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Raising Them Right: The Untold Story of America's Ultraconservative Youth Movement and Its Plot for Power
A riveting behind-the-scenes account of the new stars of the far right—and how they’ve partnered with billionaire donors, idealogues, and political insiders to build the most powerful youth movement the American right has ever seen In the wake of the Obama presidency, a group of young charismatic conservatives catapulted onto the American political and cultural scenes, eager to thwart nationwide pushes for greater equity and inclusion. They dreamed of a cultural revolution—online and off—that would offer a forceful alternative to the progressive politics that were dominating American college campuses. In Raising Them Right , a gripping, character-driven read and investigative tour de force, Kyle Spencer chronicles the people and organizations working to lure millions of unsuspecting young American voters into the far-right fold—revealing their highly successful efforts to harness social media in alarming ways and capitalize on the democratization of celebrity culture. These power-hungry new faces may look and sound like antiestablishment renegades, but they are actually part of a tightly organized and heavily funded ultraconservative initiative to transform American youth culture and popularize fringe ideas. There is Charlie Kirk, the swashbuckling Trump insider and founder of the right-wing youth activist group Turning Point USA, who dreams of taking back the country’s soul from weak-kneed liberals and becoming a national powerbroker in his own right. There is the acid-tongued Candace Owens, a Black ultraconservative talk-show host and Fox News regular who is seeking to bring Black America to the GOP and her own celebritydom into the national forefront. And then there is the young, rough-and-tumble libertarian Cliff Maloney, who built the Koch-affiliated organization Young Americans for Liberty into a political force to be reckoned with, while solidifying his own power and pull inside conservative circles. Chock-full of original reporting and unprecedented access, Raising Them Right is a striking prism through which to view the extraordinary shifts that have taken place in the American political sphere over the last decade. It establishes Kyle Spencer as the premier authority on a new generation of young conservative communicators who are merging politics and pop culture, social media and social lives, to bring cruel economic philosophies, skeletal government, and dangerous antidemocratic ideals into the mainstream. Theirs is a crusade that is just beginning.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published October 18, 2022
67 people are currently reading
2792 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 26, 2022
A few thoughts:
1) I have never felt such a strong urge to throw my iPad across the room.
2) This book should be a call-to-action to the Democratic establishment to PAY ATTENTION TO THE YOUTH or we will all continue to suffer the consequences. And not someday, RIGHT NOW.
3) I went to UPJ at the same time as Cliff Maloney, and his reputation precedes him on that campus. I am heartbroken for the women he harmed, and I hope all of you get the justice you deserve.
I am so grateful to the author for her work embedding herself in this culture so that the rest of us don’t have to. 🤣 But seriously, anyone interested in how the US found itself in this political dumpster fire and what the future of the conservative movement holds, read this book. And Dems, read and learn, because we need to do better.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
1) I have never felt such a strong urge to throw my iPad across the room.
2) This book should be a call-to-action to the Democratic establishment to PAY ATTENTION TO THE YOUTH or we will all continue to suffer the consequences. And not someday, RIGHT NOW.
3) I went to UPJ at the same time as Cliff Maloney, and his reputation precedes him on that campus. I am heartbroken for the women he harmed, and I hope all of you get the justice you deserve.
I am so grateful to the author for her work embedding herself in this culture so that the rest of us don’t have to. 🤣 But seriously, anyone interested in how the US found itself in this political dumpster fire and what the future of the conservative movement holds, read this book. And Dems, read and learn, because we need to do better.
Thank you to NetGalley and Ecco for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
March 9, 2023
Oh my god these people are the wooooorrrrrrrrst. We need to infuse a lot more money into progressive grassroots groups because otherwise this country is going to end up being run by these billionaire-backed, Reagan-loving, capitalism-obsessed dorks and we cannot allow that to happen.
August 18, 2022
The first half of this book is so good and insightful. The second half feels very thrown together and not fleshed out because the proximity to reporting/publishing time. I also think the author lost focus in the back half straying from the youth into mainstream adult GOP politics.
November 30, 2022
I “grew up” in college in the cult of the Libertarian right and spent many of my early professional years at organizations described in the book. Kyle is spot on in her analysis of the planning, power, and insidious culture that marks the “movement” (insiders literally refer to it as the “movement” as in “liberty movement).
As a female, I can’t even count the number of times I was violated or threatened by men, as an employee I can’t even count the number of violations of sexism and refusal for accountability or the number of at risk situations I was put in by my employers.
