Shameless: Republicans' Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy

by Brian Tyler Cohen

From the first content creator to interview President Biden, leading progressive voice Brian Tyler Cohen takes a step back from the day-to-day news cycle to explain how American politics has turned into such a dumpster fire—and what Democrats need to do to get us out of it.

In Shameless,
With a foreword by Congressman Jamie Raskin, drawing on interviews and insights from Pete Buttigieg, Mehdi Hasan, Jen Psaki, and other luminaries of the Left, Cohen reveals:

· How Republicans have leaned on their histor­ical branding to give themselves a permission structure to behave antithetically to everything they say;
· Why the mainstream media has proved itself a willing participant in this ongoing farce—particularly since the rise of toxic, sensational­ist MAGA mania; and
· What lessons Democrats can glean from a clear-eyed view of the landscape we’re operating in—and the steps we must take to rebalance our political landscape.

During this all-hands-on-deck moment in our his­tory, Shameless is essential listening for those seeking to understand our dire situation, and a rallying cry for those fighting to preserve democracy.

Genres: Nonfiction, Politics, History, Audiobook, Biography, Political Science, American

219 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 13, 2024

About the author

In 2011, Cohen graduated from Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, with a BS degree in Business and Economics and a BA degree in English. He addressed the graduating class of 2011 as their class president.

Cohen acted in a handful of film and television roles from 2012 to 2016.

In October 2018, Cohen started posting political content on his YouTube channel which primarily covers national politics. Cohen later started his first podcast, No Lie, during the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic in June 2020. Cohen has since created multiple different shows on his channel. On February 25, 2022, Cohen became the first YouTube creator/podcaster to interview U.S. President Joe Biden.

Abridged from Wikipedia.

Reviews

[Faith · Rating 4 out of 5]

I follow the author’s YouTube channel, so I had heard every word of this book before. No Republican is going to read this book. But you should read it if you need a reminder of just how awful the Trump years were, or if you need ammunition to convince an undecided voter to never again vote for a Republican. (Although why anyone needs to be convinced to vote for absolutely anyone rather than an ignorant, stupid, insane, demented, uncouth, petty, greedy, vindictive, criminal, whining, selfish, uncaring, childish and mean old fat ass totally escapes me.)

There isn’t really any analysis of why Republicans are the way they are - completely unethical and depraved in the pursuit of power. Were they not weaned properly? Maybe the toilet training went awry? The book also doesn’t offer much of a solution, just try to spread the word one voter at a time.

[Scott Rhee · Rating 5 out of 5]

The downward spiral of the Republican party has its start (as most downward spirals do) with a lawyer. Lewis Powell Jr. would later become Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States ('72-'87), but when he was just a corporate lawyer, he wrote a report commissioned by a coalition of businesses that famously became what is known as "The Powell Memo", which conservatives loved, as it stated that businesses should not compromise at all against such evil anti-business practices like offering workers good pay and following safety regulations. He also stated that the best strategy businesses could take was "exploiting judicial action", which primarily entailed stuffing the courts with pro-business/anti-labor judges.

This conservative doctrine of holding fast and firm in favor of tradition and "that's the way it's always been done" and against change of any kind laid the roadwork for politicians like Ronald Reagan, Newt Gingrich, and Mitch McConnell: politicians who shamelessly turned the party of Lincoln into a party that no longer even pretends to do anything but accrue power for themselves, often against the majority opinion of the American people.

The Republican party has become a party of purposeful dysfunction. This is the basic and indisputable premise of Brian Tyler Cohen's book "Shameless". Cohen, a popular Youtube presence among liberal political junkies who like their political diatribes with a soupcon of nutrititional value (i.e. facts, statistics, levelheadedness, and a disdain for conspiracy theories on both the Right and Left), has written a short but succinct book about how the Republican party has tried to derail the democratic guardrails of our society by being as disruptive, oppositional, and inefficient (by design) as possible.

As Cohen writes: "We're not playing the same game. There is plenty of evidence that the two parties have their eyes trained on entirely different goals. Think no further than Republican efforts to wreck the government so that they can point at it and shout that it's broken, or the norms they have kicked to the curb. One party is seeking power and dominance by any means necessary. The other is attempting to see democracy flourish." (p.136)

Please remember that when you go to the ballot box in November. You are either voting for a dictatorship or a democracy. It's as simple as that.

[Carol She's So Novel꧁꧂ · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5★

During COVID I started watching You Tube videos that weren't music.

