We're Still Right, They're Still Wrong: The Democrats' Case for 2016

by James Carville

Every politico and pundit has tried to explain the 2016 presidential race, but James Carville – the multiple best-selling Ragin’ Cajun and grand strategist of Bill Clinton’s rise to the White House – has largely stayed silent.  Until now.

“He straddled the punch bowl, dropped his pants, and whipped out his member, which, he assured everyone, was very large. Then Donald Trump pissed right into the punch of the Republican Party.”

So begins We’re Still Right, They’re Still Wrong – with that image of Donald Trump defiling the celebration that should’ve been the GOP Establishment’s easy march to the White House.   

In We’re Still Right, They’re Still Wrong , Carville updates his #1 New York Times bestseller from 1996, the campaign tract that Bill Clinton once credited for his re-election. Carville skewers the GOP’s dumpster fire of a record over the past twenty years, and argues that Trump is the living manifestation of a failed party. From income inequality to race relations, Carville believes that Democratic Party is not only the dominant party of the past, but of America’s future, too – and he makes the case in his uncensored and earthy style.  

Among other things , We’re Still Right, They’re Still Wrong features a hot take on the Clinton e-mail “scandal,” a story about Carville’s momma’ schooling a pair of crawfish mongers, a lecture on political panics called “The Anatomy of Bullshit,” and a recipe for how to grill your (non-existent) Trump Steak.

And wit and sharp tongue aside, Carville turns it all into the most cogent and thoughtful analysis of the 2016 and how the Democrats can—and must—be victorious.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Humor

242 pages, Hardcover

First published July 5, 2016

About the author

James Carville is an former U.S. Marine, political consultant, commentator, actor, media personality and pundit. Known as "the Ragin' Cajun," Carville gained national attention for his work as the lead strategist of the successful presidential campaign of then-Arkansas governor Bill Clinton. Carville was the co-host of CNN's Crossfire until its final broadcast in June 2005. Since its cancellation, he has appeared on CNN's news program, The Situation Room. As of 2006, he hosts a weekly program on XM Radio titled 60/20 Sports with Luke Russert, son of NBC's Tim Russert. He is married to Republican political consultant Mary Matalin.

Reviews

[Bill Kerwin · Rating 3 out of 5]

As a Hillary supporter who has started to panic now that Trump is creeping up in the polls, I thought I’d make myself feel better by reading this recent “rally the troops” effort by committed Democratic campaign strategist, pundit and Tulane political science professor, the “ragin’ Cajun” James Carville.

Carville makes it clear that his book is not intended for Republicans, who will probably just “rip up this page, wipe, and flush.” No, he makes no bones about its audience: “It’s us. It’s Democrats.”

The Democratic Party, Carville asserts, is right about almost everything: the reality of climate change, the dangers of income inequality, the futility of tax cuts and its imaginary friend “trickle-down economics,” the beneficial effects of direct economic stimulus, the necessity of smart government regulations (whether for city water, hand-washing, or Wall street), etc., etc.

The problem is that the average Democrat—who is willing to be reasonable, to see six sides of every question—is not as sure about his party’s positions as he should be. Instead, he seeks compromise and common ground, something that is simply not possible given the unbending (and often disingenuous) assertions of the right and the fact that often there is no common ground to be found. (“[W]here is the common ground between a party that believes global warming is real—and a party that believes it’s a myth?...between a party that wants fewer guns—and a party that thinks more guns make us safer?...between a politician of one party who wants to torture the family members of terrorists and a politician of another party that believes this violates international law and American morality?”)

No, instead, Carville tells us, we should embrace our record of success and stand up proudly for our principles. After all, we’re right and they’re wrong.

I found the book bracing and occasionally inspiring. And—as you can imagine, since it comes from Carville—it is filled with entertaining anecdotes and pockets of humor. (But I advise my Republican friends to skip it: at $25 for a hardback, it makes very expensive toilet paper.)

[Richard Derus · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating: 3.5* of five

#ReadingIsResistance to "alternative facts"--a wistful might-have-been for many, certainly a useful tool to educate the next generation of Progressives. My review is live now at Expendable Mudge Muses Aloud.

[Marla · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting and informative book. This book really shows how the Democrats really have done a lot for the majority of this country while in office while the Republicans worry about the super rich and try to make people believe that lowering taxes and giving breaks to the super rich will help the middle class. It doesn't. Fact: "In seven years under President Obama, the U.S. has added an average of 107,000 jobs per month. Under President Clinton, the economy added 240,000 jobs a month. Under George W. Bush, it was only 13,000." I forgot some of the things that have happened in the past and James helped remind me.

