The Destructionists: The Twenty-Five Year Crack-Up of the Republican Party By Dana Milbank

Dana Milbank's insightful book traces the evolution of the Republican Party from the Contract with America in 1994, spearheaded by figures like Newt Gingrich, to the tumultuous events of January 6, 2021, when a mob incited by President Trump stormed the Capitol. In "The Contract with America to the Coup Attempt," Milbank connects the dots, offering a scathing account of the party's transformation over the past quarter-century.

Milbank highlights key figures like Gingrich, Karl Rove, Mitch McConnell, and Rudy Giuliani, as well as lesser-known actors, tracking their questionable careers and the party's trajectory. The narrative unfolds as a tale of the GOP's shift from its historical roots associated with Lincoln and Reagan to its present manifestation as a refuge for white supremacists, political violence, conspiracy theories, and authoritarian tendencies.

The author draws a clear line linking the political strategies outlined in the Contract with America to the disturbing events of the Capitol insurrection. He explores the party's willingness to embrace divisive tactics, jeopardizing bipartisan principles, and the shocking lengths Republicans have gone to maintain control.

Milbank's work serves as a critical examination of the internal dynamics that have shaped the contemporary Republican Party, shedding light on its fissures, alliances, and deviations from its historical course.

Through meticulous analysis and a keen understanding of political developments, he provides readers with a comprehensive and scathing perspective on the party's embrace of Trumpism and its consequences for American democracy. 📚❤️