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The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country
Howard Fineman, one of our most trusted political journalists, shows that every debate, from our nation’s founding to the present day, is rooted in one of thirteen arguments that–thankfully–defy resolution. It is the very process of never-ending argument, Fineman explains, that defines us, inspires us, and keeps us free. At a time when most public disagreement seems shrill and meaningless, Fineman makes a cogent case for nurturing the real American dialogue. The Thirteen American Arguments runs the gamut, including
• Who Is a Person? The Declaration of Independence says “everyone,” but it took a Civil War, the Civil Rights Act, and other movements to make that a reality. Now, what about human embryos and prisoners in Guantanamo?
• The Role of Faith No country is more legally secular yet more avowedly prayerful. From Thomas Jefferson to James Dobson, the issue Where does God fit in government?
• America in the World In Iraq and everywhere else, we ask ourselves whether we must change the world in order to survive and honor our values–or whether the best way to do both is to deal with the world as it is.
Whether it’s the nomination of judges or the limits of free speech, presidential power or public debt, the issues that galvanized the Founding Fathers should still inspire our leaders, thinkers, and fellow citizens. If we cease to argue about these things, we cease to be. “Argument is strength, not weakness,” says Fineman. “As long as we argue, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, we will argue.”
• Who Is a Person? The Declaration of Independence says “everyone,” but it took a Civil War, the Civil Rights Act, and other movements to make that a reality. Now, what about human embryos and prisoners in Guantanamo?
• The Role of Faith No country is more legally secular yet more avowedly prayerful. From Thomas Jefferson to James Dobson, the issue Where does God fit in government?
• America in the World In Iraq and everywhere else, we ask ourselves whether we must change the world in order to survive and honor our values–or whether the best way to do both is to deal with the world as it is.
Whether it’s the nomination of judges or the limits of free speech, presidential power or public debt, the issues that galvanized the Founding Fathers should still inspire our leaders, thinkers, and fellow citizens. If we cease to argue about these things, we cease to be. “Argument is strength, not weakness,” says Fineman. “As long as we argue, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, we will argue.”
318 pages, Paperback
First published April 22, 2008
96 people are currently reading
715 people want to read
About the author
Howard Fineman
5 books"Howard Fineman is Newsweek's senior Washington correspondent and columnist. An award-winning reporter and writer, Fineman is also an NBC news analyst, contributing reports to that network as well as MSNBC. His column, "Living Politics," appears in Newsweek, on Newsweek.com, and on MSNBC.com. Fineman's work has also appeared in The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The New Republic. He lives in Washington, D.C., with his wife and two children." - from "The Thirteen American Arguments"
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
August 20, 2016
This was a book I had to read for school but it was not a pleasant surprise. I found this book to have some interesting political and historical facts and stories in it, but overall I found it incredibly dry and boring. It was hard to push myself through this book and I just found the experience of reading it very unpleasant. This book is not that long but every time I thought about picking it up and reading it I internally groaned and dreaded the experience. I have heard Howard Fineman speak on TV many times and I absolutely think he is a much better speaker than he is a writer. There were some interesting parts of this book but I think you could find a book that covers most of the same material that is more interesting to read. Definitely not one of my favorite books.
September 4, 2024
As much as I like Fineman on MSNBC shows like Countdown and Hardball, I just couldn't get into this book. He presents both sides of the arguments well, and I agree with his book's premise that our country's founding talent of civil political discourse is long gone. Now all we do is shout at each other instead of debate in the classic Lincoln/Douglas way.
However, this book needed a better editor. Fineman could have cut about 50-100 pages out of this book by sticking to the purpose of the book and the topics of each chapter. I understand the concept of background stories, but they felt more like history lessons. A chapter on presidential power does not need a 2-page summary of the 1980 election-it would have been better served by talking about the power of the executive branch under Presidents Carter and Reagan.
However, this book needed a better editor. Fineman could have cut about 50-100 pages out of this book by sticking to the purpose of the book and the topics of each chapter. I understand the concept of background stories, but they felt more like history lessons. A chapter on presidential power does not need a 2-page summary of the 1980 election-it would have been better served by talking about the power of the executive branch under Presidents Carter and Reagan.