More interesting information that people tend to forget: Newt Gingrich called for Clinton's impeachment because of the sex scandal. The entire time Newt was cheating on his wife. Congressmen Henry Hyde (R-IL) and Bob Livingston both called for Clinton's impeachment even though both had carried on affairs of their own. And Kenneth Starr, the independent prosecutor who investigated President Clinton's sex life was recently ousted from his new job as the head of Baylor University because he'd been looking the other way while members of Baylor's football team were reported for sexual assault.

As I see it, the GOP is really good about smoke and mirrors. This book really gives you food for thought during this crazy election year where we have a guy who should never have ran for president and is now so close to being in the White House where he could really F up this country.

[Fred Klein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Funny and vindicating if you are a Democrat, liberal, progressive, or Clinton supporter. You will hate it if you are a Trump supporter, but I, for one, don't care.

[Doug Dams · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked up this book because Carville can be funny. And this book does show his humor. In this book Carville shows how the economy and job creation have been better under Democrat presidents since Harry Truman. He also provides arguments for the Democratic policies on welfare and taxes. He does also talk about that Democrats need to re-examine their policies on using nuclear energy and natural gas to improve the environment. Carville has a folksy sense of humor from growing up in Louisiana. And it works well in this context. The book is an easy read and comes complete with charts and quotes from economists, Republicans and Democrats. It didn't take me long to read through this and Carville's writing makes turning the pages easy. If you want to read a political book in a couple of afternoons, I'd recommend this one.

[Darlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to the audio book...5 hrs. & 3 mins.
Devoured in one sitting. Incredibly interesting,humorous,and to the point. I only wish James had narrated the entire book,and not just the forward.

[Rod Horncastle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Seriously disturbing and childish.

This is like listening to a 15 year old stoner "philosopher" who has an opinion on everything... yet still lives in his Mommy's basement and needs her to do his laundry and make him a sandwich. Hasn't paid rent or even had a real job. But he's certain how to run a successful country.

I've been reading numerous Republican type political offerings (especially comedy ones). So I thought it would be entertaining to see how much fun the democrats can be. Except they are like rude bratty little spoiled children who demand a Cookie before bed. Sure, they talk a lot and yell - but there's no logic or truth to their complaints, just hurt emotions.

All i got out of this book is that Democrats really have no morals or sacred values (keep murdering them babies). And that nobody cries like an infant more than Trump haters. It's hilarious: all of this losers worst nightmares came true when the Republicans won the last election. And better yet: he's out to insult everyone and anyone who helped the Democrats lose - and many who didn't. Which joyfully asserts that they will indeed lose once again. You can't insult general America and then hope they will vote your way.

The author mocks all of Christian America as well. Fine, but don't expect any of those votes EVER!

Are all democrats this vulgar and proud of it? I thought you had to be an adult to vote? Please don't ever boast of your decency and morality. It's awesome that this behavior is very much driving numerous voters to the Republican side. Sure, Trump has his problems - but they aren't THIS CHILDISH CRAP.

Okay, I did learn:
when both sides hold up stats and facts to prove their glorious supremacy: Nothing is that simple. Only an idiot would blindly assume so.
Funnily enough, this guy keeps quoting democratic sources to prove his point. Ummmh? It doesn't work that way. Okay, he goes so far as to quote so-called Conservative sources who work in leftist media outlets. I did some checking: At no time does any actual Conservative Republicans acknowledge these closet liberals as Right-Wing Conservative Republicans. Once you work for the Washington Post or CNN or any other useless Leftist media outlet: You sold your soul. It's amusing that the author is too dumb to figure this out.

Just preaching to his choir. Who are rather quickly dividing...

[Sheila · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read and a validating one for those who are equally baffled and concerned about what our country is experiencing. I thought at first this book would be outdated now that we know who won the 45th Presidency, but most of the hopeful predictions are in one small chapter at the end. The rest of the book is filled with excellent ammunition for arguing and defending any point that may come up in conversation at family reunions, work, or visiting friends in other parts of the country. Or, as Carville suggests, for discussing among your democratic friends, since it is hard to change minds these days.

[Tim Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love James Carville and am a diehard liberal Democrat, so this book was pretty much right up my alley. It's full of wonderful fact-based arguments on why the Democrats have been on the right side of history for a long time, including climate change, health care reform, income inequality and more.

