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Not Today, Fascists: The Lies That Got Us Here, and the Truths That Will Reunite Us – An Incisive Political Science Analysis of American Democracy
Not yet published
Expected 6 Oct 26From Jennifer Welch, the host of the widely popular "I've Had It" podcast and a trusted voice in new media, comes a piercing, incisive, no-holds-barred take on the rising threat of theocracy in America and a fresh vision for how we can take back our country
As a liberal atheist from a Bible Belt red state, Jennifer Welch has a unique perspective on the intersection of religion and politics in America. She has seen how the far right has used religion across denominations to coalesce power—in the executive branch, on the courts, in Speaker Mike Johnson—and also how their messaging, particularly the Evangelical prosperity gospel, re-enforces economic inequality. We know about Big Pharma, Big Tech, Big Oil, but we rarely talk about Big Church, which is tax exempt. In Not Today, Fascists Welch explores how America is moving not only towards fascism, but also theocracy. She's not here to stop people from embracing faith. The opposite, she thinks religion can have a positive impact on an individual and cultural level. But the separation of church and state is a fundamental principle of America, and rogue actors and institutions are seeking to dismantle it. The stakes could not be higher.
Like Timothy Snyder's On Tyranny and Madeleine Albright's Fascism, Not Today Fascists will show readers how the separation of church and state is not only essential to our democracy, but fundamental to the protection of our human rights. Welch offers a warning about what can happen if we continue down this path, while advocating for a new way forward, a vision that centers human decency, structural equality and a populist economics perspective that is the only proven position to resonate across the aisle in a world of otherwise entrenched partisanship. Not Today, Fascists will arms readers with the language and facts they need to discuss crucial politics issues, to win elections and to take back our country.
As a liberal atheist from a Bible Belt red state, Jennifer Welch has a unique perspective on the intersection of religion and politics in America. She has seen how the far right has used religion across denominations to coalesce power—in the executive branch, on the courts, in Speaker Mike Johnson—and also how their messaging, particularly the Evangelical prosperity gospel, re-enforces economic inequality. We know about Big Pharma, Big Tech, Big Oil, but we rarely talk about Big Church, which is tax exempt. In Not Today, Fascists Welch explores how America is moving not only towards fascism, but also theocracy. She's not here to stop people from embracing faith. The opposite, she thinks religion can have a positive impact on an individual and cultural level. But the separation of church and state is a fundamental principle of America, and rogue actors and institutions are seeking to dismantle it. The stakes could not be higher.
Like Timothy Snyder's On Tyranny and Madeleine Albright's Fascism, Not Today Fascists will show readers how the separation of church and state is not only essential to our democracy, but fundamental to the protection of our human rights. Welch offers a warning about what can happen if we continue down this path, while advocating for a new way forward, a vision that centers human decency, structural equality and a populist economics perspective that is the only proven position to resonate across the aisle in a world of otherwise entrenched partisanship. Not Today, Fascists will arms readers with the language and facts they need to discuss crucial politics issues, to win elections and to take back our country.
- GenresNonfictionPolitics
288 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication October 6, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
July 18, 2026
As a podcaster, Jennifer has a lot to say but she backs up her claims with facts. She digs into fascism in America today and its ties to Christian nationalism and white nationalism, drawing on her own upbringing as an atheist in Oklahoma, where her family stood apart from the community around them. She calls out the failures of both parties and a government that's let its people down, touching on lingering election fraud claims, January 6th, Trump's role in inciting it, and even Epstein. It's part warning too, pointing to signs from the current administration that seem to be pushing toward religious governance. But she ends on hope, if the American people push back against MAGA's exploitation of this country with a stronger backbone, we can make human rights the priority again, referencing Mamdani’s recent victory as an example of that. It's a message that could resonate with working class Americans who feel like they "didn't vote for this" and are holding out for something better in the midterms or in 2028. It isn’t a radicle message, but rather one that admits both sides are at fault and ultimately pushes for a better Democratic Party, one that’s honest and has conviction. It was a super interesting read if you’re into progressive politics in America and I would recommend!
September 21, 2026
I had a NetGalley uncorrected proof — full review to come in a few days.
September 5, 2026
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
4.5 🌟
A humorous and approachable dive into the slow creep of overlapping Christian Evangelicalism & American right-wing conservatism, as well as an lite introduction to leftist politics as a way forward.