As a former fundraiser it’s hard to describe how incredibly irresponsible and unethical their practices are. Libertarian (like Young Americans for Liberty) would be different from the conservative right if they were following the “principles” they claim to stick by, but the fundraising strategy is completely corrupted, relying on conservatives who don’t agree with the principles (like peace and leave people alone and don’t be an asshole), then scaring them with overblown threats from the left and convincing them they are the hero’s of their false narrative. These strategies are far reaching and encourage belief in conspiracies and violence.
In the end though, most of the leaders know exactly what their doing and refuse to acknowledge because they enjoy the power of it. They will lie, rape, corrupt all for some minuscule notoriety and the opportunity to speak at a podium. From a psyche perspective, I am completely convinced that a large group of the people in these groups were bullied in high school and never got over it, they found these ideas and felt special, and it differentiated them from the group, and put them in a special group of people who agree with them. But their organization and their feelings of being other make them a huge threat to democracy and the safety of society.
As a female, I can’t even count the number of times I was violated or threatened by men, as an employee I can’t even count the number of violations of sexism and refusal for accountability or the number of at risk situations I was put in by my employers.
As a former fundraiser it’s hard to describe how incredibly irresponsible and unethical their practices are. Libertarian (like Young Americans for Liberty) would be different from the conservative right if they were following the “principles” they claim to stick by, but the fundraising strategy is completely corrupted, relying on conservatives who don’t agree with the principles (like peace and leave people alone and don’t be an asshole), then scaring them with overblown threats from the left and convincing them they are the hero’s of their false narrative. These strategies are far reaching and encourage belief in conspiracies and violence.
In the end though, most of the leaders know exactly what their doing and refuse to acknowledge because they enjoy the power of it. They will lie, rape, corrupt all for some minuscule notoriety and the opportunity to speak at a podium. From a psyche perspective, I am completely convinced that a large group of the people in these groups were bullied in high school and never got over it, they found these ideas and felt special, and it differentiated them from the group, and put them in a special group of people who agree with them. But their organization and their feelings of being other make them a huge threat to democracy and the safety of society.
November 7, 2022
Maybe I missed something while listening to the audio but, while this book does speak some to college and high school recruitment and training, it seemed to focus more on the rising influence of the three individuals who are the focus of this book as the next generation of conservative politics - none of whom I would consider todays youth. There are important points about messaging and financing but I had hoped there would be more focus on how they are appealing to today’s youth as I wouldn’t expect this demographic to be watching Fox News.
Read
December 2, 2025Read this over the span of 3 months for a book club (one section each month). I found this extremely insightful, but, even though this was only published in 2022, parts of it already felt outdated. Politics moves fast and I would be interested to see a new edition with an updated chapter or afterword. Overall, if this sounds interesting I would pick it up, especially if you have a group of people to discuss it with.
August 5, 2022
A well-reported dive into 3 people who have created a powerful conservative youth movement. It shows the impact of media attention, donors, and success on them. Lastly the book portends the dangerous effect on democracy.
November 7, 2023
3.5 stars. This was a really comprehensive study of what the conservative movement is doing to mobilize young people and students to their cause and I do think that it summarizes well how progressives have failed to implement these strategies. I sure learned a lot. But ultimately the book comes across as a lot of fear-mongering (blah) and storytelling (not so blah), instead of answering the question, "So why are young people moving towards this movement?" That's why I picked up this book in the first place-- I wanted to know why this phenomenon is happening and what young people's grievances and fears are. Spencer kind of goes into this? But it's not as deep as her discussion of conservative strategies. I'll also say the tone of the book is fairly sarcastic, which works okay for the content. But overall it's a pretty good and mostly informative dive into a movement that I find very scary.
July 10, 2024
This is an exhaustively-researched look at how right-wing movements, some of them quite extreme, have gained a considerable foothold in American youth culture.
I grew up in a conservative part of the country during a conservative time period, so it is not exactly surprising to me to hear of teenagers and young adults committed to right-wing causes. I remember the "fresh meat" expressions young males in particular would get when they learned that I was one of the few classmates who did not agree with them, and how they seemed to relish going on the attack--even if I refused to argue with them. I don't think these guys were "trained" in any particular programs in the ways described in this book, however--they were simply steeped in a culture that identified anyone to the left of them as the enemy, someone whom they needed to vanquish, even if that person was absolutely no threat to them or their everyday lives.
The research in this book was so in-depth that at times it dragged for me. The ways in which dark money and big business have funded groups and meetings to advance their politics is sobering and fascinating, but I can't say I'm as interested in the life stories of conservative influencers.
