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Billionaire at the Barricades: The Populist Revolution from Reagan to Trump
Americans didn’t just go to the polls in 2016. They joined a movement that swept the unlikeliest of candidates, Donald Trump, into the Oval Office. Can he complete his agenda? Or will his opponents in the media, protestor class, and political establishment block his efforts and choke off the movement he represents?
In Billionaire at the Barricades, Laura Ingraham gives readers a front row seat to the populist revolution as she witnessed it. She reveals the origins of this movement and its connection to the Trump presidency. She unmasks the opposition, forecasts the future of the Make America Great Again agenda and offers her own prescriptions for bringing real change to the swamp of Washington.
Unlike most of her media colleagues, Ingraham understood Trump’s appeal and defied those who wrote his political obituary. Now she confronts the president’s critics and responds to those who deny the importance of his America First agenda. With sharp humor and insight she traces the DNA of the populist from Goldwater’s 1964 campaign, to Nixon’s Silent Majority, to Reagan’s smashing electoral victories.
Populism fueled the insurgency campaigns of Buchanan and Perot, the election of George W. Bush, and the Tea Party rallies of the Obama presidency. But a political novice—a Manhattan billionaire—proved to be the movement’s most vocal champion. This is the inside story of his victory and the fitful struggle to enact his agenda.
In Billionaire at the Barricades, Laura Ingraham gives readers a front row seat to the populist revolution as she witnessed it. She reveals the origins of this movement and its connection to the Trump presidency. She unmasks the opposition, forecasts the future of the Make America Great Again agenda and offers her own prescriptions for bringing real change to the swamp of Washington.
Unlike most of her media colleagues, Ingraham understood Trump’s appeal and defied those who wrote his political obituary. Now she confronts the president’s critics and responds to those who deny the importance of his America First agenda. With sharp humor and insight she traces the DNA of the populist from Goldwater’s 1964 campaign, to Nixon’s Silent Majority, to Reagan’s smashing electoral victories.
Populism fueled the insurgency campaigns of Buchanan and Perot, the election of George W. Bush, and the Tea Party rallies of the Obama presidency. But a political novice—a Manhattan billionaire—proved to be the movement’s most vocal champion. This is the inside story of his victory and the fitful struggle to enact his agenda.
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 10, 2017
296 people are currently reading
502 people want to read
About the author
Laura Ingraham
12 books86 followersLaura Ingraham is the most-listened-to woman in America on political talk radio. The Laura Ingraham Show is ranked in radio's Top 10. Laura is the Editor-in-Chief and Co-Founder of the website LifeZette.com, a cultural and political web destination for conservatives and independents. She is a regular Contributor on the Fox News Channel, a former white-collar defense attorney, and a Supreme Court law clerk, Laura is a cancer survivor and advocates for increased domestic and international adoption. She resides in Washington, DC with her three children.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 90 reviews
August 5, 2020
In this book, Laura Ingraham concisely tells us the history of the modern conservative movement. From Reagan, to the rise of the Tea Party, to Trump’s triumph on election night, Ingraham gives us a history of how each of these events unfolded. The Tea Party section is my personal favorite.
December 21, 2017
This is simply the best history through a set of "eyes" for the Conservative politico of the USA that's been in print for at least 20 years. It is a precise record of the years from just before Reagan's first presidency until today. And not dry history either. There are many witness examples in which she had her placements and jobs to see the in-fighting that has occurred. Not only between the political parties but within the political partisan structures and within the operating 3 branches of government. On the smaller and personal scales of exactness to words, time and place "quotes".
It reverberates with enthusiasm too. Because it is through Laura Ingraham's lens and clear, direct voice. And she, like her parents of lifetime opinion and example, had their cores seated within the practice and principles of Conservative politics. And so she observed the Bush years (both generations) and the other presidential campaigns nominating turmoils with fierce GOP standard bearer disdaining class entities and also cabals within their loyalties.
It's a description of "populist" revolt against elitist establishment hierarchy of immense Federal government as it stands 2017, that too.
This is NOT a book that those who suffer from "Trump Derangement Syndrome" should read. It will give you a stroke. Nevertheless, it is truthful. Every single word. And Laura has nailed each and every reason of voter connection for a brat pack type of spoiled billionaire.
I've read the others and THIS IS THE BOOK to read if you truly WANT to know why Hillary lost. Not hers. She doesn't even list her "basket of deplorables" comment in her book. At least 10 to 20% of the population changed their vote that day alone, IMHO.
