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Antidemocratic: Inside the Far Right’s 50-Year Plot to Control American Elections
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432 pages, Paperback
Published September 3, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 29 reviews
October 7, 2024
Required Reading!
I can’t think of another book I’ve read this year that is as important and timely as David Daley’s Antidemocratic. Every American voter needs to read Daley’s extraordinary book.
I can’t think of another book I’ve read this year that is as important and timely as David Daley’s Antidemocratic. Every American voter needs to read Daley’s extraordinary book.
September 26, 2024
Thank you Mariner Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own. No review was required as a condition for receiving the advance reading copy and no review was promised.
Mr. Book just finished Antidemocratic, by David Daley. I had very high expectations coming into this book, as I had already read two by this author. I had given one of them an A+ and the other an A.
The focus of this book is on how the Republicans have used the courts as their biggest weapon in their war on voting. As Daley correctly points out, the party is no longer interested in winning elections by getting majority support.
Daley does an excellent job dismantling Chief Justice Roberts’s claim that judges are nothing more than impartial umpires. Instead, he shows how they are extreme partisan actors, ruling out for political purposes, not as neutral arbiters of the law. As Harvard Law School professor Charles Fried, former Solicitor General under Reagan, points out “This would become John Roberts’s life work, undermining voting rights and the Voting Rights Act.”
Daley’s profile of Justice Lewis Powell, the original architect of their movement, is one of the great strengths of the book, especially his discussion of City of Mobile v. Bolton. Meanwhile, his profile of the virtually unknown David Horowitz, who was very instrumental in the early days of the movement, is a very valuable addition to the literature.
Antidemocratic’s look at the origins of the Federalist Society and Attorney General Meese’s role in spreading originalism was outstanding. But, he also discusses those who were working behind the scenes to get everything done.
The Supreme Court’s lack of respect for any precedent they don’t like it covered by the book. And so is Chief Justice’s Roberts contempt for oversight and the opinions of the public. In his own words, “They don’t elect us. If they don’t like what we’re doing, it’s more or less just too bad.”
The discussion of the terrible ruling in Shelby County v. Holder was excellent. In that case, the Supreme Court not only declared key provisions of the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional, but made it virtually impossible for Congress to fix things in way the court will approve.
The book does an excellent job showing the consequences of the court’s ruling Some examples are the increase in gerrymandering and voter suppression laws that would otherwise have been blocked from going into effect. For example, voter participation in Alabama (where Shelby County is located) fell all the way down to 41% in the first election after the Shelby County decision. That’s the first time it was under 50% since 1986.
The book does an outstanding job talking about gerrymandering and how 50 million people live in states where, in at least one or both chambers of the legislature, the Democrats get more votes for the state legislature, but the Republicans get more seats. As Daley puts it, “Democrats win more votes. Republicans hold power.” And the same thing happens at the federal level. For example, in North Carolina, the Republicans held 10 of their 13 House seats for nearly the entire 2010s, even in years in which the Democrats won the statewide congressional vote.
As Daley points out, even Moore v. Harper, which appears to a victory for voting rights, also contains within itself a potential disaster for presidential elections. Roberts’s ruling contains the means by which the court can play Calvinball—a game in which the only permanent rule is the rules are made up each time Calvin and Hobbes played it—in an upcoming presidential election..
Even prior to reading this, Mr. Book already had Daley’s Ratf**ked, which was his book on gerrymandering, on the list of books to reread. Now, he is even more looking forward to rereading it. Also, right after finishing the book, Mr. Book just preordered the audiobook version, so he can enjoy it again when it is released.
Mr. gave this book an A+, which also means it is inducted into his Hall of Fame. Amazon, Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In his personal conversion system, an A+ equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
This review has been posted at NetGalley and Goodreads. It will also be posted at Amazon, as soon as the book is released to the public and I will also be posting it at my new book review blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews, which I expect to have up and running later in the week
Mr. Book just finished Antidemocratic, by David Daley. I had very high expectations coming into this book, as I had already read two by this author. I had given one of them an A+ and the other an A.
