Foxes in the Henhouse: How the Republicans Stole the South and the Heartland and What the Democrats Must Do to Run 'em Out

by Steve Jarding, Dave Saunders, Bob Kerrey (Foreword)

Like a newly discovered treasure map offering a path to buried riches, "Foxes in the Henhouse" is a hard-hitting political blueprint for how the Democrats can win again in the South and rural America. The authors document the Republicans' rise in the South and Midwest, expose the hypocrisy that marked their ascent, and offer a take-no-prisoners plan to kick them out. The authors know of what they speak. "Rural strategists" Steve Jarding and Dave "Mudcat" Saunders are famous for securing Democratic victories in places they shouldn't have -- most notably in Mark Warner's successful run for governor of Virginia, a campaign that wasn't afraid to use bluegrass concerts and NASCAR to get the message out.

When George W. Bush swept the South clean in 2004, it was the final insult to Jarding and Saunders, two self-proclaimed "bubbas" on a mission to convince their fellow southerners and rural Americans that the GOP's claim of representing "values," patriotism, the sportsmen, and fiscal conservatism is a disastrous farce. In addition to exposing the lies behind the gradual Republican invasion of the hinterland that began in the 1960s, they offer some surprisingly simple strategies for Democrats to capture each of these issues. Among other things, Jarding and Saunders urge Democrats to

- Quit turning their noses up at the culture of rural America and talk to people where they live

- Learn how to count when going after votes

- Show some passion and retaliate when Republicans assassinate their characters

Packed with meticulous and shocking research findings; blunt, laugh-out-loud language; and merciless assaults on George W. Bush, Tom DeLay, Bill O'Reilly, and plentyof other right-wing charlatans, "Foxes in the Henhouse" is a must-read and will be one of the most talked-about books of the year and for election cycles to come.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction

336 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Andrew Figueiredo · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my all time favorite political books. Jarding and Saunders are witty, bitingly sarcastic, and entertaining. They make a compelling case for improved Democratic outreach in rural areas and provide a blueprint to do so with. While the book is now a little dated (revolving around the Bush era), I believe Democratic strategists and candidates alike should read this. Trust me, you'll love it.

[Angel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I picked this one up from the Current Events shelf at my local public library here in Tyler. While the selection in that shelf is a bit limited, and mostly a bit heavy on the conservatives (Limbaugh, Coulter, Hannity, so on), once in a while there is something to balance. This book seemed similar to the Begala and Carville book I read a while back (and I need to add to my shelves as of this writing), so I figured I would take a chance on it. We'll see.

* * * *

I finished it. This is a book that takes you from "wtf" to just ouright rage to just makes you go "hmmm." The only reason I did not rate it higher is that I think at times the authors fail to make voters responsible for their fate. They argue that the Republicans have played a good con game, and they document this process. The Democrats, according to them, pretty much gave up the ground and did not contest. The result is the mess we are currently in. Their argument emphasizes that Democrats need to win back rural America. However, no matter how bamboozled or tricked those southern and rural voters may be, after a while you do have to hold them accountable as well for voting against their best interests and then getting the short end of the stick. Sooner or later people have to wake up when the ship is sinking. The irony is that historically the Democratic Party has been the party of the people, caring about the common good, but they have failed to remind readers of that. Jardin and Stevens outline how the democrats can remind voters of their accomplishments and their true values.

For the choir, this is more affirmation. The books is very well documented, which makes the case that much more compelling. I wish more people would actually read it and pay attention to it. I will say this, after reading, I cannot help but worry about this country. Are people ever going to wake up, or are they going to keep electing the same morons to office without even thinking? Definitely recommend this one.

[JRB · Rating 3 out of 5]

With several successful campaigns under their belts, these guys know what they are talking about. This book is a must read for anyone interested in how some Democrats win in the GOP strongholds of rural and Southern areas.

[Brent · Rating 3 out of 5]

what? democrats can in win in the south?

[Lennon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a playbook for Dems to take back the south, the heartland, and how to bring anyone that doesn't consider themselves a city slicker back into the Dem. party.