Some of the quotes in this book are priceless. Especially the one concerning Marco Rubio taking Schummer's arm to enable the Gang of Eight classic. A paraphrase would be to let a Democrat take your arm in compromise and in the next moment you'll find it broken off at the elbow.
If a list of all the people who said it could never happen (exact quotes too and with all the "accurate" pollsters and exits polls during primaries) were put at the end, it would be nearly as long as the book. Add to that the vitriol, name calls and other sorts of category groups that others have put Donald Trump in since, and it definitely would be longer than the book. Some of their quotes and full speeches are included. Like the terrible tirade that Mitt Romney performed during the preelection 2016 cycle as his "rejection" for this non-GOP candidate speech.
It's history. Research and eyes resound the strength of the movement. Why people were angry and why they still are if they remain forgotten.
On second thought, those with Trump Derangement Syndrome SHOULD read this book. Because there is a long shot chance they may begin to understand why all the satire, ridicule, Alinsky low bite protesting, agitation, disrespect, and assaults of more than just vocal nature continue? Then despite having Dems, Media, Academia, Erudite and nearly every economic or intellectual elitist against him (not to mention the GOOD OLE BOYS & GIRLS in the standard GOP), he will win by a BIGGER margin in 2020. If health and high energy continue.
It reverberates with enthusiasm too. Because it is through Laura Ingraham's lens and clear, direct voice. And she, like her parents of lifetime opinion and example, had their cores seated within the practice and principles of Conservative politics. And so she observed the Bush years (both generations) and the other presidential campaigns nominating turmoils with fierce GOP standard bearer disdaining class entities and also cabals within their loyalties.
It's a description of "populist" revolt against elitist establishment hierarchy of immense Federal government as it stands 2017, that too.
This is NOT a book that those who suffer from "Trump Derangement Syndrome" should read. It will give you a stroke. Nevertheless, it is truthful. Every single word. And Laura has nailed each and every reason of voter connection for a brat pack type of spoiled billionaire.
I've read the others and THIS IS THE BOOK to read if you truly WANT to know why Hillary lost. Not hers. She doesn't even list her "basket of deplorables" comment in her book. At least 10 to 20% of the population changed their vote that day alone, IMHO.
Some of the quotes in this book are priceless. Especially the one concerning Marco Rubio taking Schummer's arm to enable the Gang of Eight classic. A paraphrase would be to let a Democrat take your arm in compromise and in the next moment you'll find it broken off at the elbow.
If a list of all the people who said it could never happen (exact quotes too and with all the "accurate" pollsters and exits polls during primaries) were put at the end, it would be nearly as long as the book. Add to that the vitriol, name calls and other sorts of category groups that others have put Donald Trump in since, and it definitely would be longer than the book. Some of their quotes and full speeches are included. Like the terrible tirade that Mitt Romney performed during the preelection 2016 cycle as his "rejection" for this non-GOP candidate speech.
It's history. Research and eyes resound the strength of the movement. Why people were angry and why they still are if they remain forgotten.
On second thought, those with Trump Derangement Syndrome SHOULD read this book. Because there is a long shot chance they may begin to understand why all the satire, ridicule, Alinsky low bite protesting, agitation, disrespect, and assaults of more than just vocal nature continue? Then despite having Dems, Media, Academia, Erudite and nearly every economic or intellectual elitist against him (not to mention the GOOD OLE BOYS & GIRLS in the standard GOP), he will win by a BIGGER margin in 2020. If health and high energy continue.
October 27, 2017
A comprehensive review of the conservative/populist movement from Barry Goldwater's exciting but disastrous campaign in 1964 to Ronald Reagan, Pat Buchanan and the Tea Party to Donald Trump's epic victory in 2016. You might not agree with Laura Ingraham's politics but her passion is as vibrant as her entertaining writing style. Especially when she dissects the 2015-2016 Republican primary season where political novice Donald Trump defeated 16 establishment Republicans on the way to winning the general election.
Ingraham wears her partisanship as a badge of honor and her enthusiasm for Donald Trump and his populist/pragmatic platform is good news for those who remember Ronald Reagan's late 1970's battles with the establishment "Rockefeller Republicans" of his day. Trump won because, to a large degree, today's "establishment Republicans" have forgotten about the jobs they killed when they supported NAFTA and think "open borders" is a good way to maintain American sovereignty. Like the Bush father and son presidencies, those 16 losing Republican candidates found themselves on the wrong side of their parties grass roots. Laura Ingraham deftly explains how and why.