March 19, 2010
I have enjoyed reading and seeing Howard Fineman for many years in Newsweek and on MSNBC and others. So, I was pleased to check out his first book: The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring debates that define and inspire our country. I was not disappointed. The basic premise of the book, as I see it, is that the whole American experience is based on a series of arguments, with much participation and involvement in the debates, with different sides of the essential arguments, through the years addressing the issues of the day. Who is a person? What is an American? How much power should reside in the Presidency? Are we for international trade or not? What is the role of faith? Who judges the law? What are the limits of individualism? What can we know and say? What about debt?
Each argument is well researched, with examples from the founding of our nation up to the current time, including the current presidential election campaign. Fineman has been a political reporter since the 1970s. His personal insights into particular events that he has covered are especially useful. He developed the concepts of “the arguments” from his political reporting. He urges each of us to insist that the debates continue, in an open manner, in order to preserve our way of life and government. Open debate of the various arguments is what moves the country forward; and, will move us beyond the current partisanship that tends to stifle debate and communications between the various sides of the important arguments of today.
I fear the “thirteen” may be a little arbitrary as a marketing ploy, but, overall, this is a book I would recommend to anyone – but, especially to those who care and understand what is going on in our country at this point in our history. It is also a relative easy read. I’m happy to say this about a book of substance.
Each argument is well researched, with examples from the founding of our nation up to the current time, including the current presidential election campaign. Fineman has been a political reporter since the 1970s. His personal insights into particular events that he has covered are especially useful. He developed the concepts of “the arguments” from his political reporting. He urges each of us to insist that the debates continue, in an open manner, in order to preserve our way of life and government. Open debate of the various arguments is what moves the country forward; and, will move us beyond the current partisanship that tends to stifle debate and communications between the various sides of the important arguments of today.
I fear the “thirteen” may be a little arbitrary as a marketing ploy, but, overall, this is a book I would recommend to anyone – but, especially to those who care and understand what is going on in our country at this point in our history. It is also a relative easy read. I’m happy to say this about a book of substance.
January 23, 2014
This book was an attempt to un-biasedly discuss thirteen broad categories of arguments that encompass all of the major political arguments in the United States of America. I believe the author failed at being unbiased. The book repeatedly refers to the then upcoming 2008 election and in the first chapters Hilary and Obama are referred to in a positive light several times, McCain isn't mentioned until one of the last chapters and in his place the author discusses a Republican candidate for senate who was an "up and coming star" in the Republican party but who I don't remember ever hearing about before reading this book and he holds this politician out of public shaming. Perhaps this book proves that you can't be unbiased about history you have lived. Another failure of this book was its lack of foresight. Decrying 5 trillion in debt and saying that Obama would end racial politics made me laugh. But this books greatest sin was that it was simply boring.
August 26, 2016
This book features 13 chapters about essential parts of the American identity. Centering heavily on election campaigns, Mr. Fineman draws many ideas together in order to create his points. He explains why our political system is the way it is, and what people must do to "play it right." For example, he cites Senator McCain's ideas of running as an outsider in 2000, as well as now-President then-Senator Obama's ideas in 2008. Overall, this is a very interesting book and a must-read for aspiring politicians and political science students/professors. However, being that it reads like a college-level political science textbook, it is not a fast read, and you will need patience in order to understand Mr. Fineman's ideas.
May 18, 2012
This book was an excellent overview of all the issues that have plagued America since its founding. The 13 arguments presented are, and always have been, incredibly relevant to the social and economic issues that America has encountered all throughout history. Fineman seems to lift above all political prejudice, commenting on the political strategies and legacies of political figureheads and journalists, ranging from Jill Abramson to Obama. He incorporates not only the present, but past arguments and shows the reader how they have evolved with new generations. He introduces each argument with an example or instance in which it has been demonstrated by a political figurehead or journalist. For example, with the presentation of the 5th argument, “The limits of Individualism”, Fineman presents us with the idea of national health care. He recalls how, after World War II, Harry Truman had suggested that the country adopt a national health care system like the one the British were establishing. He then went on to explain how that idea went nowhere, but why? Well, he says the core explanation is simple: “Health care was never considered something we owed eachother” (Fineman, 94). He goes further into the topic to explain that “most of us were supposed to fend for ourselves, and to pay for it.” (Fineman, 95). This is only one example of how Fineman supports each argument with a clear demonstration related to the history of our country.
