Fear Itself: Exposing the Left’s Mind-Killing Agenda

by Tammy Bruce

As progressive policies get more extreme—and challenging them becomes more dangerous—the left expects most people to submit to the madness.

"Leave this to your betters,” they tell us, as the left and our bureaucratic state refine the weaponizing of fear, gaslighting us into a new normal of chronic dread and anxiety with one goal in mind—unprecedented government control over our lives. COVID, climate change, systemic racism, terrorist parents, identity politics, changing lan­guage, cancel culture—from vague designer threats to an array of ever-changing rules, carrying life-changing punishments, it’s all a scam to take away our freedoms by killing our minds.

Fear is the method of the left’s madness. As the rules dictated by progressives become more absurd, the dan­gers associated with challenging the left’s status quo are designed to be frightening, leaving the average person no alternative but to submit, leftist organizers imagine. We are expected to surrender not just from engaging in public life but also from caring about our country and what our survival means for the world. Killing our minds (along with our motivation, passion, and power) is the only way their backward and deadly progressivism can survive.

 In Fear Itself, you’ll see how none of this is nor­mal nor is it organic. And, most important, you’ll see that it can be defeated. Overcoming the weaponization of fear first requires recognizing it. Once no longer in the dark, defeating it becomes second-nature as we take back control of our lives and the destiny of our country.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, Audiobook

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 24, 2024

About the author

Tammy K. Bruce is an American conservative radio host, author, and political commentator who currently serves as Spokesperson for the United States Department of State in the second Trump administration. She has been a Fox News contributor and hosts Get Tammy Bruce on the Fox Nation streaming service. Once a prominent liberal activist and president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women, Bruce became increasingly critical of what she viewed as the failures of modern feminism and the intolerance of the political left. Her shift to conservative politics became a defining feature of her public persona.
Born in Northridge, California, Bruce left formal education at an early age but later earned a degree in political science from the University of Southern California. She began her career in entertainment and publicity before moving into feminist activism in the 1990s. Following a controversial censure by NOW, she resigned and launched the Women’s Progress Alliance. Bruce later transitioned to national radio and conservative media, becoming known for her outspoken views on political correctness, gender politics, and liberal ideology. Openly gay and pro-choice, Bruce has often challenged ideological conformity, drawing both praise and criticism from across the political spectrum.

Reviews

[Thomas George Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Bruce has yet to disappoint her readers in the books she has written to date. And this book, to this reader, is her best.

A former Democrat and a life long feminist activist, she writes with experience. Ms. Bruce paints a dark picture of how her former party is determined to silence dissent and govern by fear.

In the front flap she quotes Frank Herbert, Dune:

"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."

[Lisa Wenzel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was very informative, but more important, it provides context for the social climate in the U.S. these days. Taking the reasoning that “The more information you have, the less mysterious events and situations become,” Tammy Bruce connects the dots as to why the left’s politics come across to conservatives like they do. Being a former left wing activist, she exposes the methods to all the fear mongering with the tack that, “Just knowing there’s a method to the madness we’re experiencing, in itself reduces fear and anxiety.” If you’re a news consumer, this is well worth the read.

[Cindy Kilbourne · Rating 1 out of 5]

Delusional and biased. Right away the tone is angry and ranting. Many of the points she makes are things implemented by MAGA. Through all of her raving, all of her points can be applied to Donald Trump‘s administration in 2025 of whom she doesn’t criticize for any of its behavior. For as much as she claims the “left” is fear mongering, she is in fact fear mongering throughout the entire book; particularly in regard to immigration and minorities. For all the points she discusses regarding crime rates, I don’t hear ANY complaints about the continued rise in school shootings and mass shootings.

Don’t waste your money, if you want to read this drivel, check it out at your local library.

[Ari Damoulakis · Rating 1 out of 5]

I have more faith in the mental capacity and critical thinking skills of a gorilla compared to such qualities of this mentally-deficient idiot author. She even thinks she cam research. Even from her reading of the audio book you can hear she sounds totally thick.

[Arthur · Rating 4 out of 5]

A review for critical thinkers. Credulous liberals should read this but won't...

[Joanne]

2.5– voting purple on this one. No doubt this is a bold and impassioned work that explores the role of fear in shaping public discourse and behavior. Drawing on literature and primary sources, Bruce presents research and a forcefully argued case about how fear can be used as a tool for influence. Her writing is fiery and unapologetic, with a clear point of view that doesn’t pull punches.

While the tone can veer into the confrontational and speculative at times, the ambition behind this project is undeniable. Even for readers who may not fully align with her conclusions, the book offers a provocative and challenging perspective on the intersection of politics, human psychology, and power.

[Rita · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was familiar with Tammy Bruce from her contribution of her opinions on both Fox News and Fox Business; therefore, I was anxious to read this book.

Having come from the left herself, it was very interesting to learn how, in her opinion. the left is contriving daily to make Americans fearful of our world in general and our country in particular. Be it the "climate crisis", the fossil fuel crisis, the belief that our country is, at its core racist, or the left's position that the police should be defunded, etc.; they want us, as citizens, to live in fear and to make us believe that they are the ONLY ONES who can save us.

Ms. Bruce does a great job making her point that these people are, at their core, Marxists and wish to "fundamentally transform" our great country into a Marxist utopia where they will, then, have complete control of our lives.

