimps?" Alterman attacks the assumptions that liberals are "soft" on national defense and crime and rejects the nonsensical labels – like "elitist," "tax-and-spend" and "anti-family" – that form the modern liberal public relations crisis. While any self-described liberal should realize the ridiculousness of these accusations, many are treated as fact by both conservative and moderate pundits and media sources. Proud liberals may feel the book is preaching to the choir, but as the old saying goes, "That's how you make them sing." Liberals have a lot of singing to do if they want to reclaim their good name, and provide the logic and compassion America needs to fight the reactionary politics and religious fundamentalism offered by conservatives.
Alterman insists that liberals have a unique opportunity at this particular moment, and also acknowledges the difficulties we face. He also has no problem with telling liberals what they're doing wrong, and he makes some interesting suggestions for politicians and pundits in the wake of the utter catastrophe of the Bush regime. Some of his ideas are already being used by prominent Democrats. However, some of his ideas walk the fine line between pragmatism and abandoning liberal ideals. Alterman does not want liberals to make the same mistakes they have made in the past – a logical, if somewhat bloodless stance.
The most inspiring part of Why We're Liberals may be the argument that a supermajority of Americans hold liberal viewpoints, but do not call themselves liberals. In his conclusion, Alterman writes: "...Most Americans are indeed liberals. They'd prefer to live in a society with increased equality of opportunity; greater access to health care for all; a more equitable system of taxation; a healthier respect for the environment; and a less belligerent and more cooperative foreign policy." If liberals are in fact a silent majority, it is time for us to demand the representation we deserve.
Review originally published at Feminist Review.
September 14, 2008
In between dumping water out of my basement into a sink (where it traveled through the sump pump, out into the yard and back into my basement), I devoured Alterman's post-Bush seismic map defending liberalism and arguing that it represents the views of Americans and it can save the day yet.
What I like most about Alterman is that he doesn't pretend liberals are perfect--we wouldn't be liberals if we did--but what I like even more are the facts he trots out to prove his points. Pew Research studies. Media Matters. Budget analyses (more economic growth on Democrats' watch? get out of town!). Mainstream media quotes (the New York Times trumpeted the call to war in 2003? surely you jest!). And on and on. He decimates commonly-held assumptions about liberals: that we're wimps, that we're tax-and-spend fanatics, that we hate America, that we hate religion, that we get ugly and name-call in the face of defeat.
I can't say I agree with everything in the book--to name but one example, Alterman refers to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenager as "revered" by the right, when I can think of any number of references to him from conservative pundits as a hypocrite and damaging the economy; and to name another example, I'm more than a little suspicious of his trumpeting the liberal blogosphere as an asset in the coming election, their fundraising muscle notwithstanding. Still, I find his analysis acute, spot-on, and, if if's not a veritable roadmap for genuine liberals towards governing effectively (he mentions Barack Obama but once, and in a quote from one of his memoirs no less), at least it's a genuine litmus test for the rest of us on how to hold ourselves, and our leaders accountable.
What I like most about Alterman is that he doesn't pretend liberals are perfect--we wouldn't be liberals if we did--but what I like even more are the facts he trots out to prove his points. Pew Research studies. Media Matters. Budget analyses (more economic growth on Democrats' watch? get out of town!). Mainstream media quotes (the New York Times trumpeted the call to war in 2003? surely you jest!). And on and on. He decimates commonly-held assumptions about liberals: that we're wimps, that we're tax-and-spend fanatics, that we hate America, that we hate religion, that we get ugly and name-call in the face of defeat.
I can't say I agree with everything in the book--to name but one example, Alterman refers to California Governor Arnold Schwarzenager as "revered" by the right, when I can think of any number of references to him from conservative pundits as a hypocrite and damaging the economy; and to name another example, I'm more than a little suspicious of his trumpeting the liberal blogosphere as an asset in the coming election, their fundraising muscle notwithstanding. Still, I find his analysis acute, spot-on, and, if if's not a veritable roadmap for genuine liberals towards governing effectively (he mentions Barack Obama but once, and in a quote from one of his memoirs no less), at least it's a genuine litmus test for the rest of us on how to hold ourselves, and our leaders accountable.
October 30, 2008
I picked this up at the library. So far the author has discussed liberalism not as a strictly left-side political ideology, but as the foundation of our country (Jefferson, Madison, etc). It is supposed to be about being open to new ideas, creating a strong democracy for everyone, and creating policies that support individual opportunity while protecting minority interests. But liberalism has been demonized since the 70's by the media and far-right fundamentalism. Perhaps we are on the cusp of change. Only time will tell.