Furthermore, I appreciate the fact that he honestly does not lean to the left or right side of any issues. He is indifferent on all the arguments he presents, I believe his desire is to honestly just present the argument to the reader, and let the reader decide his/her side on it. He gives a completely truthful view on all the arguments that have driven America’s citizens to debate endlessly for ages. Each election cycle, the arguments presented in this book (“Who is a person?”, “Who is an American?”, and “Who judges the law?”, to name a few) drive our candidates and our decision on who will run our country, state or city. From discussions about immigration to the role of the president, from war and diplomacy to terms of trading, this is an intriguing book to stimulate your political views and to even, perhaps, make you question them.
It is important to mention that this book does not – and does not intend to – answer any of the enduring arguments that it presents to its readers. The intentions of the book are purely to stimulate your political knowledge and intrigue you with the realization of how much of an impact these issues have. In fact, this book is intent on making the reader believe that these issues cannot – and should not – be answered, going so far to suggest that they may never be answered unanimously by the citizens of America, as we are all so diverse and our opinions differ so greatly. He believes that these 13 arguments are “Enduring debates that define and inspire our country” (Fineman, 1) and he is right. These debates drive every election and every election’s candidates; they are the subject of most every bill that passes through our congress, and they are surely debates that define America and inspire her citizens. He gives an honestly unbiased (Which is odd, since Fineman worked for MSNBC which generally leans to the left) overview of each individual argument and supports it with historic and modern examples, ranging from Lincoln to Obama. This book is great if you are struggling to decide your stance on issues, or even if your just trying to find out if you are more democratic or conservative.
Furthermore, I appreciate the fact that he honestly does not lean to the left or right side of any issues. He is indifferent on all the arguments he presents, I believe his desire is to honestly just present the argument to the reader, and let the reader decide his/her side on it. He gives a completely truthful view on all the arguments that have driven America’s citizens to debate endlessly for ages. Each election cycle, the arguments presented in this book (“Who is a person?”, “Who is an American?”, and “Who judges the law?”, to name a few) drive our candidates and our decision on who will run our country, state or city. From discussions about immigration to the role of the president, from war and diplomacy to terms of trading, this is an intriguing book to stimulate your political views and to even, perhaps, make you question them.
It is important to mention that this book does not – and does not intend to – answer any of the enduring arguments that it presents to its readers. The intentions of the book are purely to stimulate your political knowledge and intrigue you with the realization of how much of an impact these issues have. In fact, this book is intent on making the reader believe that these issues cannot – and should not – be answered, going so far to suggest that they may never be answered unanimously by the citizens of America, as we are all so diverse and our opinions differ so greatly. He believes that these 13 arguments are “Enduring debates that define and inspire our country” (Fineman, 1) and he is right. These debates drive every election and every election’s candidates; they are the subject of most every bill that passes through our congress, and they are surely debates that define America and inspire her citizens. He gives an honestly unbiased (Which is odd, since Fineman worked for MSNBC which generally leans to the left) overview of each individual argument and supports it with historic and modern examples, ranging from Lincoln to Obama. This book is great if you are struggling to decide your stance on issues, or even if your just trying to find out if you are more democratic or conservative.
May 23, 2012
The Thirteen American Arguments offers a lot of potential but doesn't deliver
I heard Howard Fineman on the radio discussing The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country one day and scribbled the book title down in my little notepad as I was driving down the road. The idea behind this book is truly great - find 13 central arguments that have been passed down over time and look how different eras of Americans have addressed them.
Fineman's 13 arguments are:
1. Who is a person?
2. Who is an American?
3. The role of faith
4. What can we know and say?
5. The limits of Individualism
6. Who judges the law?
7. Debt and the Dollar
8. Local v. National Authority
9. Presidential Power
10. The terms of trade
11. War and Diplomacy
12. The environment
13. A fair, "more perfect" union
He adds to these by noting 5 groups that often have competing visions about what to do with each of these: the State, the Church, the Market, the Tribe and the Academy (Science). (pg. 18)
So far, so good. Sounds like an interesting book.