Ingraham wears her partisanship as a badge of honor and her enthusiasm for Donald Trump and his populist/pragmatic platform is good news for those who remember Ronald Reagan's late 1970's battles with the establishment "Rockefeller Republicans" of his day. Trump won because, to a large degree, today's "establishment Republicans" have forgotten about the jobs they killed when they supported NAFTA and think "open borders" is a good way to maintain American sovereignty. Like the Bush father and son presidencies, those 16 losing Republican candidates found themselves on the wrong side of their parties grass roots. Laura Ingraham deftly explains how and why.
May 23, 2022
Ingraham's look at the growth of populism related to the presidency from Reagan to Trump's election. I found the chapter's on Reagan and Bush the elder the most interesting. I was in college during Reagan, and somewhat out of touch with national politics. Clinton was really my start with following presidential politics. Ingraham is very conversational, including what was going on in her personal life and how it related to the politics of each president. Nice summary of each, and I believe fairly objective. She explains how Trump tapped into populism, reasons why he was elected and some warnings on what he needed to accomplish to be re-elected. Ingraham is a conservative, but I think even liberals with an open mind should be able to read this and gain some new insights.
October 15, 2017
Donald Trump won the presidential election. This book explains why better than any other source I have encountered. And as I ponder Ingraham's thesis, I think she is correct. Her being correct means I was wrong. I and many others.
Of course, Ingraham was along for the ride of this populist movement and she tells her readers that throughout the book. This is as much about her as it is about President Trump. She knows how to self-promote.
The book is really is a re-telling of presidential politics over the last 40 years through Ingraham's eyes. I didn't buy all of it, but I think she is right in that the people are fed up with the status quo. Trump recognized that and capitalized upon it while everyone else (save Cruz, Carson, and Fiorina) pitched the same policies that led the people to be fed up. So, the people elected the one who promised change, real change, despite his obvious human flaws. He at least has a track record of getting things done.
I think we actually see this with President Trump's governing. He is getting things done. He got his travel ban after all. He got his SCOTUS nominee. He got funding by making a deal with the Dems. He got healthcare across state lines even when his Republican Congress couldn't.
But Ingraham notes, President Trump must build a visible wall. No wall, no re-election.
I began reading this the day before I saw Ingraham speak. Boy, does she serve up red meat to the base! I was about 60% through the book when I saw her speak. While she mentioned some things that are in the book, it was not a re-telling, and for that I am grateful.
One thing I note is that the book ended at 67% on my Kindle. The rest are footnotes. And the footnotes would appear often when I touched the page, even if it wasn't near the hyperlink. No biggy, but a bit annoying.
Of course, Ingraham was along for the ride of this populist movement and she tells her readers that throughout the book. This is as much about her as it is about President Trump. She knows how to self-promote.
The book is really is a re-telling of presidential politics over the last 40 years through Ingraham's eyes. I didn't buy all of it, but I think she is right in that the people are fed up with the status quo. Trump recognized that and capitalized upon it while everyone else (save Cruz, Carson, and Fiorina) pitched the same policies that led the people to be fed up. So, the people elected the one who promised change, real change, despite his obvious human flaws. He at least has a track record of getting things done.
I think we actually see this with President Trump's governing. He is getting things done. He got his travel ban after all. He got his SCOTUS nominee. He got funding by making a deal with the Dems. He got healthcare across state lines even when his Republican Congress couldn't.
But Ingraham notes, President Trump must build a visible wall. No wall, no re-election.
I began reading this the day before I saw Ingraham speak. Boy, does she serve up red meat to the base! I was about 60% through the book when I saw her speak. While she mentioned some things that are in the book, it was not a re-telling, and for that I am grateful.
One thing I note is that the book ended at 67% on my Kindle. The rest are footnotes. And the footnotes would appear often when I touched the page, even if it wasn't near the hyperlink. No biggy, but a bit annoying.
August 10, 2018
This is one of the trashiest books I have ever read. It preaches to the choir, seeping with bias. This is not an objective look at the history of the populist movement, but 278 pages of pure and utter pandering to uneducated conservatives. A shame that a woman as intelligent and charismatic as Laura Ingraham wastes her gifts spouting fake news and unsubstantiated claims. My favorite parts of the book are when she talks about ‘the establishment’ and the ‘elite,’ when she is, in fact, part of that societal backbone. As much as she tries to be a down-to-earth ‘voice for the people,’ she will never be able to shake the fact that her privileged Connecticut upbringing and fancy Dartmouth degree make her just as bad (if not worse, because she is unable to recognize the advantages she’s had in life) as the very people she criticizes.