This book does not read like an academic text, nor does it intend to (if you know Jennifer from her podcast or media appearances, you will undoubtedly hear her voice in your head while reading). It is a self-described ‘road map to progressivism that understands the reality of a red state life,’ and Welch uses personal anecdotes from her life and growing up the only non-Christian in the Oklahoma Bible Belt south — trying to fit in, work, make friends, & raise a family — to illuminate just how entwined Evangelical Christianity & American Conservatism has become. And worse, how it has crept its way from fringe rural communities to Capitol Hill.
She gives a rundown of aspects of Christianity — specifically Protestant Evangelicalism — that are harnessed and weaponized by the right; things like the prosperity bible, the idea that wealth distribution is the will of God, and suffering just means you do not have God’s Favor (a favorite of megachurch pastors). She points out the authoritarian through line of church, home, and state in Evangelicalism; a person primed in a religion that is authoritarian in nature, that also goes home to a family with an authoritarian structure, is undoubtedly susceptible to following authoritarian politics. Republicans know exactly how to exploit this, and have for decades, while Democrats stand idly by.
Welch emphasizes the importance of having a strong opposition party that — crazy idea — is actually motivated in preventing a Christo-facist authoritarian state from taking hold in the US. A party that actually aims to combat lies that misinform and take advantage of some of our most vulnerable populations.
She talks about Americans, including herself, that feel left behind as a blue dot in a red state —“marginalized by electoral math”— watching establishment Democrats comfortably trot from blue city to blue city during election season, selling themselves the anti-republican that will “stop corruption”, but who once elected, does nothing but collect checks as a controlled opposition. Always late to the field, on defense and never offense. This, she says, does something worse than radicalization: it creates apathy.
Bars.
While Jennifer may be known for her sharp-tongue critiques of right-wing fascist politicians & bad actors, there is no scolding of “dear reader”, as she refers to the audience, wherever they may be on the political spectrum. She acknowledges that looking in the mirror and examining ones’ prejudices isn’t by any means fun, but it is how you learn to become better and fight for a more equitable society. She admits to her own lazy ignorance on issues like Palestine rooted in Islamophobia, even when she was being what she thought was a “good” liberal.
Welch’s goal with this book is not to shame or say ‘I told you so’, but rather to encourage conversations with one another, and to unite behind truths that will allow us to build an honest movement. She asserts that the Democrats current strategy of polite politics, focused on “electability” and compromise, is a losing game: progressive, grassroots politics are not a liability, they are the only way out.
This was an easy, fun read — I adore Jennifer and would love a full memoir from her AND Pumps about her deconstruction next :p
4.5 🌟
A humorous and approachable dive into the slow creep of overlapping Christian Evangelicalism & American right-wing conservatism, as well as an lite introduction to leftist politics as a way forward.
This book does not read like an academic text, nor does it intend to (if you know Jennifer from her podcast or media appearances, you will undoubtedly hear her voice in your head while reading). It is a self-described ‘road map to progressivism that understands the reality of a red state life,’ and Welch uses personal anecdotes from her life and growing up the only non-Christian in the Oklahoma Bible Belt south — trying to fit in, work, make friends, & raise a family — to illuminate just how entwined Evangelical Christianity & American Conservatism has become. And worse, how it has crept its way from fringe rural communities to Capitol Hill.
She gives a rundown of aspects of Christianity — specifically Protestant Evangelicalism — that are harnessed and weaponized by the right; things like the prosperity bible, the idea that wealth distribution is the will of God, and suffering just means you do not have God’s Favor (a favorite of megachurch pastors). She points out the authoritarian through line of church, home, and state in Evangelicalism; a person primed in a religion that is authoritarian in nature, that also goes home to a family with an authoritarian structure, is undoubtedly susceptible to following authoritarian politics. Republicans know exactly how to exploit this, and have for decades, while Democrats stand idly by.
Welch emphasizes the importance of having a strong opposition party that — crazy idea — is actually motivated in preventing a Christo-facist authoritarian state from taking hold in the US. A party that actually aims to combat lies that misinform and take advantage of some of our most vulnerable populations.
She talks about Americans, including herself, that feel left behind as a blue dot in a red state —“marginalized by electoral math”— watching establishment Democrats comfortably trot from blue city to blue city during election season, selling themselves the anti-republican that will “stop corruption”, but who once elected, does nothing but collect checks as a controlled opposition. Always late to the field, on defense and never offense. This, she says, does something worse than radicalization: it creates apathy.
Bars.
While Jennifer may be known for her sharp-tongue critiques of right-wing fascist politicians & bad actors, there is no scolding of “dear reader”, as she refers to the audience, wherever they may be on the political spectrum. She acknowledges that looking in the mirror and examining ones’ prejudices isn’t by any means fun, but it is how you learn to become better and fight for a more equitable society. She admits to her own lazy ignorance on issues like Palestine rooted in Islamophobia, even when she was being what she thought was a “good” liberal.