But...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.ca/2011/0...
I heard Howard Fineman on the radio discussing The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Define and Inspire Our Country one day and scribbled the book title down in my little notepad as I was driving down the road. The idea behind this book is truly great - find 13 central arguments that have been passed down over time and look how different eras of Americans have addressed them.
Fineman's 13 arguments are:
1. Who is a person?
2. Who is an American?
3. The role of faith
4. What can we know and say?
5. The limits of Individualism
6. Who judges the law?
7. Debt and the Dollar
8. Local v. National Authority
9. Presidential Power
10. The terms of trade
11. War and Diplomacy
12. The environment
13. A fair, "more perfect" union
He adds to these by noting 5 groups that often have competing visions about what to do with each of these: the State, the Church, the Market, the Tribe and the Academy (Science). (pg. 18)
So far, so good. Sounds like an interesting book.
But...
Read more at: http://dwdsreviews.blogspot.ca/2011/0...
October 23, 2009
Howard Fineman's The Thirteen American Arguments is a very accurate portrayal of modern day American politics. Through his 13 arguments, he is able to pinpoint many of the issues present in our society and our government today. While he does a good job at attempting to epitomize the "essence" of the United States of America, my personal opinion is that his nationalism is a bit much. He hardly ever disagrees with any of the executive decisions the government makes. I believe it is a good read for anyone who is interested in taking a closer look at the development and arguments that have shaped our nation.
August 25, 2021
This book makes me want to either a) start a bonfire and throw it in or b) move to Canada. I feel like this author has some underlying issues. He jumps from 1775 to 2008 with no transitions, rattling on about random topics using specific historical details and only the last names of people he's referencing. I had no clue what was happening. If my teacher didn't assign this, I think I would have stopped when Howard started using words like "mortal being" and "realm".
May 16, 2009
An excellent premise; faulty execution... My major beef is that the dude never seems to get around to saying anything! In discussing "Who is a person?", for example, we get a paragraph on Ann Richards introducing Ferraro in '84, the standard tip of the hat to Abigail Adams, and then a paragraph on Roe v. Wade followed by some references to Nancy Pelosi. What is your point, holmes? "Like the universe, the meaning of personhood is expanding." Oh. Thanks.
November 22, 2017
In light of where we are now, broke into tribes, facing a president who was elected to office with the help of Russian interference, it is interesting to read this book, written in 2008. As we debate tax cuts for the rich and healthcare, Fireman’s thesis about American arguments provides a helpful look back as to how we got here.
October 22, 2018
Very interesting and insightful
February 13, 2018
This year I have decided to read and listen to more books. So far it is going well with six books down and three in progress. I listen to books more than read as I walking the dog gives me an excellent opportunity to put on the headphones. Recently, one book that I just finished listening to was so compelling that I decided to buy it so I can go back to specific chapters of interest.
The book I am referring is The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Inspire and Define Our Country, by Howard Fineman. Fineman is an author and American Journalist now working with the Huffington Post. Since he is working with the HuffPost, his leaning is more left.
That said, overall, the majority of the book is pretty neutral or at least not too far left or right which is what kept me listening to it. I have also recently listened to Rediscovering Americanism: And the Tyranny of Progressivism, by Mark R. Levin and Jeremy Lowell and this book was a slog to get through Levin spend too much time blaming of everyone else and not enough time how we got to this point.
Anyways, Thirteen American Arguments covers the general history of thirteen topics. I have added some sub-topics, so you understand the chapters better.