I grew up in a conservative part of the country during a conservative time period, so it is not exactly surprising to me to hear of teenagers and young adults committed to right-wing causes. I remember the "fresh meat" expressions young males in particular would get when they learned that I was one of the few classmates who did not agree with them, and how they seemed to relish going on the attack--even if I refused to argue with them. I don't think these guys were "trained" in any particular programs in the ways described in this book, however--they were simply steeped in a culture that identified anyone to the left of them as the enemy, someone whom they needed to vanquish, even if that person was absolutely no threat to them or their everyday lives.
The research in this book was so in-depth that at times it dragged for me. The ways in which dark money and big business have funded groups and meetings to advance their politics is sobering and fascinating, but I can't say I'm as interested in the life stories of conservative influencers.
January 14, 2023
An interesting look at the foundations laid by major players in the American conservative political movement a generation ago that have led to the empowerment and rise of todays generation of conservative figureheads.
November 27, 2022
She is so comically biased that it detracts from the book.
January 10, 2026
I bet this book would have slapped in like 2023, but now it just feels like old news.
Spencer paints a picture for us of some major figures in the Republican Party and spends the entire book telling us that they’re all annoying and gross. But, alas, we already know that. I was hoping to do more learning about how we got here (alt-right christian terrorism) and do less pearl clutching about how morally reprehensible these people’s actions are (sex scandals and fraud).
Spencer paints a picture for us of some major figures in the Republican Party and spends the entire book telling us that they’re all annoying and gross. But, alas, we already know that. I was hoping to do more learning about how we got here (alt-right christian terrorism) and do less pearl clutching about how morally reprehensible these people’s actions are (sex scandals and fraud).
September 16, 2025
lies
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2025
I read this for a political book club and wanted to chuck this across the room several times. That beind said, this was a very informative book about the rise of Christian Nationalism and how Turning Point began, and the people backing it and wanting to see their message spread. I didn't really know too much about CK's history and the power players behind the scenes, and this book was a great deep dive into that movement
December 23, 2022
If the Trump era taught us anything, it is the toxic ouroboros relationship between media, celebrity, and politics. This book dangerously and irresponsibly elevates the profile of people who will only be fueled by it. So it goes.
October 25, 2022
Thank you for the giveaway but this book was not for me. It was interesting to see others opinions but I did not enjoy the thoughts within the book.
March 13, 2025
*****In my opinion, this book is all about the start of the conservative moment and why it is important.*****. Key Highlights:
The Rise of a New Conservative Youth Movement:
The book meticulously traces the emergence of a highly organized and well-funded ultra-right conservative youth movement.
It emphasizes how this movement capitalized on the anxieties and frustrations of young conservatives, particularly in response to the Obama era and the perceived dominance of progressive ideologies.
Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA:
Spencer provides a detailed examination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, and his role in shaping the movement.
The book delves into Turning Point USA's strategies, tactics, and influence on college campuses and in the broader political landscape.
Social Media Warfare:
A significant focus is placed on the movement's mastery of social media platforms.
The book reveals how these groups effectively utilize social media to disseminate their message, counter opposing viewpoints, and mobilize their supporters.
The Trump Connection:
Spencer explores the close relationship between the ultra-right youth movement and Donald Trump's political rise.
It analyzes how these groups played a crucial role in supporting Trump's campaigns and how his presidency further fueled their activism.
Funding and Ideological Networks:
The book sheds light on the financial backing of these organizations, revealing the influence of wealthy donors and ideological networks.
It examines the core tenets of the movement's ideology, including its emphasis on cultural conservatism, libertarian economics, and opposition to "woke" culture.
Concerns About Radicalization:
The book does bring to light the concerns of radicalization, and how the strong rhetoric that is used, can lead to radicalization of the youth.
Types of Passages:
Character Profiles:
Expect in-depth portrayals of key figures like Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens, and others, with analyses of their personalities, rhetoric, and motivations.
Organizational Analysis:
The book provides detailed accounts of Turning Point USA's activities, including its campus outreach, events, and social media campaigns.
Ideological Examination:
You'll find passages that dissect the core beliefs and values of the ultra-right conservative youth movement, with a focus on their rhetoric and messaging.
Political Strategy:
Spencer explores the movement's political strategies, including its efforts to influence elections, shape public opinion, and gain political power.
Social Commentary:
The book provides a critical analysis of the social and cultural factors that have contributed to the rise of this movement.