November 13, 2017
I like to watch sports. There are times that even though I am watching I miss the reason for a penalty but see it clearly when the commentators replay it. Laura Ingraham's Billionaire at the Barricades is like that replay function but in the environment of politics. Even though I enjoy and follow politics, there are many instances in which I did not realize the nuances of some political decisions (these "nuances" are well documented with more than 15 pages of footnotes). From Goldwater to Trump, Laura Ingraham details conservative populism and it is a really fascinating journey.
October 25, 2017
Excellent book about conservative populism and how it has again transformed American politics. You can see it continue to play out with Steve Bannon and his assault on conventional Republicans. OBTW I don't see much difference between a Republican Senator and a Democratic Senator and don't get me started about RINOs
July 3, 2018
Wow! This audiobook is amazing! I highly recommend it!
I’m NOT political, but I do seek to understand it sometimes. And in all honesty, I just haven’t. Laura Ingraham removes the mystery and confusion and explains in simple terms our recent political past up to our current state of affairs.
Billionaire in the Barricades gives an overview of the Republicans, the Democrats, the Independents, the media, populism/nationalism and globalism from the 1970’s to 2017. Her insights are extremely helpful!
If you haven’t understood what the media has been talking about or you’re not quite clear of the difference between Democrats & Republicans & Independents & Libertarians, etc. or you would like to understand conservatism versus liberalism as it is manifested through public policy, then this is the book for you.
Laura makes the complex simple to understand. Her straightforward explanations and pleasant speaking voice made this an enjoyable audiobook.
I’m NOT political, but I do seek to understand it sometimes. And in all honesty, I just haven’t. Laura Ingraham removes the mystery and confusion and explains in simple terms our recent political past up to our current state of affairs.
Billionaire in the Barricades gives an overview of the Republicans, the Democrats, the Independents, the media, populism/nationalism and globalism from the 1970’s to 2017. Her insights are extremely helpful!
If you haven’t understood what the media has been talking about or you’re not quite clear of the difference between Democrats & Republicans & Independents & Libertarians, etc. or you would like to understand conservatism versus liberalism as it is manifested through public policy, then this is the book for you.
Laura makes the complex simple to understand. Her straightforward explanations and pleasant speaking voice made this an enjoyable audiobook.
December 8, 2017
Easily 5 STARS......I chose the correct book to read while on vacation. You talk about an Amazing woman who understands America First. The best conservative populist book you will ever find. Every single woman should strive to carry themselves like Laura. Definitely a role model for Americans and a class act.
#Read up my Friends.
#Read up my Friends.
November 6, 2017
I didn't know what I was getting into ahead of time, but I'm not going to completely blow off the author because we have different views, however I will do so when her views veer into "fake news" & ignoring the truth which had me cringing much of the time.
October 29, 2017
Listened to the audio book during a long trek. Good 60 year history of the conservative movement.
I learned much and the Republican Party's foibles and who the phony conservatives were. Explains the growing frustration among voters (from both parties) as Congress grew more and more elitist. Voters got tired of being ignored.
Fast moving audio book with no fluff.
I learned much and the Republican Party's foibles and who the phony conservatives were. Explains the growing frustration among voters (from both parties) as Congress grew more and more elitist. Voters got tired of being ignored.
Fast moving audio book with no fluff.
August 8, 2019
It’s always good to see and hear both sides of an argument. Although I don’t agree with much of the GOP’s social or economic policies I do think it is important to understand what others concerns may be and what triggers their voting decisions. It was interesting to see that the Bush Republicans were described with some distaste by Ingraham, although not nearly as much as the Democratic Globalist in the Clintons and Obama. In retrospect, I ask myself would be have Globalist Politicians (both Bush Presidents, Obama and Clinton) running our country if the darling of the GOP Ronald Reagan has not “unleashed the market” through is economic policies which opened the door for Corporate Global expansion. In my opinion, Reaganomics untethered the beast and the following Presidents just kept walking that dog until it became an uncontrollable animal. Unfortunately for us all, the Economic playbook now being used by our current President will not reverse that trend. I’m not convinced a billionaire truly has the average American’s best interest at heart.