1. Who is a Person?
a. Women's rights
b. Immigration
c. Abortion
2. Who is an American?
a. Immigration
3. The Role of Faith
a. How religion works its way into politics
4. What Can We Know and Say?
5. The Limits of Individualism
6. Who Judges the Law?
a. The politicization of judges
7. Debt and the Dollar
a. Spending, spending, spending
8. Local vs. National Authority
a. State Rights
9. Presidential Power
10. The Terms of Trade
a. Free trade
b. NAFTA
11. War and Diplomacy
a. How much power should a president have
12. The Environment
13. A Fair, "More Perfect" Union
For me, chapters 1,2,8,11-13 were the most resonating. All the chapters were interesting, and Fineman went into details how the American Founders felt on the topic as well as how the issues changed over time. It provides an excellent background for trying to understand how we got to where you are now.
Immigration was particularly interesting. Fineman points out that historically when immigrants become roughly 15 percent of the population, there is a backlash. As of the 2016 U.S. census (https://factfinder.census.gov/), this number is now nearing that number. Total foreign born (naturalized U.S. citizen and Not U.S. citizen) is 14% (43,739,345 / 323,127,515). The data also shows that about 7% (22,500,973 / 323,127,515) is people in the U.S. are Foreign-born; Not a U.S. citizen and that 51% of all foreign-born are currently not U.S. citizens.
It was not until 1986 that illegal immigration became a crime (misdemeanor). Before 1986, the only punishment of deportation was rarely enforced. This chapter also illustrated the different migration flows in our nation's history from the British, the Irish, Polish, Germans, Chinese, Southeast Asians, Middle Eastern, and now Mexico and Central America.
In closing, I take the perspective of the book in that history repeats itself more often than it should. Also, the current arguments are not new and we must as a nation must discuss these and come up with a reasonable solution that the whole of America, not just small segments of the population.
The book I am referring is The Thirteen American Arguments: Enduring Debates That Inspire and Define Our Country, by Howard Fineman. Fineman is an author and American Journalist now working with the Huffington Post. Since he is working with the HuffPost, his leaning is more left.
That said, overall, the majority of the book is pretty neutral or at least not too far left or right which is what kept me listening to it. I have also recently listened to Rediscovering Americanism: And the Tyranny of Progressivism, by Mark R. Levin and Jeremy Lowell and this book was a slog to get through Levin spend too much time blaming of everyone else and not enough time how we got to this point.
Anyways, Thirteen American Arguments covers the general history of thirteen topics. I have added some sub-topics, so you understand the chapters better.
1. Who is a Person?
a. Women's rights
b. Immigration
c. Abortion
2. Who is an American?
a. Immigration
3. The Role of Faith
a. How religion works its way into politics
4. What Can We Know and Say?
5. The Limits of Individualism
6. Who Judges the Law?
a. The politicization of judges
7. Debt and the Dollar
a. Spending, spending, spending
8. Local vs. National Authority
a. State Rights
9. Presidential Power
10. The Terms of Trade
a. Free trade
b. NAFTA
11. War and Diplomacy
a. How much power should a president have
12. The Environment
13. A Fair, "More Perfect" Union
For me, chapters 1,2,8,11-13 were the most resonating. All the chapters were interesting, and Fineman went into details how the American Founders felt on the topic as well as how the issues changed over time. It provides an excellent background for trying to understand how we got to where you are now.
Immigration was particularly interesting. Fineman points out that historically when immigrants become roughly 15 percent of the population, there is a backlash. As of the 2016 U.S. census (https://factfinder.census.gov/), this number is now nearing that number. Total foreign born (naturalized U.S. citizen and Not U.S. citizen) is 14% (43,739,345 / 323,127,515). The data also shows that about 7% (22,500,973 / 323,127,515) is people in the U.S. are Foreign-born; Not a U.S. citizen and that 51% of all foreign-born are currently not U.S. citizens.
It was not until 1986 that illegal immigration became a crime (misdemeanor). Before 1986, the only punishment of deportation was rarely enforced. This chapter also illustrated the different migration flows in our nation's history from the British, the Irish, Polish, Germans, Chinese, Southeast Asians, Middle Eastern, and now Mexico and Central America.
In closing, I take the perspective of the book in that history repeats itself more often than it should. Also, the current arguments are not new and we must as a nation must discuss these and come up with a reasonable solution that the whole of America, not just small segments of the population.