Essentially, "Raising Them Right" is an investigative work that aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of a significant force in contemporary American politics.
The Rise of a New Conservative Youth Movement:
The book meticulously traces the emergence of a highly organized and well-funded ultra-right conservative youth movement.
It emphasizes how this movement capitalized on the anxieties and frustrations of young conservatives, particularly in response to the Obama era and the perceived dominance of progressive ideologies.
Charlie Kirk and Turning Point USA:
Spencer provides a detailed examination of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, and his role in shaping the movement.
The book delves into Turning Point USA's strategies, tactics, and influence on college campuses and in the broader political landscape.
Social Media Warfare:
A significant focus is placed on the movement's mastery of social media platforms.
The book reveals how these groups effectively utilize social media to disseminate their message, counter opposing viewpoints, and mobilize their supporters.
The Trump Connection:
Spencer explores the close relationship between the ultra-right youth movement and Donald Trump's political rise.
It analyzes how these groups played a crucial role in supporting Trump's campaigns and how his presidency further fueled their activism.
Funding and Ideological Networks:
The book sheds light on the financial backing of these organizations, revealing the influence of wealthy donors and ideological networks.
It examines the core tenets of the movement's ideology, including its emphasis on cultural conservatism, libertarian economics, and opposition to "woke" culture.
Concerns About Radicalization:
The book does bring to light the concerns of radicalization, and how the strong rhetoric that is used, can lead to radicalization of the youth.
Types of Passages:
Character Profiles:
Expect in-depth portrayals of key figures like Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens, and others, with analyses of their personalities, rhetoric, and motivations.
Organizational Analysis:
The book provides detailed accounts of Turning Point USA's activities, including its campus outreach, events, and social media campaigns.
Ideological Examination:
You'll find passages that dissect the core beliefs and values of the ultra-right conservative youth movement, with a focus on their rhetoric and messaging.
Political Strategy:
Spencer explores the movement's political strategies, including its efforts to influence elections, shape public opinion, and gain political power.
Social Commentary:
The book provides a critical analysis of the social and cultural factors that have contributed to the rise of this movement.
Essentially, "Raising Them Right" is an investigative work that aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of a significant force in contemporary American politics.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 4, 2025
Full Disclosure: Goodreads Giveaway Winner
Spencer profiles three young people who have been the 'faces' of young conservativism in recent years: Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens, and Cliff Maloney. He followed Kirk and Maloney from when they were becoming nationally known until the build-up for Trump's third campaign. Owens seem more to flit in and out of the narrative.
Although Kirk and Maloney seem to have started with deeply held (yet very misguided) beliefs, they are quickly consumed with the siren songs of power and money. Both were plagued with complaints of sexism and sexual harassments, personally and within their organizations. They encouraged their followers to more and more outrageous stunts showcasing misogyny, racism, and xenophobia - feigning shock and trying to deny knowledge and culpability when things inevitably and unsurprisingly went far enough to draw backlash. This is the next generation of the culture that brought us the likes of Brett Kavanaugh and Donald Trump. This is the future of the Conservative movement.
I'm not even sure where to start with Candace Owens. As a woman, I am appalled at her unabashed attention seeking behavior. Her support of the very systems developed and intended to oppress her based on both her gender and race defy sense for any other reason.
As to the writing... I had a few issues. Spencer refers to Eagle Scout meetings that Kirk attended in middle school; unless there is another organization that uses that designation, it would be a Boy Scout (they were not yet co-ed) meetings, and they don't have meetings based on rank because the older or more advanced Scouts actively mentor junior Scouts. However, I'm not sure that this can be blamed on Spencer, as it may have come from Kirk himself, who if nothing else is not a reliable narrator of his own legend. Kirk claims that he 'lost' his spot at West Point to a female of colour... however, he only took a couple of AP classes, and his GPA was well below that required for the service academies. Oh, and he would not have access to information about who might have been chosen instead of him, much less why. High school FRIENDS mention his lack of ethics, and that he was voted 'most likely to take over the world' - clearly not <-i> a compliment. In other words, this guy is a snake oil selling con-man.
Did I enjoy this book? No. It horrified me.
Do I recommend it? Most assuredly, not for enjoyment, but because it lays out how we ended up with a second Trump Presidency... not because of what he can do for the US, but because of the hate he, and the conservative movement depend upon.