March 24, 2020
A nice account of America’s march towards populism, from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump. Along the road, there were George H. W. Bush, who reneged on Reagan’s (and his “read my lips”) promises, allowing Bill Clinton to present himself as populist from Arkansas, who showed his true color as a globalist progressive after being elected. After that there was George W. Bush, who was similarly elected on populist promises but became embroiled in pointless wars and nation-building efforts in Iraq and Afghanistan, and finally the emergence of Barack Obama as a progressive boogeyman and the ineffectual challenges made by Republican establishments, which ended with Trump’s presidential victory. All of these were presented from Laura Ingraham’s point of view as a conservative political pundit. While topics about Trump and populism are already familiar to me, to see from someone’s point of view is quite interesting.
March 26, 2021
Very interesting political history, showing the development of populist movements from Goldwater to Nixon to Reagan to the Tea Party to Trump.
Quotes:
“The core of Reaganism was this: returning power to the people by disempowering behemoth bureaucratic institutions yields the greatest freedom for all. He believed in the individual over the state.”
“What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people. January 20, 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. —Donald Trump”
Listened on Overdrive.
Quotes:
“The core of Reaganism was this: returning power to the people by disempowering behemoth bureaucratic institutions yields the greatest freedom for all. He believed in the individual over the state.”
“What truly matters is not which party controls our government, but whether our government is controlled by the people. January 20, 2017, will be remembered as the day the people became the rulers of this nation again. The forgotten men and women of our country will be forgotten no longer. —Donald Trump”
Listened on Overdrive.
October 10, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed this book by Laura Ingraham. I am not familiar with her show on Fox but I have heard many of the controversies surrounding her. This book detailed the populism movement in the USA and focused beyond simply the election of Trump in 2016. This book was well written and gives the reader a conservative look at populism in America. I would like to thank net galley for the ARC! I would highly recommend this book to anyone interested in American politics and history. This book was an easy read and kept me hooked, a definite 5 stars out of 5.
October 29, 2017
I love Laura Ingraham, she's a dedicated conservative and fights for her beliefs. This is a fantastic historical romp through conservatism, from Goldwater to Reagan to Trump. Why did Trump win? Because the base got fed up with Republicans business as usual. Ingraham was intimately involved with this sea change (I did not know she was Dinesh D'Souza's girlfriend at Dartmouth. That said, I only agree with about 90% of what she writes. I believe she's wrong on protectionist policies, NAFTA, trade deals, etc., as if we can turn back the clock by bringing back jobs. Jobs are the not the purpose of an economy; the creation of wealth is. Overall, a worthwhile read from a committed conservative.
February 1, 2018
Best political book I've read in a long time. Well-documented, clearly explained, highly informative. As someone who remembers the Reagan Administration, I found Laura's connection of Reagan's and Trump's love of America and the American worker spot-on. All American patriots should read this book!
February 25, 2018
Syndicated Conservative Radio Talk show host, Laura Ingraham details the Populist political movement in Billionaire at the Barricades. Ingraham begins the journey at the start of the Reagan Revolution and continues sequentially through each President until reaching Donald J. Trump. Ingraham argues that each Presidents’ willingness to embrace political Populism, more so than the pull of being a Democrat or Republican was what ultimately determined the success or failure of each of their Presidencies. Ingraham gives specific examples from each Presidents tenure to support her claims. Ingraham focuses the latter half of the book on how candidate Trump was able to tap into the Populist political movement and overcome the odds with a stunning Presidential victory when so many in the media and politics pronounced him D.O.A. Billionaire at the Barricades is a fresh reminder that it is still the will of the people that determines the fate of the Presidency.
November 3, 2017
BILLIONAIRE AT THE BARRICADES is a great read, despite attempting to be too many things at once. The first half is basically a history of the modern populist movement in America, beginning with Barry Goldwater's failed presidential bid against LBJ and ending with Donald Trump's ascendancy to the White House. (The book's subtitle should really say "from Goldwater to Trump," but I can see why the publisher thought they'd sell more books by sticking Reagan's name there instead.)
Ingraham points out that most politicians run as populists, so it's important to separate actions from rhetoric. Examples of genuine populists are guys like Patrick J. Buchanan and Ross Perot, whereas populist pretenders include the Bushes, the Clintons, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, and a whole host of others. As a former speechwriter for the Reagan administration, Ingraham has long been involved with the populist movement, and her insights provide oft-overlooked historical context for Trump's political success.