Her message is to never give into this mind-killing agenda and to fight with all the tools we have to keep our country as our founders intended it to be: a constitutional republic!

[Shelli · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely an interesting read with today’s political climate. As an individual who has always been interested in studying the different types of views in politics, I learned a great deal.

[Sherrie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wasn’t too impressed about the book. She didn’t give us new information.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rahm Emmanuel, Senior advisor to President Bill Clinton, has often been quoted as saying, “You never want a serious crisis to go to waste.” When people are in the midst of any crisis, they are motivated by fear not logic and reason. Professor of Psychiatry at Montefiore/ Albert Einstein College of Medicine in NYC, Dr. Eric Hollander says that normally we “evaluate situations in a logical and conscious fashion and consider the risks and benefits of different behaviors.” When we are in the grip of fear, writes Dr Hollander, “problem solving becomes more categorical, concrete and emotional and we become more vulnerable to reactive and short-sighted solutions.” Basically, fear overpowers intelligence and people who are fearful are much more easily manipulated.

Throughout history, those in power have used fear to control the masses. Machiavelli wrote about this in 1532 in his treatise “The Prince.” Machiavelli wrote that political leaders must learn how to inspire fear in their subjects. He asserts that fear allows political authorities to consolidate their power. Machiavelli also insisted that violence and cruelty are sometimes necessary means of effective political action.

In “Fear Itself,” Tammy Bruce provides extensive psychological research on fear as well as many examples of how progressives and other politicians have used a strategy of fear to control the public with respect to various issues. I found this book interesting and enlightening despite the fact I have never been a big fan of Tammy Bruce.

Tammy Bruce has a very interesting personal history. She was a Democrat for many years and a very liberal Democrat as well. She was the president of the Los Angeles chapter of the National Organization for Women (NOW) from 1990-1996. At the time, she was the youngest woman to ever hold that office. She identifies as a lesbian and a feminist. At some point she questioned the way the Democratic Party was dealing with feminist issues. Over time, she became a conservative and is currently serving as a spokesperson for the US Department of State.


Very interesting read.

[Patrick Duran · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Marxists' personal, ultimate goal is killing your mind. Fear is transitory; killing your mind is forever. [This serves their mission in] eliminating courage and the willingness to confront the malevolent." Tammy Bruce, a former leftist, does a great job reporting on the insane fear mongering we have been exposed to for the past decade. It's all part of the Marxist playbook: demonize half the population by implementing Critical Race Theory, which furthers their goal of dividing and conquering the weak masses and ushering in totalitarianism. Mao Zedong effectively used these tactics in the Cultural Revolution in China in 1966, and some of the progressives in this country are unapologetic in their ultimate goals.

Journalists are being forced to toe the liberal line, but since only 3.4% of journalists identify as Republican in the current era, we may as well presume that all media is propaganda. David Mastro, a former writer for USA Today, spent 30 years writing op-eds with no issues, but he was ultimately canceled by the woke progressives. His crime? He wrote, "People who are pregnant are also women." Seriously. The paper was forced to demote him, and he eventually decided to leave.

Ms. Bruce provides pointers near the end of the book to assist in fighting back against the suffocating oppression during these difficult times. Basically, stay informed and stand your ground. She is a fighter and I'm glad her current role is with the U.S. Dept. of State as its spokesperson. We need more people like her to serve in the public sector.

[Erik B.K.K. · Rating 1 out of 5]

Delusional trash. If there's one party using fearmongering to gain votes it's the Republican party. Fear of progression, fear of blacks, fear of LGBTQ+, fear of immigrants, so much fear that gun-toting conservatives foam at the mouth and riot at the mere thought of banning AR-15's to stop at least a portion of (school) shootings. No, their solution is to buy more guns. Simply deranged.

[Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this informative book. Great detail and examples that explain what is going on with the added bonus of “pacts” to make with yourself not to be bamboozled or mislead down the path of fear. Tammy Bruce is a favorite!

[Quanita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Community organizers, politicians, and news media use fear to get their agendas across. Bruce challenges the reader to look beyond the hype, do their own research, and come to their own conclusions. Deserves more than 5 stars.

[Anne Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superb. Aggravating but empowering. Indoctrination in academia hits home as I’m at the tail end of that experience. And books like these just reminds me that if we don’t protect our children, no one will. Heartbreaking but lights a fire, too!!

[Reading · Rating 1 out of 5]

Incoherent hot mess

[Gary Evins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tammy Bruce calls out the Left for a tactic we know they use, but couldn't quite put our finger on the name.

[Sara · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read so many of these types of books, her agenda just didn't offer up much extra. She stayed true to what all these authors are saying.

[Neb Zell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enlightening

[Alex Shrugged · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Tammy Bruce. Have for years. I suppose it was around the OJ Simpson trial that I became aware of her. Whether I agreed with her or not I always knew she was worth listening to. Good thinking process.

With this book she quotes Frank Herbert's Dune... "Fear is the mind-killer." I like that quote, and I used it once in a Zoom meeting, but someone misheard it and thought I said, "Beer is the mind-killer." Well, I suppose it can be.

I'd love to listen to this book again.

[Mama K · Rating 5 out of 5]

SPOT on!!!
And Bruce is a FORMER Democrat

[Julie Kelleher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once you’ve read this book, you will see how pervasive fear mongering is in the United States. A very important book. A must read.