Spencer profiles three young people who have been the 'faces' of young conservativism in recent years: Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens, and Cliff Maloney. He followed Kirk and Maloney from when they were becoming nationally known until the build-up for Trump's third campaign. Owens seem more to flit in and out of the narrative.
Although Kirk and Maloney seem to have started with deeply held (yet very misguided) beliefs, they are quickly consumed with the siren songs of power and money. Both were plagued with complaints of sexism and sexual harassments, personally and within their organizations. They encouraged their followers to more and more outrageous stunts showcasing misogyny, racism, and xenophobia - feigning shock and trying to deny knowledge and culpability when things inevitably and unsurprisingly went far enough to draw backlash. This is the next generation of the culture that brought us the likes of Brett Kavanaugh and Donald Trump. This is the future of the Conservative movement.
I'm not even sure where to start with Candace Owens. As a woman, I am appalled at her unabashed attention seeking behavior. Her support of the very systems developed and intended to oppress her based on both her gender and race defy sense for any other reason.
As to the writing... I had a few issues. Spencer refers to Eagle Scout meetings that Kirk attended in middle school; unless there is another organization that uses that designation, it would be a Boy Scout (they were not yet co-ed) meetings, and they don't have meetings based on rank because the older or more advanced Scouts actively mentor junior Scouts. However, I'm not sure that this can be blamed on Spencer, as it may have come from Kirk himself, who if nothing else is not a reliable narrator of his own legend. Kirk claims that he 'lost' his spot at West Point to a female of colour... however, he only took a couple of AP classes, and his GPA was well below that required for the service academies. Oh, and he would not have access to information about who might have been chosen instead of him, much less why. High school FRIENDS mention his lack of ethics, and that he was voted 'most likely to take over the world' - clearly not <-i> a compliment. In other words, this guy is a snake oil selling con-man.
Did I enjoy this book? No. It horrified me.
Do I recommend it? Most assuredly, not for enjoyment, but because it lays out how we ended up with a second Trump Presidency... not because of what he can do for the US, but because of the hate he, and the conservative movement depend upon.
October 18, 2025
I have many thoughts about this but I’ll start by saying if you are liberal and looking to confirm your views about the right, this book is 5️⃣⭐️❗️
If you are a conservative this will just tick you off. There was no real effort to call it both ways. Honest reporting? Nope! Investigation! Haha!
One of my favorite examples of this was she found someone from Charlie Kirk’s high school that had something negative to say and she phrased the quote “at least one person [insert negative comment]” which to me is so lazy. I took it to say “hey I found the first person to confirm my narrative and I just went with that.” Would others have negative things to say? Probably. He was (I’m reading this about a month after his murder) a high profile figure. Even those of us regular folk have people with a certain opinion of us that is skewed and not reality based on a number of factors such as envy, one bad interaction, misunderstandings, etc.
The author also mentions Condoleezza Rice, Candace Owens, and other minorities and downplayed or portrayed them as stupid for agree or being tricked by conservative thinking. In any other scenario you would have to bow down to the lived experience of such minorities.
She dismissed a comment from Cliff Maloney in response to criticism that “the loudest boos come from the cheapest seats.” This is something that is definitely true. I have been a high school and college coach for many years and it is a fact. Could the criticism of Maloney be valid? Sure, but the other doesn’t really explore it, she just laughs off his statement, sticks with the negative that supports her worldview and neglects the other side.
That is really the big problem. There is no comparison to the left and how they do things so similarly to the things she is trying to demonize the right for. I would put it this way. If I held up a toad and was pointing out how disgusting it was, you would likely agree with me. However, if I held a frog up next to it, you would likely say, ‘yeah that may be true but these two things are pretty similar’ and it would be less disgusting by comparison.
I would have actually appreciated a book that tried to talk about this fairly, but this is echo chamber, confirmation bias, bull shit.
If you are a conservative this will just tick you off. There was no real effort to call it both ways. Honest reporting? Nope! Investigation! Haha!
One of my favorite examples of this was she found someone from Charlie Kirk’s high school that had something negative to say and she phrased the quote “at least one person [insert negative comment]” which to me is so lazy. I took it to say “hey I found the first person to confirm my narrative and I just went with that.” Would others have negative things to say? Probably. He was (I’m reading this about a month after his murder) a high profile figure. Even those of us regular folk have people with a certain opinion of us that is skewed and not reality based on a number of factors such as envy, one bad interaction, misunderstandings, etc.
The author also mentions Condoleezza Rice, Candace Owens, and other minorities and downplayed or portrayed them as stupid for agree or being tricked by conservative thinking. In any other scenario you would have to bow down to the lived experience of such minorities.