The book's second half, which focuses squarely on Trump's presidential campaign and early performance as commander-in-chief, was less interesting due to how up-to-date it was. If you paid any attention whatsoever to the news over the last two years, little in these pages is likely to surprise you. And since Ingraham is famous for being one of Trump's biggest supporters, don't expect her to spend much time on Trump's failures and missteps--though she certainly
acknowledges they happened. I look forward to revisiting this section about 10-15 years from now, but right now I'm weary of hearing about Trump all the time. The man has inspired several cottage industries in the world of publishing: books on his life, books on how he won the election, books on his vision for America, books on how he can drain the swamp, books on his family, books on his controversial staff selections, books on why he is evil and must be stopped, etc., etc.
But the biggest real issue I have with the book is that Laura Ingraham puts herself front and center for WAY too much of it. What begins as a history book eventually seems like a self-congratulatory memoir of Ingraham's life in politics. She spends a lot of time detailing what she said on TV throughout Trump's campaign, and she includes lengthy portions of speeches she gave during that period. She provides blow-by-blow accounts of attending a Trump rally and speaking at the Republican National Convention. She discusses her radio interviews with people like John Kasich, Marco Rubio, etc. Nothing inherently wrong with any of that, of course, but it does take on an aura of self-promotion that detracts from the book's primary purpose. With very little tweaking, BILLIONAIRE AT THE BARRICADES could've been an important academic treatise, but Ingraham settled for conservative punditry instead.
The book ends with Ingraham's advice for President Trump. If you listen to conservative talk radio or visit conservative news sites, none of her comments will come as a surprise. And while I consider her advice sound, it's the sort of thing that makes a book feel dated much more quickly than otherwise. Ultimately, the big question for me is whether she will eventually sour on Trump the same way she and most other conservative pundits eventually soured on George W. Bush.
Ingraham points out that most politicians run as populists, so it's important to separate actions from rhetoric. Examples of genuine populists are guys like Patrick J. Buchanan and Ross Perot, whereas populist pretenders include the Bushes, the Clintons, Richard Nixon, Jimmy Carter, Barack Obama, and a whole host of others. As a former speechwriter for the Reagan administration, Ingraham has long been involved with the populist movement, and her insights provide oft-overlooked historical context for Trump's political success.
The book's second half, which focuses squarely on Trump's presidential campaign and early performance as commander-in-chief, was less interesting due to how up-to-date it was. If you paid any attention whatsoever to the news over the last two years, little in these pages is likely to surprise you. And since Ingraham is famous for being one of Trump's biggest supporters, don't expect her to spend much time on Trump's failures and missteps--though she certainly
acknowledges they happened. I look forward to revisiting this section about 10-15 years from now, but right now I'm weary of hearing about Trump all the time. The man has inspired several cottage industries in the world of publishing: books on his life, books on how he won the election, books on his vision for America, books on how he can drain the swamp, books on his family, books on his controversial staff selections, books on why he is evil and must be stopped, etc., etc.
But the biggest real issue I have with the book is that Laura Ingraham puts herself front and center for WAY too much of it. What begins as a history book eventually seems like a self-congratulatory memoir of Ingraham's life in politics. She spends a lot of time detailing what she said on TV throughout Trump's campaign, and she includes lengthy portions of speeches she gave during that period. She provides blow-by-blow accounts of attending a Trump rally and speaking at the Republican National Convention. She discusses her radio interviews with people like John Kasich, Marco Rubio, etc. Nothing inherently wrong with any of that, of course, but it does take on an aura of self-promotion that detracts from the book's primary purpose. With very little tweaking, BILLIONAIRE AT THE BARRICADES could've been an important academic treatise, but Ingraham settled for conservative punditry instead.
The book ends with Ingraham's advice for President Trump. If you listen to conservative talk radio or visit conservative news sites, none of her comments will come as a surprise. And while I consider her advice sound, it's the sort of thing that makes a book feel dated much more quickly than otherwise. Ultimately, the big question for me is whether she will eventually sour on Trump the same way she and most other conservative pundits eventually soured on George W. Bush.
December 29, 2017
This is an excellent book! A real page-turner, I couldn't put this book down. There are several books out now about the Trump victory, but this one goes into detail about the movement of the people that brought about the rise of the Populist Trump presidency. If Ingraham is correct, and I believe she is, all Trump needs to do to be re-elected is to continue being Trump and keep his message to the people direct and unrelenting about the issues they care most about. In the few months between the publishing of this book and passing of the Republican Tax Cuts, it is clear that Trump Presidency is well on its way to re-election already.
All in all, this autobiographical memoir of the previous campaigns in which Ingraham was involved, all the way through Trump's own rise to the White House, is well worth the read! You will not be disappointed in her assessments of where power belongs... to the people.