August 6, 2025
Author Fineman presents 13 issues that we have been arguing about even before America's inception. As he argues, we've been through all these arguments before and as long as we continue to question and engage with one another, America will continue. He admits that it's often been ugly, but that hasn't stopped us from wrangling over issues like personhood, speech, religion, free trade (or not), debt and credit, war and diplomacy, state vs. federal authority, etc. I like that he shows the arguments through the historical record and various politicians and leaders across time. The reading is a little dry but fairly easy to understand. Still, it's a lot to digest so is a book I will likely keep on hand to read again. I especially liked his chapters on "Who is a person" " Who is an American" and "The Role of Faith."
One interesting fact I learned is that for about the first 100 years, the federal government paid its bills almost solely through tariffs and the sale of federal lands. It almost feels Trumpian. However, I think it is more chaotic this time around, and will we even steer the tariff money towards paying our bills and paying down the national debt? Unlikely. Maybe the tariffs will pay for gold decor in the White House (Oh wait, Trump is paying for that personally, right?) and reworking Air Force One given to us by a foreign country but going to--not us, but to a future Trump library. Or what about all those golf trips? I could go on, but I digress. It was interesting that so much of what Fineman describes is the same as today, some 16 years after the book was written.
Quotes I liked: Bobby Kennedy said, "Some men see things as they are and ask, 'Why?' I dream things that never were and ask, 'Why not?'" "...the message of this book is this: We need to calm down, get engaged, and look for leadership." "As long as we argue, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, we will argue."
One interesting fact I learned is that for about the first 100 years, the federal government paid its bills almost solely through tariffs and the sale of federal lands. It almost feels Trumpian. However, I think it is more chaotic this time around, and will we even steer the tariff money towards paying our bills and paying down the national debt? Unlikely. Maybe the tariffs will pay for gold decor in the White House (Oh wait, Trump is paying for that personally, right?) and reworking Air Force One given to us by a foreign country but going to--not us, but to a future Trump library. Or what about all those golf trips? I could go on, but I digress. It was interesting that so much of what Fineman describes is the same as today, some 16 years after the book was written.
Quotes I liked: Bobby Kennedy said, "Some men see things as they are and ask, 'Why?' I dream things that never were and ask, 'Why not?'" "...the message of this book is this: We need to calm down, get engaged, and look for leadership." "As long as we argue, there is hope, and as long as there is hope, we will argue."
September 13, 2024
This is a good read, though the idea of the book is more intriguing than the actual execution, which keeps it from getting top marks. Still worthwhile though!
The premise of the book is quite solid, and while the author excuses himself for not being a historian in order to make his case, I think that the journalistic view gives a certain "down-to-earth" light on the selected Arguments that lends it a different kind of credibility (still, it would be nice to see an actual historian gauge with the premise in a similar way to see the counterpoints). The first 6 or 7 "Arguments" are well laid out and feel very fundamental nature. The book seems to lose a bit of steam as it goes on though, with the arguments seeming less fundamental and more "soup de jour" to the decade of publication with a lot of anti-Bush leanings, and occasionally being a bit overladen with anecdotal examples that feel more trim in earlier Arguments. Indeed, much of the "evidence" for the arguments that comes from 2000-2010 can seem a little dated in detail, but by this point (2024) we've got a decent amount of distance from these events such that they can viewed as "history" more than "current events". In addition, the deference given to what seems to be the “other side” from the author’s own viewpoint is almost always more than token, and the concluding remarks that brim with optimism and a can-do attitude prevent the book from dipping into screed-work.
All in all, not a life-changing read, but the chapter headings alone provide an interesting lens to start to view any aspect of US history, policy, or current events that makes the exercise of reading the book worthwhile.
The premise of the book is quite solid, and while the author excuses himself for not being a historian in order to make his case, I think that the journalistic view gives a certain "down-to-earth" light on the selected Arguments that lends it a different kind of credibility (still, it would be nice to see an actual historian gauge with the premise in a similar way to see the counterpoints). The first 6 or 7 "Arguments" are well laid out and feel very fundamental nature. The book seems to lose a bit of steam as it goes on though, with the arguments seeming less fundamental and more "soup de jour" to the decade of publication with a lot of anti-Bush leanings, and occasionally being a bit overladen with anecdotal examples that feel more trim in earlier Arguments. Indeed, much of the "evidence" for the arguments that comes from 2000-2010 can seem a little dated in detail, but by this point (2024) we've got a decent amount of distance from these events such that they can viewed as "history" more than "current events". In addition, the deference given to what seems to be the “other side” from the author’s own viewpoint is almost always more than token, and the concluding remarks that brim with optimism and a can-do attitude prevent the book from dipping into screed-work.