The focus of this book is on how the Republicans have used the courts as their biggest weapon in their war on voting. As Daley correctly points out, the party is no longer interested in winning elections by getting majority support.
Daley does an excellent job dismantling Chief Justice Roberts’s claim that judges are nothing more than impartial umpires. Instead, he shows how they are extreme partisan actors, ruling out for political purposes, not as neutral arbiters of the law. As Harvard Law School professor Charles Fried, former Solicitor General under Reagan, points out “This would become John Roberts’s life work, undermining voting rights and the Voting Rights Act.”
Daley’s profile of Justice Lewis Powell, the original architect of their movement, is one of the great strengths of the book, especially his discussion of City of Mobile v. Bolton. Meanwhile, his profile of the virtually unknown David Horowitz, who was very instrumental in the early days of the movement, is a very valuable addition to the literature.
Antidemocratic’s look at the origins of the Federalist Society and Attorney General Meese’s role in spreading originalism was outstanding. But, he also discusses those who were working behind the scenes to get everything done.
The Supreme Court’s lack of respect for any precedent they don’t like it covered by the book. And so is Chief Justice’s Roberts contempt for oversight and the opinions of the public. In his own words, “They don’t elect us. If they don’t like what we’re doing, it’s more or less just too bad.”
The discussion of the terrible ruling in Shelby County v. Holder was excellent. In that case, the Supreme Court not only declared key provisions of the Voting Rights Act unconstitutional, but made it virtually impossible for Congress to fix things in way the court will approve.
The book does an excellent job showing the consequences of the court’s ruling Some examples are the increase in gerrymandering and voter suppression laws that would otherwise have been blocked from going into effect. For example, voter participation in Alabama (where Shelby County is located) fell all the way down to 41% in the first election after the Shelby County decision. That’s the first time it was under 50% since 1986.
The book does an outstanding job talking about gerrymandering and how 50 million people live in states where, in at least one or both chambers of the legislature, the Democrats get more votes for the state legislature, but the Republicans get more seats. As Daley puts it, “Democrats win more votes. Republicans hold power.” And the same thing happens at the federal level. For example, in North Carolina, the Republicans held 10 of their 13 House seats for nearly the entire 2010s, even in years in which the Democrats won the statewide congressional vote.
As Daley points out, even Moore v. Harper, which appears to a victory for voting rights, also contains within itself a potential disaster for presidential elections. Roberts’s ruling contains the means by which the court can play Calvinball—a game in which the only permanent rule is the rules are made up each time Calvin and Hobbes played it—in an upcoming presidential election..
Even prior to reading this, Mr. Book already had Daley’s Ratf**ked, which was his book on gerrymandering, on the list of books to reread. Now, he is even more looking forward to rereading it. Also, right after finishing the book, Mr. Book just preordered the audiobook version, so he can enjoy it again when it is released.
Mr. gave this book an A+, which also means it is inducted into his Hall of Fame. Amazon, Goodreads and NetGalley require grades on a 1-5 star system. In his personal conversion system, an A+ equates to 5 stars. (A or A+: 5 stars, B+: 4 stars, B: 3 stars, C: 2 stars, D or F: 1 star).
This review has been posted at NetGalley and Goodreads. It will also be posted at Amazon, as soon as the book is released to the public and I will also be posting it at my new book review blog, Mr. Book’s Book Reviews, which I expect to have up and running later in the week
November 23, 2024
Written by an expert on gerrymandering, this is a book about the modern Republican Party and its endeavors to change American politics to its liking, "not via elections, but through the courts." In particular, this is a book that focuses on the "incrementalist" Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts and his efforts to slowly erode the protections of the Voting Rights Act. Despite working in politics, it's a subject that I had heard little about, but one that the author makes quite compelling and attention-grabbing.