All in all, this autobiographical memoir of the previous campaigns in which Ingraham was involved, all the way through Trump's own rise to the White House, is well worth the read! You will not be disappointed in her assessments of where power belongs... to the people.
February 5, 2018
I loved this book so much that I wish everyone would read it! Therefore, I can't decide exactly what to say about it because I don't want my review to turn anyone off of it.
Laura Ingraham deftly braids together a page-turner that is part history, part politics, and part a memoir of her own interesting life! The subtitle says Reagan to Trump, but the history actually goes all the way back to Goldwater.
The purpose of this book is not to attempt to make you like Trump. The first part of the book doesn't even mention him but sets the stage historically and politically, enabling the reader to understand the Trump impact from escalator to election. I personally deplore Mr. Trump's filthy mouth and haughty attitude. That being said, I'm extremely glad that he's our president! If he had come to office at a different time in history--during the newspaper age--we wouldn't even know these negatives about him. Many prior presidents possessed these same flaws, but none of them had to endure the unceasing criticism and threats to his office that have hounded Mr. Trump's first amazing year! The book helps to explain that it's not just Trump and his flaws, it's his anti-establishment populist philosophy that makes him hated and reviled by the elite of both parties supported by the mainstream media. Lucky for us, Laura Ingraham is not part of that media.
Who knows what this president is going to do next or what others will do to him? Whatever happens, Laura's book will help us appreciate the import of whatever the future holds. She has helped me better appreciate that, as a citizen, I have my own important role to play in the current story of our country, especially if I want my grandchildren to grow up in the America that I have been blessed to know and love!
If you can't understand how Mr. Trump won the election, read this. For me, there wasn't a single boring paragraph. A very compelling and worthwhile read, I'll probably read it again at some point in the future!
Laura Ingraham deftly braids together a page-turner that is part history, part politics, and part a memoir of her own interesting life! The subtitle says Reagan to Trump, but the history actually goes all the way back to Goldwater.
The purpose of this book is not to attempt to make you like Trump. The first part of the book doesn't even mention him but sets the stage historically and politically, enabling the reader to understand the Trump impact from escalator to election. I personally deplore Mr. Trump's filthy mouth and haughty attitude. That being said, I'm extremely glad that he's our president! If he had come to office at a different time in history--during the newspaper age--we wouldn't even know these negatives about him. Many prior presidents possessed these same flaws, but none of them had to endure the unceasing criticism and threats to his office that have hounded Mr. Trump's first amazing year! The book helps to explain that it's not just Trump and his flaws, it's his anti-establishment populist philosophy that makes him hated and reviled by the elite of both parties supported by the mainstream media. Lucky for us, Laura Ingraham is not part of that media.
Who knows what this president is going to do next or what others will do to him? Whatever happens, Laura's book will help us appreciate the import of whatever the future holds. She has helped me better appreciate that, as a citizen, I have my own important role to play in the current story of our country, especially if I want my grandchildren to grow up in the America that I have been blessed to know and love!
If you can't understand how Mr. Trump won the election, read this. For me, there wasn't a single boring paragraph. A very compelling and worthwhile read, I'll probably read it again at some point in the future!
December 16, 2017
Thoroughly enjoyed Laura Ingraham's book which took me on a memory tour back to the time of Reagan and forward. I had forgotten how the Republicans had left our Conservatism behind beginning with George H. W. Bush saying "Read my lips". Because of that big lie we wound up with Slick Willy and the rest is history. Ingraham takes no prisoners on her journey to find out why America elected Donald Trump as our President in 2016. After reading this book I am convinced that no one other than Donald Trump could be elected. The country was sick and tired of Republicans and Democrats who have lied to us for years and done nothing to make our lives better. Politicians who have gone to Washington and forgotten who put them in office as soon as they hit the shores of D.C. Donald Trump went to these forgotten people and promised them that they would not be forgotten again. What Trump did was short of a miracle. First the Republican party doubted him and then the Democratic party laughed in his face. With every smear and every belittling remark the Trump Train got bigger because when they laughed at Trump they were laughing at the people who were supporting him or who decided to support him because of these smears. Ingraham is a true Conservative and she is thorough in her research but, most importantly, she has lived through all that she writes about. She supported Bush but she was one of the first to call him out when she didn't like some of his policies. She will also hold Trump to his promises. If anyone is still wondering why Trump is President, this is a great book to answer that question for you.