All in all, not a life-changing read, but the chapter headings alone provide an interesting lens to start to view any aspect of US history, policy, or current events that makes the exercise of reading the book worthwhile.
November 3, 2023
I had high hopes for this. The book breaks down what are, in the author's view, the thirteen main arguments/questions that drive the operation and functioning of the United States. Some of the arguments include the extent of local vs. national authority, the role of war and diplomacy, and the requirements for citizenship. Each chapter had interesting ideas, but I felt like they were all so broad and barely skimmed the surface of each topic. I get that it's impossible to fully dive into all the details in just one book, but I wanted a lot more. So much of each chapter is dedicated to these "case studies" of various political figures the author met throughout his time as a reporter, and how each figure played a role in our nation's understanding, debate, or awareness of the related Argument. Some of these were pretty interesting, but I would have preferred if the page space was dedicated to more interesting court cases or political case studies that went more in depth with the chapter's topic. I did appreciate the author's perspective on arguing and the importance of informed debate within our country, as that's how ideas progress and how change occurs. His appreciative view of arguing was actually a bit relieving to me, as arguing is generally thought of as something negative but it can also be a helpful tool in better understanding and shaping the world around us.
July 8, 2017
I devoured this book. Unless it's an assignment, I don't usually blow throw a book like this. Because Fineman is a reporter, it is readable. I found this book to be fascinating. Given the political climate of America right now, it was (mostly) an encouraging read because Fineman reminded me, and specifically explains exactly what makes American an inspiring country--our ability to debate, defend, and contest whatever "hot topics" each culture faces, from economics, presidential power, the environment, immigration, etc. without the fear of going to the guillotine.
I appreciate the fact that Fineman tried to find the root of each debate topic, but it was almost impossible for him to move away from 9/11 and Bush. He wrote the book in 2008ish, and I understand that he tried to do the full scope of each debate in American history, so that would obviously be his ending point, but that just means he needs a new edition about every 4 years. Again, I had so many questions, and a lot of them stemmed from the fact that Trump is president--how does that fact help or hinder Fineman's thesis???
While Fineman meant the book the be encouraging and inspiring, I will admit there were times he did a better job of making me depressed. However, I think this book is a very important read.
I appreciate the fact that Fineman tried to find the root of each debate topic, but it was almost impossible for him to move away from 9/11 and Bush. He wrote the book in 2008ish, and I understand that he tried to do the full scope of each debate in American history, so that would obviously be his ending point, but that just means he needs a new edition about every 4 years. Again, I had so many questions, and a lot of them stemmed from the fact that Trump is president--how does that fact help or hinder Fineman's thesis???
While Fineman meant the book the be encouraging and inspiring, I will admit there were times he did a better job of making me depressed. However, I think this book is a very important read.
September 12, 2021
The Thirteen American Arguments is an interesting book, but it has a couple of flaws. The book might be better titled The History of Thirteen American Arguments. Rather than focusing on the arguments themselves, explaining their origins, analyzing their importance, and describing their nuances; Fineman describes them by example. In other words, he focuses on the arguments by illustrating the way they have played out in American history. This is not necessarily a flaw, but I was somewhat disappointed because I had hoped for more analysis of the arguments themselves. The more serious flaw of the book was the author's bias that became clear when he described recent examples of the arguments. He seemed to have a particular abhorrence for George W. Bush and his administration. In most cases, I thought Fineman did a good job of being objective about the arguments and their history, but his clear bias against President Bush caused me to be less trusting about his judgement in general. Overall, the book provides a different lens through which to see American history and the issues of today, but it is a flawed effort.