That said, if you're not familiar with Carville and his in-your-face delivery, I don't see anyone that's an independent or right-winger enjoying this and looking past the "rah rah-ism" of it to really appreciate all that it has to offer. That's okay, because I loved it.

[Deanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I can't recommend this to my grandchildren -- there are some bad words, like bulls*%t. However, it is also full of facts, and I think all of my adult friends should read the facts and understand them. Understand how they've been lied to -- how they've drunk the KoolAid. I challenge anyone who voted for Donald Trump to read this little book. It's a quickie -- just over 200 very small and widely-spaced pages. I hope we survive the next four years.

[Susan Miller · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you re a liberal, a progressive, a Democrat or someone who likes facts then this book is for you. Carville has an engaging easy to read and understand style. I read this book in less than a day. The chapters are well organized and concise.

If you are a conservative or a republican you would benefit from reading this book, just to learn the facts about some conservative policies.

[Harriet Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

We're Still Right, They're Still Wrong

We're Still Right, They're Still Wrong by James Carville, t is a truly fascinating book. Some people might find it a bit too crude and some language too colorful, but he can really get an idea across. I highly recommend this book.

[Ingrid457 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A handy guide to dispelling myths about where Democrats stand on various issues--and why.

[Amy C · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a good read. I particularly liked the emphasis on the work of Richard Muller.

[Josh · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Carville, you'll like this book; if you don't, you won't.

[Jim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I know, I know. I already live in an echo chamber in here in North Alabama. Surrounded by fundamentalist churches, with FOXNews on the screen of every doctor’s waiting room, I already hear constant liberal ideology. So I probably shouldn’t be reading a book that just reinforces my current beliefs. And since I grew up conservative Christian, I’m just doing what I have been programmed to do all my life.

*sigh*

Sometimes you’ve got to read something that pulls you back to reality and allows you to remember that everyone isn’t a moron.

This book. I started out laughing, and ended up crying. It depressed and appalled me.

To be honest, this was unpleasant. But read it if you want to know who is screwing up our country, who is lying to the people, and who is trying to do right by the American citizenry. And this isn’t a bunch of out-of-context anecdotes. It’s real research over a period of years. Of course, if you’re facts-averse, it won’t matter.

And there’s some great facts. But as everyone knows, reality has a liberal bent. It ended up being kind of painful to see when truth is laid out and how people oppose it at every turn.

Great quote from the book by William F. Buckley, Jr.:

A conservative is someone who stands athwart history, yelling Stop!

This is why I believe conservatism is innately wrong. It’s all about maintaining the status quo - when we should always be striving to get better; always be striving to progress.

I realize that’s not the entire quote - but the entire quote is this:

A conservative is someone who stands athwart history, yelling Stop, at a time when no one is inclined to do so, or to have much patience with those who so urge it.

In other words, A conservative is someone who stands athwart history yelling “Stop the progress!” regardless if anyone else is trying to stop the progress. Sometimes this puts them in the minority. And that makes them feel bad. So sad.

[Wanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love James Carville. I love his voice, his face, his humor, his plain-talking, down-home, enlightened southern man demeanor. I love his intelligence and his anger, his compassion and his love for his country. I love that even though he will say there is nothing we can do to change peoples' minds about how they view the truth, the lies, the machinations of people in power, he is still that voice yelling in the wilderness. I love that he calls out democrats as well as republicans. If someone is doing something stupid, evil, wrong...he says it out loud. He is the boy who points to the naked emporer.

And I love, that in spite of he and his wife's political differences, they are grown up enough to know that the love they have for each other is separate. They are apparently able to do what so many of us are unable to do. Accept someone in spite of their political beliefs. I think she is wrong, though; I think he is right. And I must say I would find it extremely difficult in this present day to want to sit next to, let alone sleep with someone who embraced the party or the politics of that abomination in the white house. But to each his own, he speaks my thoughts, my beliefs and he does it with sass and humor and some sadness and anger. I would love to meet him some day and sit at his feet and worship

[Elizabeth Cottrell · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is classic James Carville, too much crude language for my taste but hilariously frank and witty and informative-- it sounds exactly the way he would sound if you were sitting in his living room having a conversation (and since he owns a farm near ours, we've had the privilege of doing just that).

If you're a Democrat but feeling defensive about some of the issues, this is an interesting primer on the key issues in the 2016 election and why "we're still right and they're still wrong." The title is derived from an earlier book called "We're Right and They're Wrong." The arguments are well documented and annotated, with helpful graphs and summaries throughout for anyone who just wants to skim.