Welch’s goal with this book is not to shame or say ‘I told you so’, but rather to encourage conversations with one another, and to unite behind truths that will allow us to build an honest movement. She asserts that the Democrats current strategy of polite politics, focused on “electability” and compromise, is a losing game: progressive, grassroots politics are not a liability, they are the only way out.
This was an easy, fun read — I adore Jennifer and would love a full memoir from her AND Pumps about her deconstruction next :p
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Harlequin Trade Publishing for the ARC of Not Today, Fascists in exchange for my little review!
For the average disciple of Jennifer Welch Not Today, Fascists plays like a greatest hits album, capturing Welch’s signature wit, blunt force honesty, and an unfiltered interpretation of modern politics. For the uninitiated, this page-turner will be a biting, hilarious foray into the type of intelligent and dynamic commentary Welch regularly turns in to both of her hit weekly podcasts. I’ve Had It and IHIP News launched in 2022 and 2024, respectively, and have been a transformative beacon for change ever since. Welch, along with her bestie Angie “Pumps” Sullivan, is here to judge, ridicule, and call it like it is. What started as two white women complaining has transformed into… two white women complaining about politics. In her new book, Welch will cover it all – the Epstein scandal, dark money in politics, the many failures of you-know-who and his administration, and how all of it impacts regular, working people just trying to get by. Dropping just before midterms, Not Today, Fascists is a playbook for the future as much as it is a cautionary tale for the last decade.
In 2026, we need fighters. We need people who speak the truth and aren’t afraid to hold our leaders accountable. We know Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer certainly aren’t going to do it, but we’ve got women like Welch and Sullivan at the forefront now. And they’ve got a lot to say. Buckle up.
For the average disciple of Jennifer Welch Not Today, Fascists plays like a greatest hits album, capturing Welch’s signature wit, blunt force honesty, and an unfiltered interpretation of modern politics. For the uninitiated, this page-turner will be a biting, hilarious foray into the type of intelligent and dynamic commentary Welch regularly turns in to both of her hit weekly podcasts. I’ve Had It and IHIP News launched in 2022 and 2024, respectively, and have been a transformative beacon for change ever since. Welch, along with her bestie Angie “Pumps” Sullivan, is here to judge, ridicule, and call it like it is. What started as two white women complaining has transformed into… two white women complaining about politics. In her new book, Welch will cover it all – the Epstein scandal, dark money in politics, the many failures of you-know-who and his administration, and how all of it impacts regular, working people just trying to get by. Dropping just before midterms, Not Today, Fascists is a playbook for the future as much as it is a cautionary tale for the last decade.
In 2026, we need fighters. We need people who speak the truth and aren’t afraid to hold our leaders accountable. We know Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer certainly aren’t going to do it, but we’ve got women like Welch and Sullivan at the forefront now. And they’ve got a lot to say. Buckle up.
July 27, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for the advanced reader copy of this book. I have been a fan of the author, Jennifer, since her time on “Sweet Home Oklahoma.” I always loved how outspoken, smart, and witty she was. I enjoyed following along with her life as an interior designer. When I saw that she started a podcast I was totally in! Her and Pumps! Sign me up! To top it all off, they often discussed politics and current events. Being liberal myself, I could relate to her view points. I was interested in checking out her book because she is so well read, so informed, so intelligent and so well researched. “ Not today Fascists” is a look into fascism, which we are certainly experiencing in this country, and the influence of Christian Nationalism on our government and policies. Much of what is written, I was already familiar with but she does give a great breakdown of what exactly is happening with politics in our country and backs this up with actual facts. The part that stuck out most to me was calling out current Democrats and asking them to stand up for change. I too, am angry with the Democratic Party. There have been so many failures and betrayals. There needs to be a change on all sides. This is a fairly quick read that I would recommend to anyone who wants to become more informed as to what is going on in our country and what needs to be stopped.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
If you follow Jennifer Welch's podcast, "I've Had It!," then you've essentially heard most of what is in this book. But here, it's all in one place.
In this book, Welch traces history, arriving at the realization of how we got here (Trumpism and MAGA - aka fascism). Welch is honest, forthright, opinionated (to me, in a good way), progressive, and sometimes very funny and foul-mouthed. She places blame not only on MAGA and Trump, which she sees as outshoots of where we've been headed for a long time, but also on the Democrats -- especially the spineless ones and those who insist on taking big money from PACS.