Given the author's central thesis, it can often feel like Republicans are always having their motives interrogated and yet Democrats get a pass for their misdeeds, which is a drawback. Nonetheless, the author makes good efforts at academic neutrality for most of the book, leading to a thus more fulfilling push for Supreme Court reform. The so-called "octopus orgy" that blends the legal system with dark money, the influence in judicial circles of the Federalist Society, and "political horse trading" on the highest court in the land are all described in detail to show how a lengthy push by the right has led to less power for all of us.
Does one have a constitutional right to "a vote or an actual voice"? With our "system of checks and balances" being "hijacked", the author argues, we are shifting as a nation toward "autocracy." Peeling back political spin and drawing attention to the supposedly moderate Chief Justice, I found this to be one of the smartest and most interesting political books of the year. Rather than simply panicking about the election of Donald Trump and who he might appoint to his Cabinet, I recommend this book to political junkies to understand the threats to the judiciary that continue.
Given the author's central thesis, it can often feel like Republicans are always having their motives interrogated and yet Democrats get a pass for their misdeeds, which is a drawback. Nonetheless, the author makes good efforts at academic neutrality for most of the book, leading to a thus more fulfilling push for Supreme Court reform. The so-called "octopus orgy" that blends the legal system with dark money, the influence in judicial circles of the Federalist Society, and "political horse trading" on the highest court in the land are all described in detail to show how a lengthy push by the right has led to less power for all of us.
Does one have a constitutional right to "a vote or an actual voice"? With our "system of checks and balances" being "hijacked", the author argues, we are shifting as a nation toward "autocracy." Peeling back political spin and drawing attention to the supposedly moderate Chief Justice, I found this to be one of the smartest and most interesting political books of the year. Rather than simply panicking about the election of Donald Trump and who he might appoint to his Cabinet, I recommend this book to political junkies to understand the threats to the judiciary that continue.
January 24, 2026
Antidemocratic is challenge to both read and rate. The light this book shines on the changes in voter rights, elections and anything the Christian right deems a priority exceeds the utmost importance. The U.S. has been moving steadfastly toward minority rule by changing laws on who can vote and how districts are drawn. The book is a 5 star when determining the importance of the topic. The book infuriates and saddens anyone who sees the American experiment as a more noble enterprise of effective and equitable self-ruling governance. Unfortunately, the readability is tough because of the inherently dry and tedious nature of proving the points and providing supporting evidence. The book succeeds in proving its hypothesis and can only do so with a bit of a slog of a read for which I respect and have to rate as a 3. The average of those two rating elements make this a 4 star book. I recommend everyone read this book. Alas, there will be those on the right who will see this as great from the perspective of effectively using long term strategy to acquire power despite not having the popular support for those positions and there will be people on all sides who will be aghast at the country moving toward its own minority rule nation as an outcome of a rigged election system of gerrymandering and voter suppression.
September 24, 2025
So much of what I want to say about individuals named in this book would get me in trouble. So instead, I'll leave it at this: the Republican party, with the help of chief justice John Roberts and the Federalist Society's Leonard Leo, ratf*cked this country in the pursuit of power. They lied to our faces for decades about being "strict textualists" and enforcing the law based on the constitution and the intent of congress. They've formed their own "deep state" within the court system that rubber stamps all but the most blatant forms of disenfranchisement and minority voter dilution, which has lead to the insane gerrymandering we see across the country, the constant cries of voter fraud when there is no proof, the vast sums of dark money pouring into every facet of the political process, and the cementing of minority rule, likely for decades to come.
All because the right is full of racist, whiny b*tches, who are still upset that black people had their right to vote defended in the 60s.
All because the right is full of racist, whiny b*tches, who are still upset that black people had their right to vote defended in the 60s.
July 24, 2024
This was a difficult book to read. It made me angry and depressed. If you had doubts about the lack of integrity and political nature of the Supreme Court, the book will confirm your suspicions. Mr. Daley does an excellent job of showing how Justices, in particular Roberts, cherry picked cases coming before the court regarding voting rights that would overturn VRA. Mr. Daly also goes in-depth to show how The Federalist Society lead by Leonard Leo have moved stack the courts with ultra conservative judges at both the federal and state levels. When Republican legislatures gerrymandering voting maps the conservative judges rule in favor of taking away voting rights. I would like to say the book ends with hope but ultimately it does not.