She dismissed a comment from Cliff Maloney in response to criticism that “the loudest boos come from the cheapest seats.” This is something that is definitely true. I have been a high school and college coach for many years and it is a fact. Could the criticism of Maloney be valid? Sure, but the other doesn’t really explore it, she just laughs off his statement, sticks with the negative that supports her worldview and neglects the other side.
That is really the big problem. There is no comparison to the left and how they do things so similarly to the things she is trying to demonize the right for. I would put it this way. If I held up a toad and was pointing out how disgusting it was, you would likely agree with me. However, if I held a frog up next to it, you would likely say, ‘yeah that may be true but these two things are pretty similar’ and it would be less disgusting by comparison.
I would have actually appreciated a book that tried to talk about this fairly, but this is echo chamber, confirmation bias, bull shit.
March 4, 2023
Sat down and read this in one sitting, a fascinating look into Charlie Kirk (founder of Turning Point USA who swung into Trump-land & the far-right Christian camp raised in Chicago), Cliff Maloney (Libertarian youth leader with sexual assault allegations, theater geek from Pennsylvania) and briefly, Candace Owens (black conservative woman from inner-city Stamford rewarded for social/political gaffes like a speech where she praised Hitler because bad press is still press/going viral is good.)
The journalist author followed around the [youth] conservative movement for a few years, attending conferences and holding interviews. Nothing really new about how these people radicalized themselves, or the downfall of some of the names mentioned in the book; the epilogue was less a call to arms for any Democrat reading the book - who are the intended audience - and more pointing out that the previous 250+ pages had been a bevy of information concerning how the Republican party utilizes their youth, the internet/social media and passes down information whereas the opposing Democratic campaigners can offer very little of the same.
Also, every time the author was forced to mention Ted Cruz she would slide in a dig like [paraphrasing] "he appeared at the CPAC after-party in a polka-dotted tie, stayed for one "Socialism Sucks" chant, and left early, presumably to go to bed." I admit it made me laugh.
The journalist author followed around the [youth] conservative movement for a few years, attending conferences and holding interviews. Nothing really new about how these people radicalized themselves, or the downfall of some of the names mentioned in the book; the epilogue was less a call to arms for any Democrat reading the book - who are the intended audience - and more pointing out that the previous 250+ pages had been a bevy of information concerning how the Republican party utilizes their youth, the internet/social media and passes down information whereas the opposing Democratic campaigners can offer very little of the same.
Also, every time the author was forced to mention Ted Cruz she would slide in a dig like [paraphrasing] "he appeared at the CPAC after-party in a polka-dotted tie, stayed for one "Socialism Sucks" chant, and left early, presumably to go to bed." I admit it made me laugh.
May 20, 2025
Kyle Spencer takes one for the team and dives deep into the conservative youth movement and the work of its leaders Charlie Kirk, Candace Owens, and Cliff Maloney. I don't tend to go for books so overtly about the current political moment because they tend to quickly lose relevance. However, this book came highly recommended and with a degree of local interest.
As expected, Raising Them Right reads as a book written by a journalist, and at times I lost interest in the long list of names, places, organizations, events, and dollar signs. However, all are important in understanding that young voters haven’t swung right by coincidence. The author’s portraits of Charlie and Cliff are unflattering and honest. I never found myself surprised at their misbehavior and, in Cliff’s case, crimes. Her portrayal of Candace Owens’ career proves more insightful for me, shining a light on black conservatism and the ways this influencer was able and encouraged by the right to cash in on it. Spencer provides a comprehensive overview of what the right is doing and how much they are willing to pay to mobilize young people, but she doesn’t offer much in the way of solutions (a tall order, I know).
I originally wanted to rate the book 3 stars, but then I realized my issue was only reading it too late. It’s a depressing and angering read in 2025, but I think if I had read it in 2022 I could’ve saved myself some heartache in the last election.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
As expected, Raising Them Right reads as a book written by a journalist, and at times I lost interest in the long list of names, places, organizations, events, and dollar signs. However, all are important in understanding that young voters haven’t swung right by coincidence. The author’s portraits of Charlie and Cliff are unflattering and honest. I never found myself surprised at their misbehavior and, in Cliff’s case, crimes. Her portrayal of Candace Owens’ career proves more insightful for me, shining a light on black conservatism and the ways this influencer was able and encouraged by the right to cash in on it. Spencer provides a comprehensive overview of what the right is doing and how much they are willing to pay to mobilize young people, but she doesn’t offer much in the way of solutions (a tall order, I know).