I admire Welch because she doesn't pull any punches, she speaks what many of us believe to be the truth about government. She's not afraid to criticize big names in high places, and she's incredibly well documented in terms of sources. Although I agree with her politics and some readers may not, you cannot argue with a lot of what she says because her facts are on the money, especially the historical ones. Raised in RED, Christian Nationalist Oklahoma, Welch saw the mentality up close and personal. She knows about what she speaks.
Great book, especially for those who want to know more about our political situation. Thanks to #Netgalley for the ARC!
In this book, Welch traces history, arriving at the realization of how we got here (Trumpism and MAGA - aka fascism). Welch is honest, forthright, opinionated (to me, in a good way), progressive, and sometimes very funny and foul-mouthed. She places blame not only on MAGA and Trump, which she sees as outshoots of where we've been headed for a long time, but also on the Democrats -- especially the spineless ones and those who insist on taking big money from PACS.
I admire Welch because she doesn't pull any punches, she speaks what many of us believe to be the truth about government. She's not afraid to criticize big names in high places, and she's incredibly well documented in terms of sources. Although I agree with her politics and some readers may not, you cannot argue with a lot of what she says because her facts are on the money, especially the historical ones. Raised in RED, Christian Nationalist Oklahoma, Welch saw the mentality up close and personal. She knows about what she speaks.
Great book, especially for those who want to know more about our political situation. Thanks to #Netgalley for the ARC!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to review the ARC of this book.
4.25 stars
I am a very-long-time fan of Jennifer Welch, from pre-podcast days, all the way back to Sweet Home Oklahoma. She has always presented herself as solid and grounded. On her podcast, she is quick on the draw with facts and comebacks to all MAGA/Trump/conservative talking points. In this book, she lays out all of those facts and comebacks, basically telling the story of what has happened in our country, politically and culturally, in the last ten years or so. The last section also goes through ways the left can fight back and right the wrongs.
My only compliant, and the reason I did not give a full 5 stars is the title - I don’t have a problem with the word Fascists, but the whole title seems long and like it’s not a true reflection of what is in the book.
4.25 stars
I am a very-long-time fan of Jennifer Welch, from pre-podcast days, all the way back to Sweet Home Oklahoma. She has always presented herself as solid and grounded. On her podcast, she is quick on the draw with facts and comebacks to all MAGA/Trump/conservative talking points. In this book, she lays out all of those facts and comebacks, basically telling the story of what has happened in our country, politically and culturally, in the last ten years or so. The last section also goes through ways the left can fight back and right the wrongs.
My only compliant, and the reason I did not give a full 5 stars is the title - I don’t have a problem with the word Fascists, but the whole title seems long and like it’s not a true reflection of what is in the book.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I really enjoyed this one! I wasn't familiar with Welch - I don't listen to podcasts and avoid political discourse these days like it was the plague because generally speaking so much of it is just yelling and insults rather than actual back-and-forth. Don't get me wrong - there's a fair bit of yelling and insults in this book, but there's *also* actual thoughtful discussion and the finger-pointing is leveled all around, which I think is something that's long overdue.
There are not many fair-play advocates in the current political environment, willing to call out their own team as well as the opposition, and that's unfortunate because I think at the moment there's a lot to criticize on all sides. Welch addresses this head on, and that's one of the aspects of the book I found most refreshing. It made me angry but also felt like it was generating purposeful anger rather than rage-baiting me as a reader. I found that refreshing and encouraging. We need more of that...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
There are not many fair-play advocates in the current political environment, willing to call out their own team as well as the opposition, and that's unfortunate because I think at the moment there's a lot to criticize on all sides. Welch addresses this head on, and that's one of the aspects of the book I found most refreshing. It made me angry but also felt like it was generating purposeful anger rather than rage-baiting me as a reader. I found that refreshing and encouraging. We need more of that...
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my obligation-free review copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am a fan of her podcast, but I didn't know how that would translate to the page. This book has Jennifer's sharp and hilarious voice and perspective. This is a great gift for anyone who is a recovering liberal or who is leftist-curious. This book felt like a buoy in the storm. I am so glad we have voices like Jennifer and her podcast out there fighting the good fight!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I might be a bit biased as I have been a fan of Jennifer Welch for a while but I enjoyed the hell out of this book. Welch's style is so personal and easy to sort of fall into. Her upbringing reminded me so much of my own that I felt a real connection to the points she made throughout the book. I know some people don't want to read about current events and I get that but do yourself a favor and read this.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
nothing that will be new to those already tapped in but a perfect book to give to your white east coast democrat mom to introduce her to leftist politics
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