August 29, 2024
The information in this book is daunting and important. I reread many parts a few times to understand what was being told. It wasn't always clear who was on which side of the issue but probably because it is hard to describe the sneaky corruption. I get the main points here and I think Americans should educate themselves on what is going on behind the scenes in this country. The Supreme Court, the Federalist Society, Country wide appointed judges, law schools, these are not fair, inclusive, honorable entities and people should be very aware. The book could use some better editing but the information is there if you put in the time to get through it.
September 30, 2024
A frightening look at the state of our democracy today. The far right, led by John Roberts and his far right cohorts on the Supreme Court have decimated our democracy, and led us toward authoritarianism. Change needs to come to the Supreme Court--term limits, mandatory retirement, ethics requirements, among others. And the Electoral College needs to be discarded. Even if a candidate wins the popular vote, if he does not win the Electoral College vote, he loses. Where is government by the people? Change needs to come, or we are doomed as a democracy!
never-finished
November 25, 2024Just NOT the right time to read this (2 weeks after the November 5, 2024 election)...it's holiday time and I just want to spend good time with family.
I did find it difficult to read this (even tho I didn't get very far into it), also, because of the font the publishers chose...small and squished together...it's a difficult book to read, simply because of its subject...and the chosen font makes it even more difficult...
Sad, because it should be something we can easily read so we can understand our current predicament(s).
I did find it difficult to read this (even tho I didn't get very far into it), also, because of the font the publishers chose...small and squished together...it's a difficult book to read, simply because of its subject...and the chosen font makes it even more difficult...
Sad, because it should be something we can easily read so we can understand our current predicament(s).
July 11, 2025
4.5
I want to say that this book (written before the 2024 election) should be required reading for American voters, but the truth is that some days, I am not sure we will ever have a free and fair election ever again.
Thanks to the insidious, decades-long movement of planting extreme partisan actors into the courts, the Republican party no longer has be focused on winning majority support elections, because they yield an unbelievable amount of power.
This is difficult and depressing, but very important.
I want to say that this book (written before the 2024 election) should be required reading for American voters, but the truth is that some days, I am not sure we will ever have a free and fair election ever again.
Thanks to the insidious, decades-long movement of planting extreme partisan actors into the courts, the Republican party no longer has be focused on winning majority support elections, because they yield an unbelievable amount of power.
This is difficult and depressing, but very important.
March 20, 2025
Wow! What an important and timely book. Daley carefully tracks a far right movement to control the judicial system by fostering conservative ideology in law schools, appointing conservative judges, chipping away at the power of the voting rights act, handpicking plaintiffs to bring cases before the Supreme Court at the right time, and more, over a very long period of time. He shows how a small group of forward-thinking conservatives patiently played a long game to achieve their goals.
This book is chilling, shocking and informative, but it’s also long. As much as I learned and felt sick or depressed, I also felt that the author got too much in the weeds about some issues, especially in the first third. After that, it got more propulsive and interesting. I do recommend this book if you are concerned about rthe direction of the judiciary, gerrymandering, disenfranchisement, or checks and balances. It would also be a great book if you are interested in the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Roberts or the Federalist Society.
This book is chilling, shocking and informative, but it’s also long. As much as I learned and felt sick or depressed, I also felt that the author got too much in the weeds about some issues, especially in the first third. After that, it got more propulsive and interesting. I do recommend this book if you are concerned about rthe direction of the judiciary, gerrymandering, disenfranchisement, or checks and balances. It would also be a great book if you are interested in the Supreme Court, Chief Justice Roberts or the Federalist Society.