This is not a book a book for the faint of heart or anyone already convinced that Donald Trump is their guy, but for the rest of us, it's a quick, entertaining, and interesting read.

[Eric · Rating 2 out of 5]

In a recent Facebook exchange, a friend and I exchanged some words on the back and forth 'twixt libs and conservatives. The part she objected to was the used of labels - understandable, but not really the point I was getting to in my post. Now, after listening to Carville rant for 4-5 hours it's easy to see why people have little desire to exchange ideas. Even when he allows that the 'the other side' may have a valid point, he uses so much sarcasm that any thought of cutting him some slack goes out the window. And he so often uses vile language that taking him seriously is hard to stomach. But, I needed my liberal fix, and this was less painful than some other things I've come across of late. Oh, and I am really fully less than convinced that Carville did much to show how 'they're right and we're wrong.'

[Ronald Koltnow · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carville scores 5 points for content and 3 points for style = effective score of 4 stars. In a very conversational, sometimes scatological, tone, Carvile argues that the democrats have been, and should continue to be, more effective in dealing with the economy, society, race, and truthiness. It will not win converts but it's goal is to help those who confront undecided voters with some facts they can use to make cogent arguments. At the end, Carville says that facts don't matter, but he ends on an up note. Despite republican claims to the contrary, we are getting better as a society; progress is slow, and faces many impediments, but the path is upward. By the way, the original title is a quote from Harry S. Truman, that man of few but accurate words.

[Gemini · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book took me no time at all to read. It just really kept me engaged. I don't normally read books that have just come out, but it so happened that I have read a previous book of his before & thought it would be right up my alley. It totally was. I highly recommend this book & yes I agree with most of what he has written in here but it also is a wealth of information of things that you probably weren't aware of so that made it more enlightening. Considering the hostile political environment we are in right now this really puts things into perspective. You also can't help but laugh at the cover.

[Norman Lerner · Rating 4 out of 5]

James tears them a new one

Carville goes down the list of Republican talking points and then drives his Chevy truck with Louisiana plates through each .
He gives the partisan Democrat ammunition to fight back ---anti business regulations? Do we really want the chef to decide for himself if he should wash his hands after he uses the bathroom?
James C saves space for dismantling any notion that Trump deserves to be anywhere near 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. And saves special blame for the media and republican regulars for not challenging birtherism from the jump.

[Dian Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Even though this book was written in May 2016, so much has happened in the meantime that it was somewhat dated. Even so, it was heartening for this Democrat to read and confirmed my beliefs in basic progressive policies. I just wish Hilary had been able to follow his advice and rally the troops. But I think this election got a lot crazier and more complicated than Carville could have anticipated. His writing style is extremely entertaining and even though parts of the book made me sad (based on recent events), I still liked it and was glad I took the time to read it.

[George Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

American Politics 101

In an election year where lying, conspiracy theories, insults, and vulgarities seem to grab the headlines without much fact checking, political pundit James Carville presents a strong case for his Democratic Party. The book is well researched and loaded with facts and charts that bring clarity to a very muddled presidential race. One can only imagine Carville and his staunch Republican wife Mary Matallin on election day.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I felt weird reading this book in public but the title and cover really are quite different from what I got out of the book as a whole- as a Democrat I felt like I understood more about where I stood with different issues after reading this book. It was very education but also, clearly, very biased. Strongly recommend to Democrats and would LOVE to hear how people who don’t define themselves as a democrat would respond to this book and how it addresses certain issues.

[Jim Morris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Carville is an irreverent, funny and articulate yellow dog democrat. His team has done some really good research on why the democratics have a better track record for making decisions that benefit of the greater good, and for why we need to elect Hillary.

If you like arguing with republicans or others who don't see the wisdom of the democratic platform or candidate, this is the book for you.

[John Kaufmann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very readable. Carville has a way with words and with explaining things clearly. He also did his homework, finding good supporting evidence. Not sure he would convince a conservative, but independents should take a chance. If you're already liberal/progressive, this will help prepare you for some of the discussions you're bound to have.

[Dan Keefer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Carville is always a fun and easy read given the subject matter. As with the vast majority of political books, he's largely singing with the choir.

It was interesting how he made a case for Democrats without mentioning Hilliary very often. You know. Like the Republicans and Trump.

[Jennifer Marshburn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amusingly written, but a definitely biased overall tone. He states at the outset that he knows he's not going to change anyone's mind and that that is not what he is trying to do. His audience is his own party so the bias is not unexpected.

[Nan · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent summary of the Republican Party's descent in to madness.