I originally wanted to rate the book 3 stars, but then I realized my issue was only reading it too late. It’s a depressing and angering read in 2025, but I think if I had read it in 2022 I could’ve saved myself some heartache in the last election.
Thank you to NetGalley for the eARC!
June 12, 2023
This is a book well worth reading for an awareness of how well organized and mobilized the ultra conservative youth groups are in America. Beginning as far back as the Goldwater loss in 1964, wealthy billionaires and multi-millionaires have been generously funding youth groups pushing the right wing agenda. Groups like Turning Point USA and Young Americans for Liberty ( YAL ) have been working tirelessly to elect local and state representatives on the right and more recently, taking part in the Stop the Steal movement after Trump's election loss in 2020. Many of these young people follow the libertarian cause as well. The author points out an uncomfortable truth for Democrats. These right wing youth groups are far better funded and organized than left wing progressive youth. This became painfully apparent in the election defeat of Hillary Clinton in 2016. What is doubly uncomfortable is how these youth groups parrot the Republican party line about stolen elections and gun rights issues and conspiracy theories from lunatic groups such as QAnon. It is remarkable to see what lots of money can buy!!!
January 18, 2023
I was very disappointed in this book.
There are a number of outright mistakes in the text, surrounding occasional insights into youth organization on the right. At times, however, the investigation into the three 'main characters' of this text, turn into deifying these individuals. The reporting frankly, reinforces their self image. They're political operators, not superhumans.
The book fails to grasp a number of aspects of the conservative youth movement's growth -- and feels hopelessly dated in a world that has seen the consequences of the internet and politics on shaping what it means to be a youth movement in American politics. I really have to say I was, and am, very disappointed in this book. It focuses more time on following the occasional visits to donor's houses that these three engaged in than it does in actual telling of tactics or development. It reads as a collection of surface-level information gathering, far more than the culmination of 4 years of journalistic hard work.
A very weak work from an otherwise talented journalist.
There are a number of outright mistakes in the text, surrounding occasional insights into youth organization on the right. At times, however, the investigation into the three 'main characters' of this text, turn into deifying these individuals. The reporting frankly, reinforces their self image. They're political operators, not superhumans.
The book fails to grasp a number of aspects of the conservative youth movement's growth -- and feels hopelessly dated in a world that has seen the consequences of the internet and politics on shaping what it means to be a youth movement in American politics. I really have to say I was, and am, very disappointed in this book. It focuses more time on following the occasional visits to donor's houses that these three engaged in than it does in actual telling of tactics or development. It reads as a collection of surface-level information gathering, far more than the culmination of 4 years of journalistic hard work.
A very weak work from an otherwise talented journalist.
December 19, 2022
3.5 stars. A well-reported background on three young leaders of the modern conservative/MAGA/libertarian movements. Did I want to spend hours learning more about these dishonest, unprincipled, hypocritical, and one one case, sexual assaulting people? NOT REALLY. But know thy enemy and all that. What was most interesting is the contrast between the left and the right when it comes to showering young leaders with *anything* they need for success: money, jobs, platforms, non-profit organizations, trainings, media and social media outlets, etc. These young conservatives don't need to tell the truth to be given a very large microphone. "For all the right’s complaints that the American left was filled with collectivists, it it modern day conservatives who are actually embracing a pass-it-down groupthink that is facilitating knowledge sharing, mentoring, and the kind of consistent online messaging that helps win elections."
October 2, 2025
Recommended by a like minded friend, this well researched and documented book was an eye opener. I have to confess it was not an easy read. Published in 2022, interestingly, it looks at a movement began 50 years ago to indoctrinate and brain wash youth to ultra conservative ideals, with billionaire backers.
The author begins in 2018 after the midterm elections and concludes in November 2021, covering the election and insurrection. She chronicles the people and organizations working to lure millions of unsuspecting young American voters into the far right fold, revealing their highly successful efforts to harness social media in alarming ways to capitalize on the pop celebrity culture. In addition to Trump, the predominant character here is Charlie Kirk!! She describes him as a swashbuckling Trump insider, founder of the right wing youth activist group, who had presidential aspirations of his own.
We have a lot of catching up to do.