October 7, 2024
If they couldn't win at the ballot box, they'll win by controlling the courts. It's scary what oligarchs and others in power will do to stay in power and amass more power. The total corruption of the U.S. Supreme Court. It is slow, dense reading due to the large number of court cases covered, but it shows you how we got to the current situation, and it is truly scary.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
November 5, 2024
I would highly recommend this book to anyone trying to understand the current SCOTUS makeup. It likely won't happen in my life time but if a day ever comes when the supreme court closely resembles the diverse makeup of this country and the actual will of the people history will be able to point to the Roberts court as a major inflection point.
March 7, 2025
Wow, what an amazingly researched and detailed explanation of what has been happening in US politics within the last 50 years. This needs to be read by everyone who is questioning what is currently going on in the United States. It helps you understand why and how we have a wannabe king in the White House. Cannot recommend this book enough to every American. YOUR VOTES MATTER!
January 15, 2026
Excellent, readable history of the conservative legal movement, John Roberts and the rollback of the VRA. Goes basically right up to the present. Came out after Milligan but before Callais. Certainly has a point of view -- read with an understanding you're getting one perspective, which is backed by lots of interviews and other academic works.
September 3, 2024
Very dense, many law cases cited and described. A real eye opener as to what American oligarchs are doing to destroy democracy and corrupt elections. One example, is that Supreme Court Justices are said to have used false information to justify their own decisions. Very terrifying.
December 16, 2024
An informative, in fact eye-opening, look at how the Far Right has infiltrated our judicial system. A must-read for anyone trying to understand the last 3 elections and recent Supreme Court decisions.
January 10, 2025
This is one of the most informative history books that I’ve read, a 75 year story of how the Republican Party shifted their legal strategy toward stacking the courts and funneling a philosophy of originalism, with John Roberts at the center.
September 6, 2024
The more I learn, the less hopeful I become.
I’ve had crunchwraps more supreme than our Court.
I’ve had crunchwraps more supreme than our Court.
October 21, 2024
Terrifying
November 14, 2024
John Roberts is a shit head
December 27, 2024
lots of important information. very hard to get through
January 8, 2025
Terrifying
January 18, 2025
Very insightful look at the approach to control the court systems and the gradual push to the right.
August 12, 2025
great and infuriating.
Daley also really (and fairly!) hates Kohn Roberts.
Daley also really (and fairly!) hates Kohn Roberts.
August 9, 2024
Worthless drivel by a bought and paid for SOROS/WEF propagandist
August 6, 2024
Antidemocratic is a fascinating look at how conservative groups have used different arguments and tactics to end the Voting Rights Act. Daley mainly focuses on John Roberts, groups like the Federalist Society, and moneyed Republican resources to paint a horrific history that got us to present day. I really appreciate Daley going into the weeds to show us that it didn't just take one supreme court case to get rid of things like the VRA, it took several to chip away at it. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoyed "Dark Money" and "Democracy in Chains".
January 27, 2026
“In any republic or representative democracy, no nine people should hold this much power for life.”
Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, assisted by the systematic 50-year plan and billions of dollars by Leonard Leo and his pals, has destroyed voting rights in the US. Our dark authoritarian system did not begin with Donald Trump. Indeed, it began with John Roberts, as a 26-year-old attorney in Ronald Reagan’s Department of Justice, desperately trying to stop the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. This is an important book. It should be read by every American who wonders how we got here, and simply blames Trump. Trump is not even smart enough to be a cog in this machinery. He had to be led by intelligent, patient, and mega wealthy individuals willing to destroy the American experiment through the courts.
Supreme Court Justice John Roberts, assisted by the systematic 50-year plan and billions of dollars by Leonard Leo and his pals, has destroyed voting rights in the US. Our dark authoritarian system did not begin with Donald Trump. Indeed, it began with John Roberts, as a 26-year-old attorney in Ronald Reagan’s Department of Justice, desperately trying to stop the reauthorization of the Voting Rights Act. This is an important book. It should be read by every American who wonders how we got here, and simply blames Trump. Trump is not even smart enough to be a cog in this machinery. He had to be led by intelligent, patient, and mega wealthy individuals willing to destroy the American experiment through the courts.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 29 reviews