August 30, 2018
A marvelous journey through the political landscape from Goldwater to Reagan. .. and then Reagan
onward up to and including the Trump conservative-populist movement. Ingraham narrates the tumultuous times, political events that have transpired up to the present time. Along the way, Ingraham provides her personal insights she obtained through her various involvements in the political machine .
She continuously provides appropriate critical analysis and wit to shed light onto the circumstances and importance of each historical political event. Her analysis of these important events as they unfold in history provides a significant and cogent argument for the necessity of the conservative - populist movement. An attorney by training she has certainly evolved into much more... after law school she entered into politics as a speech writer for Reagan ... then clerking for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.. and then entering the Media arena on radio in 2001 and finally as an amazing TV guru on Fox News in October 2017. Thanks to Netgalley and St Marins's Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof of this highly enlightening book in exchange for an honest review.
onward up to and including the Trump conservative-populist movement. Ingraham narrates the tumultuous times, political events that have transpired up to the present time. Along the way, Ingraham provides her personal insights she obtained through her various involvements in the political machine .
She continuously provides appropriate critical analysis and wit to shed light onto the circumstances and importance of each historical political event. Her analysis of these important events as they unfold in history provides a significant and cogent argument for the necessity of the conservative - populist movement. An attorney by training she has certainly evolved into much more... after law school she entered into politics as a speech writer for Reagan ... then clerking for Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas.. and then entering the Media arena on radio in 2001 and finally as an amazing TV guru on Fox News in October 2017. Thanks to Netgalley and St Marins's Press for providing an Uncorrected Proof of this highly enlightening book in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2018
If you are looking for a treatise on health care options, trade agreements or immigration, this book is not for you. If you are looking for an engaging history of presidential electoral politics, from Barry Goldwater forward, you may enjoy this. The book emphasizes the role of the media and news cycle in driving the public perceptions.
I had never heard of Laura Ingraham before this book was suggested to me by Amazon. I have never watched her on TV. (I prefer the egghead, C-Span stuff). The book is also her autobiography. She was personally engaged with many of the major players in the rise of Trump. The week by week analysis of the campaign, the gaffes, the media frenzies, was nicely summarized.
A mistake on page 257: "Once just 4 percent of GDP, today Medicare and Medicaid consume nearly 20 percent." No, Medicare and Medicaid each consume about 20% of NHE (National Health Expenditure). NHE is about 18% of GDP.
I had never heard of Laura Ingraham before this book was suggested to me by Amazon. I have never watched her on TV. (I prefer the egghead, C-Span stuff). The book is also her autobiography. She was personally engaged with many of the major players in the rise of Trump. The week by week analysis of the campaign, the gaffes, the media frenzies, was nicely summarized.
A mistake on page 257: "Once just 4 percent of GDP, today Medicare and Medicaid consume nearly 20 percent." No, Medicare and Medicaid each consume about 20% of NHE (National Health Expenditure). NHE is about 18% of GDP.
December 20, 2019
I like and respect Laura Ingrahm, her education, personality, and viewpoints. In this book, she has educated me about the Populist movement and the New World Order (THAT is scary). I see now why the majority of voters put Trump into office. He's not a politician and he heard and understood what the lower and middle-class Americans wanted, and thus got elected.
I hope we all see a better America as a result of his Presidency. Who wouldn't want that?!
Thank you to Laura Ingrahm for taking the time to explain to us some political movements and their history and their power.
I hope we all see a better America as a result of his Presidency. Who wouldn't want that?!
Thank you to Laura Ingrahm for taking the time to explain to us some political movements and their history and their power.
November 16, 2017
We listened to this on a long trip and found it engaging and informative. The history of politics and her personal story intertwined. Recommend to anyone who doesn't understand how Donald Trump won the election. I attended two of the rallies, one early in the primaries and one the day before the election. It was in those halls that I "got it", the people spoke loud and clear.
November 13, 2017
My first book read by Laura Ingraham and I was really impressed. Well written, easy to read, entertaining, enlightening, and educational. I will most definitely read more of Ms. Ingraham's writings and I put her writing on the level of Newt Gingrich, whom I find to be a great writer.
November 4, 2017
Rush was right.
Anyone that followed this from the escalator to election day will love it, and learn more about what built Trump.
Anyone that followed this from the escalator to election day will love it, and learn more about what built Trump.
April 18, 2019
Another well written timeline of the Trump run for POTUS. Laura presents information in a easy to follow blow by blow of the Establishments and MSMs attempt to derail Trumps run over Hillary.
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