September 4, 2024
As much as I like Fineman on MSNBC shows like Countdown and Hardball, I just couldn't get into this book. He presents both sides of the arguments well, and I agree with his book's premise that our country's founding talent of civil political discourse is long gone. Now all we do is shout at each other instead of debate in the classic Lincoln/Douglas way.
However, this book needed a better editor. Fineman could have cut about 50-100 pages out of this book by sticking to the purpose of the book and the topics of each chapter. I understand the concept of background stories, but they felt more like history lessons. A chapter on presidential power does not need a 2-page summary of the 1980 election-it would have been better served by talking about the power of the executive branch under Presidents Carter and Reagan.
However, this book needed a better editor. Fineman could have cut about 50-100 pages out of this book by sticking to the purpose of the book and the topics of each chapter. I understand the concept of background stories, but they felt more like history lessons. A chapter on presidential power does not need a 2-page summary of the 1980 election-it would have been better served by talking about the power of the executive branch under Presidents Carter and Reagan.
September 24, 2025
Well researched and written by an experienced journalist, the book explores topics that -as the subtitle states - are enduring debates that define and inspire our country. Both hopeful and tragic, in some ways, that these topics remain as relevant as ever in our own dysfunctional age. I think it is always useful to keep oneself grounded in the real history and debates of our past, so that we can better understand the contours of current issues and how our current stances compare. I suspect those from anywhere across the political spectrum will find helpful/new as well as intriguing/challenging information within.
January 23, 2024
The core idea of this book is that most American politics is less about liberals vs. conservatives than about a set of arguments dating back to the start of the Republic- for example, free trade vs. protectionism, economic stimulation vs. balanced budgets, and interventionism vs. isolationism. On these issues and others discussed by Fineman, liberals and conservatives, Democrats and Republicans, have often switched sides.
On the negative side, this book is a little outdated: it seems to me that the last few elections have become more about personality than about issues.
On the negative side, this book is a little outdated: it seems to me that the last few elections have become more about personality than about issues.
October 20, 2022
I found this book to be clear, direct, and as unbiased as it is possible to be. Hearing the author's perspective and the insight that he has gained studying how politics has worked in our country is quite educational. I think this book would be a must read for any one interested in running for public office in the United States. I hope for more unity in our country, yet it still seems so far off from this ideal.
February 19, 2025
3.5 is closer. As we head into troubled times (again), I needed Fineman’s reminder that many of the issues we are divided over now are issues teed up by the writers of the constitution, arguments that we can be profited by having now and then. One caveat is that for those arguments to lead us to reasonable solutions, we need to be able to talk to each other. It’s been a while since we’ve been wise enough to do that.
April 17, 2020
3.5 Stars:
This is an interesting read, but it is weighed down by a lot of extra historical exposition. Fineman definitely hits the necessary historical analysis, but can go on tangents. The conclusion and afterward were the best part to me because he took some of the arguments into the future and analyzed their continuing importance.
This is an interesting read, but it is weighed down by a lot of extra historical exposition. Fineman definitely hits the necessary historical analysis, but can go on tangents. The conclusion and afterward were the best part to me because he took some of the arguments into the future and analyzed their continuing importance.
March 1, 2021
This book is a few years old now (my fault for buying it in 2015 and not reading it until 2021) and so the lack of Trump presidency feels stark in some areas as we now have a full view of this most recent period in history. Still an excellent discussion for anyone interested in the workings of fashioning a new nation and the values they strive to find.
June 4, 2024
Do not waste your time, as the author presents no real original thinking. It is basically just a summarization of commonly known viewpoints and held beliefs on both sides of relatively charged arguments.
The book also is not served by being written 15 years ago, as so much of the commentary is dated to boot.
The book also is not served by being written 15 years ago, as so much of the commentary is dated to boot.
April 17, 2020
I read this for school. It was okay for the class I was taking.
August 4, 2020
So much has changed since this book was published. It would be interesting to get the author’s perspective on relevant issues of today.
August 23, 2022
This is an interesting book, although a little outdated. It points out how different people can think different things and still be American.
November 23, 2024
A frustrating yet refreshing and discouragingly hopeful read, especially poignant as I started it the day after the 2024 election.
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