The author begins in 2018 after the midterm elections and concludes in November 2021, covering the election and insurrection. She chronicles the people and organizations working to lure millions of unsuspecting young American voters into the far right fold, revealing their highly successful efforts to harness social media in alarming ways to capitalize on the pop celebrity culture. In addition to Trump, the predominant character here is Charlie Kirk!! She describes him as a swashbuckling Trump insider, founder of the right wing youth activist group, who had presidential aspirations of his own.
We have a lot of catching up to do.
February 24, 2023
As is the case with most movements coming from the modern American right, it can be typically be summed down to a couple of charismatic grifters doing the bidding of the ultra wealthy. In the case of Cliff Maloney, (who had to step down due to rampant sexism at his organization), Candace Owens, and Charlie Kirk, who make up the hydra of the conservative youth movement, they’re all backed by some combination of Koch, Wilks, or (insert other cartoonishly evil industry tycoon here). Ultimately, when your policies are regressive and clearly against changing tide of society, this is what you need to do to win in electoral politics.
Overall a great, albeit infuriating, read about those who are trying to shape the political opinions of the American youth. (Ironically, some would call this grooming)
Overall a great, albeit infuriating, read about those who are trying to shape the political opinions of the American youth. (Ironically, some would call this grooming)
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December 26, 2024Book is mainly about 3 US conservative political activists that are millennials, who are a part of the Republicans/conservative strategy of winning the youth vote.
This book details their political rise, where/why/how they’re effective, the large donor base that Republicans have in funding these “turning the youth conservative” programs on college campuses (which outpaces Dems/libs 3:1), what the hypocrisies and outright lies these three tell their listeners, and concludes with what Dems can do to counteract the Rep’s play for the youth.
With the latter, it’s mainly about better becoming “collectivists”, which the Republicans currently do better than Dems on, with being organized and harnessing the power of grassroots activist energy; and also having Dem donors invest more in activism targeting the youth.
This book details their political rise, where/why/how they’re effective, the large donor base that Republicans have in funding these “turning the youth conservative” programs on college campuses (which outpaces Dems/libs 3:1), what the hypocrisies and outright lies these three tell their listeners, and concludes with what Dems can do to counteract the Rep’s play for the youth.
With the latter, it’s mainly about better becoming “collectivists”, which the Republicans currently do better than Dems on, with being organized and harnessing the power of grassroots activist energy; and also having Dem donors invest more in activism targeting the youth.
September 27, 2022
In-depth research and reporting on 3 major leaders in the young republicans movement (including a libertarian as well). I knew of Charlie Kirk and Candace Owens but this book introduced me to Cliff Maloney. I thought the first half of the book was more interesting and well researched than the latter half, but that’s probably because the events in the end of the book were so recent. This book definitely has a liberal bias, which I was fine with and totally expected. It made me angry while reading this book to learn about all the ways that the Right is so much more organized and better funded than the Left. The author definitely has excellent ideas for how Democrats can better mobilize for future elections.
March 11, 2023
It helps me understand better why and how the Democrats have been so unsuccessful at doing what they promise to do--they're not funding the people who can make it happen the same way that conservatives are, and they're not speaking the language. They are smart people, they can come up with clever ways to package and market the ideals that most Americans want, but aren't seeing in politics. "Do you like clean water? The GOP prefers your water is spiked with mercury!" Sensational, yes, but necessary in the short term. The GOP lies all the time and everyone (except the dumbest) know it and accept it. The Dems don't even have to lie, we can just tell the truth in catchy bites. Spend your money where it counts, Democrat donors!
April 21, 2023
3.5
Positives
A wake-up call for centrists and those left of center. If you have any doubt about the organizational skills and ruthlessness of the far right, Spencer will dissuade you of those illusions.
The pace moves along like a candidate on a cross-country campaign.
Not-so-Much
Lots and lots of names of supporters and donors. Good for reference, but I had a hard time keeping them all straight.
The Charlie/Candance and Cliff stories felt like they could have been two different books. Their goals and tactics were different enough to be explained separately.
Little things about her writing style got on my nerves after a while - okay, okay, young Republicans wear rumpled khakis!
Positives
A wake-up call for centrists and those left of center. If you have any doubt about the organizational skills and ruthlessness of the far right, Spencer will dissuade you of those illusions.
The pace moves along like a candidate on a cross-country campaign.
Not-so-Much
Lots and lots of names of supporters and donors. Good for reference, but I had a hard time keeping them all straight.
The Charlie/Candance and Cliff stories felt like they could have been two different books. Their goals and tactics were different enough to be explained separately.
Little things about her writing style got on my nerves after a while - okay, okay, young Republicans wear rumpled khakis!
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