--I liked this book, while I didn't always agree with the author, he made many good points. The foremost point being, that liberal ideals are actually what most Americans embrace. It is only the media and Republican party that tell us otherwise. What I didn't like about the book was that most of his arguments centered on the Bush administration, rather than what liberals are actually doing and why that is a good thing. So its a good book, but could have been better.
--I liked this book, while I didn't always agree with the author, he made many good points. The foremost point being, that liberal ideals are actually what most Americans embrace. It is only the media and Republican party that tell us otherwise. What I didn't like about the book was that most of his arguments centered on the Bush administration, rather than what liberals are actually doing and why that is a good thing. So its a good book, but could have been better.
May 11, 2016
This book was kind of a disappointment. I very much enjoyed the first part, in which Alterman outlines what it has meant to be a liberal historically and what it means today. However, the second part, in which Alterman is supposed to defend liberalism against the stereotypes perpetuated by conservatives in recent years, is nothing more than a list of ways that the Bush administration has been hypocritical. So far, it has given me nothing new and feels like he's stooping to the same level of accusations without offering any solutions. He certainly hasn't been showing what is good about being a liberal.
August 2, 2011
Alterman does a fine job of reclaiming liberalism as a legitimate political philosophy while debunking the vicious smears of conservatives, many of which are parrotted by the mainstream media. Particularly interesting is the revelation that most Americans hold liberal views on many issues, though they would not identify themselves as liberals. It's a sad truth, however, that Alterman will mostly be preaching to the choir. I doubt this book will be read by many conservatives or, more importantly, the many people who would identify themselves as liberals were they not brainwashed by the slanders against liberals and liberalism.
October 25, 2016
Very disappointing! Eric Alterman wrote what he apparently thought was a liberal answer to the likes of Rush Limbaugh. First of all, that defeats the liberal (even as opposed to formally Liberal or Progressive) thought processes. I didn't much care for Bush, but this book was relatively pointless and about as far from objective as books were at that time.
Next, having not been able to finish a Limbaugh book (I tried once), I feel like the time spent here was wasted on pettiness. Writing style is very adolescent as well - not impressive!
I've tried two books by Eric Alterman - no more wasted time!
Next, having not been able to finish a Limbaugh book (I tried once), I feel like the time spent here was wasted on pettiness. Writing style is very adolescent as well - not impressive!
I've tried two books by Eric Alterman - no more wasted time!
May 14, 2008
Even though much of what is in this book appeared has appeared in Alterman's columns, it's a good experience to have it all in one place. His historical perspecptive helps put the current scene in context.
An update: I get angry when I read this book because of the Alerman's documentation of the right wing dirty tricks that have distorted what passes for public discourse in this country. I'm almost finished with the book, but I can read only a little at a time and definitely not before I go to bed.
An update: I get angry when I read this book because of the Alerman's documentation of the right wing dirty tricks that have distorted what passes for public discourse in this country. I'm almost finished with the book, but I can read only a little at a time and definitely not before I go to bed.
June 12, 2008
Useful compilation of refutations to common anti-liberal arguments. I'd definitely recommend it to either someone who spends a lot of time arguing with conservatives about American politics, or someone who's disgusted with the current conservative regime but isn't sure whether or not they'd be comfortable supporting a liberal.
August 8, 2008
Extremely informative; it dispels the myth of "liberal" being such a bad thing. The author gets back to the true meaning of "liberal" & how the liberals of today seemed to have forgotten what a liberal is.
August 14, 2008
Okay, so I tried to listen to this on tape. It had some interesting points but grew old rather quickly. I quit after 15 electronic chapters.
Want to read
December 14, 2010Another book I bought with my birthday gift card that I'm hoping will be a balm to my battered liberal soul.
August 16, 2008
I really wanted to read this, but couldn't get thru the first 50 pages.
Currently reading
July 2, 2008Just starting...
Read
November 4, 2008Very interesting, and gratifying to read after what I've3 seen in this election year, with obama selling out to the centrists and all the talk of "bi-partisanship".
December 13, 2008
I gave up on this one. You either agree with the message or you don't but either way the writing isn't engaging enough to make me want to keep reading
January 10, 2010
A vigorous defense of liberalism and a rallying cry for any liberal who wants to see a bright future for this nation.
September 6, 2010
Finished! Sorry Joe, I forgot to send it along with Papa!
It sure is tough being a liberal!
It sure is tough being a liberal!
February 17, 2011
this one was a bit dry for my taste - I like Alterman's writing, but, he seemed to lose interest after leaving his MSNBC blog
October 14, 2011
Book was 2008 looking backward. We need 2010 looking forward. The title is misleading. It was more about what the right thinks than what the left should do.
April 16, 2013
Helpful to see a political liberal explain his own position. I appreciated his critique of his own ideology and appreciated his call for grounding liberal thought in Scripture.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews