Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America and What We Can Do About It

by Jason Altmire

Rarely has America been so bitterly divided. Partisans now view those with differing opinions as the enemy. Cable news programs inflame passions rather than inform viewers. Social media provides the most irrational partisans a venue to spew their hatred and bias. Town hall meetings, once the staple of representative democracy, have degenerated into choreographed shouting matches. Money flows into campaigns at unprecedented rates. Centrists are nearly extinct in Congress, where compromise has become a dirty word. All the while, ordinary Americans feel disenfranchised, watching in disgust as our political process has been hijacked by ideological extremists.

A former three-term member of Congress, Jason Altmire is uniquely qualified to offer solutions to the polarization that has paralyzed Washington. A respected political moderate known for working with both sides of the aisle, Altmire during his time in office was recognized as having the most centrist voting record in the entire House of Representatives.

Fast-paced and easily-readable, Dead Center moves beyond the tired rhetoric that so often dominates our political discourse. Featuring a cast of characters including Donald Trump, Barack Obama, Hillary and Bill Clinton, Mike Pence and Nancy Pelosi, Dead Center contains riveting anecdotes from Altmire's time in office, giving readers an inside view of what it is like to be a centrist in a divided Congress. Altmire draws upon his first-hand experience in the corridors of power to evaluate the root causes of polarization and offer novel solutions to break the gridlock and restore to Washington a spirit of cooperation nonexistent today.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Education

38 pages, Paperback

Published October 3, 2017

About the author

Jason Altmire is President and CEO of Career Education Colleges and Universities, the national association representing private trade schools and career colleges. He is also an adjunct professor at the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center. He has worked at senior levels in business, education, and politics, and from 2007 to 2013, he served three terms in the United States House of Representatives. A prolific public speaker and commentator, he has been a frequent guest on national television news programs and a regular opinion contributor to a variety of newspapers. He earned a Doctorate in Business Administration from the University of Florida, a Master’s in Health Administration from George Washington University, and a bachelor’s degree in political science from Florida State University.

Reviews

[Montzalee Wittmann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dead Center: How Political Polarization Divided America and What We Can Do About It
by Jason Altmire
I requested this book from NetGalley and the review is voluntary.
Politics is a very difficult to talk about and to read. I can't imagine how difficult it must have been to write about but Mr Altmire does it admirably. He does it without accusations, blaming sides, talking down, getting too political, or bogging the reader with little details. This is the history of how this country, in the recent history, has come to be so divided. It makes a lot of sense if I like it or not. He goes on to describe so many things I would never have thought of. I guess that is why he is who he is and I am not into politics. It takes someone that knows about the workings of the government and the people to understand.
The book also makes a point that most people would rather have a candidate that is not in the center of there party. They like the far right or far left. Then this is discussed as to how this leads to further divide. Why don't we like the center? Wouldn't the center be better, work harder, get things done?
This is a common sense, no nonsense, open, non-judgemental book that I enjoyed. Yes, a political book I enjoyed! I did read it in parts, I can't read any political book all at once, LOL
If only we could get the President and Congress to read it too!

[Don Gerstein · Rating 5 out of 5]

For the record, I have never used a political party as a basis for my vote. My decisions are always based upon the policies and beliefs of the candidate, not on party affiliation. I employed this same outlook while reading and reviewing Jason Altmire’s “Dead Center.”

The book addresses the current polarization of political parties in America, an issue that is apparently neglected as citizens’ approval of the U.S. Congress is down to single digits. Mr. Altmire’s book reveals that approximately 20% of Americans fall on the extreme left or right of the political line, while most people gravitate toward the center and would like to see more compromise between parties, even if that meant the bills they supported were watered down in order to achieve that goal.

In the first part of the book, Mr. Altmire relates his experiences while serving as a representative in the U.S. Congress, relating the challenges experienced by a “centrist.” The author ran in a contested region, and felt his moderate views aided his election and subsequent reelections. He then follows that with his thoughts and suggestions on how America could institute ideas that could help ease the polarization we currently experience. Mr. Altmire spares neither party, and readers not wishing to approach this book with an open mind may find some sections disturbing. Some may take issue with the candor expressed when relating stories of the Democrats’ political pressure he experienced choosing not to toe the party line (Mr. Altmire felt he needed to represent his district). Others may not like his criticisms of Republicans in some of the situations described in the book. At these times, it is important to remember that a centrist will not vote consistently with a particular political party, and as such, Mr. Altmire’s views will reflect that philosophy.

Some may question why the book states that a minority of the U.S. citizens appear to control our elections, resulting in congressional representatives that lean heavily to the far right or the far left. Mr. Altmire spends much time explaining how the situation began and the causes that continue to insert themselves between elected officials, forcing them further and further apart. He bases his theories on facts and provides a wealth of footnotes for readers to investigate.

While I did not agree with all of the author’s solutions to the polarization issue, what is refreshing is that he is choosing to speak up and address a serious issue that currently plagues our country. I personally would be happy to see some or all of his suggestions implemented, knowing full well that I do not agree with all of them. However, that is what Mr. Altmire is talking about. Compromise is not getting the other person to accept all of your talking points, it is a give and take that results in laws that accommodate both sides. This book is a step in that direction. Five stars.

My thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.

[Kyle · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is an important book for our current political climate. It is quite difficult to argue with how severely our country is being divided by partisan politics, yet, that seems to be all that we seem to discuss on any given day. This divide led to an especially divided and nasty election in 2016, leaving many voters torn between two candidates they traditionally never would have considered to vote for in the past. By interjecting personal experiences of trying to operate as a centrist, the author provides the audience insight into the belly of the beast, as it were. Without getting too formal or condescending, former Representative Altmire is able to give a civics lesson and a tell-all look at American politics simultaneously.

[Jeffrey · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very interesting. Great perspective from both a certified centrist and a professional in the medical industry. It's the medical studies that Congressman Altmire uses to explain the vanishing middle of our political spectrum that I found most compelling. Additionally, the historical blow-by-blow of his congressional career is a clear overview as it pertains to polarization. I recommend this book unequivocally. However, some of it is a tad redundant, and the fulfillment of the second part of the subtitle "and what we can do about it." is a little weak - one short chapter. Where's Mr. Altmire's suggestion that, if the parties fail to represent most citizens, a third party might be "what we can do about it?"

[John Spiri · Rating 5 out of 5]

In an era of demonization in American politics, voices such as ex-US congressman Jason Altmire’s are more important than ever to combat extreme views and polarization. While Altmire's interactions with political superstars such as Barrack Obama, Donald Trump and Nancy Pelosi provide intrigue, this is decidedly not a gossip book. Rather, it is a book of great substance, addressing a very serious contemporary problem, political polarization.

Altmire’s powerful message, grounded in years of experience as a congressman on Capitol Hill and impressive research, is that the US political system is growing ever more partisan, and both sides, Left and Right, politicians and citizenry, are responsible.

Too often, Altmire explains, one side feels the other side is to blame for polarization. A headline Altmire cites, “Where did the Middle Go?”, goes on to blame a “radicalized GOP.” His experience, as well as empirical data, doesn’t support the notion that only one side is to blame.

Altmire, a centrist Democrat who represented rural Pennsylvania, spares neither side. He explains the era of partisanship intensified when Newt Gingrich consolidated his power as Speaker of the House, but Pelsoi’s leadership was also described as “partisan”. He gives numerous lucid examples of how the internal workings of both parties are driving extremism and polarization, making it harder and harder for any politician to work across the aisle and bring the Left and Right together for even the most mundane legislation.

In addition to criticism of the inner workings of government, Altmire addresses social media and ways that both Democrats and Republicans are fueling polarization. Altmire cites cognitive scientists Hugo Mercier and Dan Sperber: “Skilled arguers… are not after the truth but after arguments supporting their views.”

Along those lines, Altmire turns to Jonathan Haidt a few times, noting “each individual reasoner is really good at one thing: finding evidence to support the position he or she already holds…”

One point Altmire makes that I'd like to believe is that the majority of Americans are actually more centrist, but extremist voices are louder, featured by partisan media, and highlighted by both sides, both to support their views and to criticize the other side. A well-refined trick by now is to find the extremest if not silliest point your opponent makes and feature it out of context to feed anger and self-righteousness on your own side.

Despite the evidence that polarization is steadily worsening, and will continue to worsen until measures are taken, Altmire remains hopeful. The final section of the book discusses a number of potential solutions. Surprisingly, Altmire explains why ending gerrymandering, for example, might not be as effective as many believe to make elections fairer. Neither does he believe congressional term limits will be of great help. Much more to his liking involves the difficult endeavor of achieving campaign finance reform, and finding ways to engage more citizens to participate in elections.

Peripheral experiences, such as his knowledge of and interactions with millionaire gambler Bill Benter and others seeking influence in politics, are a great pleasure to read. Altimire’s clear thinking and rational analysis, all delivered with grace and humility, make this a must read for Americans or anyone with an interest in politics.

[Gary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent practical ideas from a centrist Congressman from a swing distict

An easy , informative read from the brain of someone who experienced partisanship in the worst way, having lost to an extremist from the left in a primary.

[Andrew Figueiredo · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the better books I've read and one I would recommend to fellow moderates thinking about how politics works today and how it can be improved. Altmire blends personal anecdotes, psychological/political studies, and history to show how polarization has gotten so bad. He presents many ideas on why as well as a number of solutions. Overall, a good read.

[Nancy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jason Altmire seems to have a realistic view of what is happening in government today. He has looked at it from inside Congress and outside. He is a Democrat but I as a Republican think he has looked at what is going on in our political world today with eyes wide open.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rounding up because I found this book a really interesting memoir of Jason Altmire's 6 years in Congress as a centrist Democrat.

[Gary Moreau · Rating 3 out of 5]

Until 2013, Jason Altmire was a three-term member of the US Congress representing a district in western Pennsylvania. He was a Democrat but defined himself as a bipartisan centrist and had the voting record to prove it. That, he maintains, is what allowed him to capture a seat that before and after his tenure belonged to the Republicans.

The book is a very easy read that successfully avoids political jargon and, with a few exceptions we can easily forgive, the acronyms and jilted language that dominates most political literature today. Altmire comes across as very down to earth and easy going; the kind of guy you’d like to have as a neighbor. Maybe not unique in his line of work, but not the norm.

Altmire tells his personal story, and if you have any interest in personal politics it will be a pleasant if brisk walk behind the hedge. There are no salacious revelations, but you wouldn’t expect them from a good neighbor.

The context of the book, and the overriding theme, is that our politics are broken due to extreme and intolerant ideology and a political process that is both cause and effect. As a result, the centrists, like him, are largely gone. In their place are extreme ideologues that don’t have to worry about getting re-elected unless they break ranks with the most rabid activists and special interest groups that drive politics today.

We all feel his pain, of course. The partisan rhetoric that marks the political beat these days is demeaning, vulgar, and generally insufferable. The people and the process just don’t give us, the American people, enough credit. And we’re all pretty tired of it.

But, what to do? Altmire doesn’t really tackle that question until late in the book and he frankly seems to discredit the few suggestions he has almost as soon as he has prescribed them. On balance, his overriding solution seems to be to elect more centrists like him.

Statistically, of course, he’s right. That would change the game, but would it be a solution? And would it solve the right problem or just a symptom of the problem?

Perhaps I’m confusing politics with life, but it strikes me that a centrist life strategy is a good way not to get hurt if you can avoid the inevitable boredom. You may accomplish more, but will you accomplish anything of real merit? Will you have stories to tell your grand kids? I don’t think so.

He checks off the usual list of culprits, which, for the most part, are on the money. Gerrymandering, the primary process, digital media, the larcenous amounts of money in politics today, the lack of civics training in the schools, and a general lack of interest (or hope?) within the electorate all play a role.

None of these factors, however, will be easy to change. Fake news is here to stay. The very best intentions of the digital and social media companies isn’t going to eliminate it because bias is inherent in the algorithmic foundation on which the Internet is built. The bias is inevitable and once people realize just how much structural bias there is behind their news feeds, their searches, and the rankings that they so rely on, there will be change. The change, however, will be incremental.

One trend that is clearly behind the divide, and Altmire does address this, is the rise of the career politician. Once politics becomes a profession it changes the game. It has to. But term limits, the most obvious fix, as Altmire points out, will do as much to disguise the problem as eliminate it.

I personally believe that income inequality is the most serious and urgent problem the world faces at the moment. And Altmire makes a strong case that income inequality and partisan politics go hand in hand. Statistically, they move along a graph like they’re joined at the hip.

In the end, this is a good book by what I have to believe is a generally good man. I am not a fan of the personal narrative of politics, however, so that part of the book was largely lost on me. And it came up light in its prescriptions although that’s a reflection of the task, not the diligence or the sincerity of the author. Still, I put it down feeling a bit more anxious about the state of our political world than I was when I picked it up. And that’s not why I read books.

Hence my overall rating. You may feel quite differently. We don’t have to be partisan about our love of a good book and our thirst for all knowledge.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a voter, it is pretty hard to not be a part of the polarization that divides America when the ballot consists of candidates who are either too far left or too far right of where I would like my representatives to be standing on the issues that are important to me. I know that I am not alone in my frustration and disappointment, but having read "Dead Center," I now have a better understanding of the situation, how it came about, and am convinced that remediation is possible.
The book's subtitle says that something can be done about it, and the final chapter offers sane and reasonable solutions, although they may require monumental effort and dedication if they are to be accomplished. As the author says, "In the end, the burden falls on us. America gets the Congress that we the people elect."
In addition to drawing upon his personal history and experiences, former Congressman Jason Altmire cites research studies and polls that help to explain the dynamics of this polarization. He clarifies relevant elements of civics and looks at the psychology behind the thinking that guides our own involvement. He says that we need to elect more centrists because the majority of every day Americans are not being represented by the party extremists that rule today.
In addition to the multiple reforms that will be required of Congress, it is imperative to find ways to increase the voter turnout and make it more difficult for ideologues to dominate. Altmire's own experiences as a Congressman are evidence that moderation is discouraged and compromise is punished.
This book is educational, enlightening, interesting, and easy to understand. The recommendations are certainly reasonable, and the call for moderation and compromise is mandatory and logical if we hope to have a Congress that represents all Americans.

[Don Heiman · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Dead Center: How Polarization Divided America and What We Can Do About It.” Is authored by former Congressman Jason Altmire and published by Sunbury Press in 2017. Jason’s book is about how America has adopted confrontation and partisan politics as the basis for state and federal lawmaking and policy formation. He believes this partisan trend can only be resolved by centrist leadership who champion voter turnout and make it difficult for ideologues to dominate the electoral system. His discussions about New Democrats, Tuesday Group Republicans, and Blue Dogs are fascinating and new to my understanding of today’s political federal government movements. In 2020 Jason Altmire presented his book at the Dole Institute’s Edward F. Reilly University of Kansas lecture series. The presentation is available online in the Dole Institute’s YouTube archive. (P)

[Kamy · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many books in the "why we're polarized" category. This one ranks at the top because it comes from extensive research AND from this 3-term Representative's lived experience as the most centrist person in Congress. Excellent insights. it is especially satisfying to read if you are a political nerd and enjoy the insider views on congressional schedules, redistricting, leadership appointments, and other lesser discussed elements of Congressional work. Our federal dysfunction makes sense, sadly, after Altmire explains how it got this way and why it will get worse unless "we the people" do something about it. Thanks, Congressman!

[Bahramo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worth reading, but as with many other current political books, it does rehashes everything that we all know to be broken, and does not offer any ideas or thoughts other than elect centrist politicians. Personally, I don't agree with this as it would kill debate, and offer nothing to push us forward. Perhaps the politicians should learn the art of debate and compromise. But, still worth reading. one of the better books on the current political climate.

[Joy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read in December 2018 for a January 2019 book group.
Well-written and well-edited. I was initially impressed with the amount of research that went into this, and then I realized that many of the citations are to newspaper articles, and even a few Wikipedia pages.
The book is 203 pages of reminiscing about his 6 years in the House, and 24 pages about ideas for how to become less polarized.
It’s not an academic book, but a reasonable read, and worth the time of a quick read/scan.

[Ian MacGregger · Rating 1 out of 5]

Typical Shallow Fluff - like all the rest of this kind of book - catchy title, chapters full of fluff - and bland recommendations.

Poorly written - meandering - an apologetic. Anymore starts by writing that the extremes rule politics (yawn), fills chapters with disjointed anecdotes and wraps up with suggestions for reforms - reforms that are DOS and will not increase moderate engagement. Don't waste your money.

[Nicole Goodman · Rating 2 out of 5]

As an investigation into the effects of polarization and ways to fix it, this book is great. I wish Altmire had spend more chapters focusing on his solutions since they're tangible and easy-to-understand. Instead, we get a lot of unengaging memories of his time in office. Altmire is always the good guy and touts his moderate decisions, like voting against the Affordable Care Act or supporting AIPAC, without ever explaining the rationale behind those decisions.

[Peyton Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, it was a good book. It does lean more towards the democrat side of things, which wasn’t exactly what I was looking for in terms of a book about polarization. But, it also provides a lot of information about how American politics got this bad, and some possible ways to help lessen the problem, which made the book worth it. Definitely would recommend as long as you can identify what is biased and unbiased information.

[Merry Rassman · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Good read, offering thought provoking ideas about political polarization in our country. We are all so tired of the lack of discourse and compromise, the ineffectiveness of Congress, and of feeling as if our interests are not represented- no matter which “side of the aisle one sits on”. Time for change. Are we “up to the challenge”?

[Nancy Ekstrum · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compromise is a rare behavior

The author speaks with credentials and his message is representative of the feelings moderate Americans have. Polarization is a stumbling block to getting anything accomplished in Congress.

[Nancy RN · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good, but too redundant for me. As a friend described it as an “Oreo” book. Read the first and last 25%. Skip the middle