One of my sisters (thanks Trish!) recommended Stephen Colbert, Seth Meyers, Samantha Bee & above all Trevor Noah. I couldn't believe that I was getting my American political news from comedians & satirists. After a while, the situation in the States became more & more serious & I no longer felt like laughing.

Then I discovered Brian Tyler Cohen.

I loved Brian's no nonsense, energetic style, that simplified the tale of the often unbelievable path Trump took the great American nation on. Brian appeared to work non stop - seriously I wondered when he ever slept!

Brian's obviously wondered that too.

At the beginning, I honestly remember wondering, What if there's not enough news to keep me busy? Now I wonder if I'll ever get enough sleep.

His relentless energy & burrowing for facts remind me of a wire haired terrier - one of my favourite dog breeds.

I wish I could remember for certain how many subscribers Brian had when I started watching him - I think it was around 770k. Now over 3.13m.
Among other achievements on February 25, 2022, Cohen became the first YouTube creator/podcaster to interview U.S. President Joe Biden.

Public Domain Photo

Finding out that on top of the relentless workload that Brian also wrote a book was incredible.

I have to be honest - I took almost no interest in American politics before 2020. My Goodreads friend Hana, tried to explain the American system to me but I remained quite hopelessly confused.

Brian and other social commentators have helped me.

Brian's book covers the background to Republicans' descent in to corruption in their pursuit of power.

These are manipulation tactics happening at the hands of the very people whom voters have been groomed to trust. Republicans may claim to hate the Democrats, but frankly there is no one they have more contempt for than their own supporters.

Brian has said this will be his only book, but given the very unexpected events in the last few weeks, I'm hoping he will release a revised edition.

This will seem a bit picky but I dropped my rating to 4.5★, because Brian has asterisked material right throughout, but instead of being viewable at the end of the chapter, they were only viewable at the end of the book. This is very difficult with a kindle & I gave up doing this very quickly.

But still - this book better be a non fiction nomination for the Goodreads Choice Awards. This is probably the first time in my life I have bought a hot off the presses book!

This book went straight to Number 1 on the New York Times Non fiction list. Watching the You Tube clip when Brian found this out it was no surprise to find out that Brian had a 'Vision Board' for his life!

Further viewing Brian getting the news that his book is No 1.
https://www.youtube.com/shorts/Y1255H...

& Brian had an interview with the redoubtable Kiwi journalist Tova O'Brien. I can't figure out how to link from Spotify but the episode was called Red, White and Bruised, the diabolical debate.

https://wordpress.com/view/carolshess...

[Julie Swearingen · Rating 5 out of 5]

**I received an advanced copy from the publisher**

I've been following Brian Tyler Cohen on TikTok for a few years before making the transition to his YouTube channel, so when he mentioned he was publishing a book, I immediately check if I could get an advanced copy.

I read every word with Cohen's voice in my head--is that weird?

I'm still formulating a full review, but I will definitely be talking to customers about it at my bookstore.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Cult leaders are exceptionally hard to topple, no matter how they behave or how many felony charges they have against them."

Brian Tyler Cohen is a political YouTuber who also appears on MSNBC and the podcast Pod Save America. I enjoy his work and I'm subscribed to his channel. He's a strong supporter of Democrats. I'm further to the left then he is but I still mostly agree with him on most things.

Cohen is a smart and well spoken voice for progressives. He looks 12 years old and he doesn't fit the stereotype that Republicans try to pin on all people on the left. He's normal and he cares deeply about saving Democracy. Shameless is a short easy read book about how right wingers have spent 40 + years using the media( both mainstream and right wing) to make themselves richer and America much worse.

I didn't learn anything new from this book but I didn't expect to. I'm a political junky so I spend entirely too much time watching, reading and listening to political media. I read this just to support a good guy who I agree with. I do think that this book is perfect for a normal person who isn't addicted to politics but does want to see things change and improve.

The media isn't the enemy of the people...but it's also not our friend. The mainstream media is terrified of being considered liberal. So they go out of their way to "both sides" everything..even things that are only one sided. The Republicans know this and use it to shape public opinion to their liking.

I highly recommend this book and his channel. Vote on November 5th if you are a U.S. citizen. Google Project 2025 and shoutout to my childless cat ladies.

[Ivonne Rovira · Rating 5 out of 5]

How did we get here, to an era where an entire political party joins a narcissist in trying to steal an election because he’s too much of a baby to admit defeat? Where a foul-mouthed, ruthless serial adulterer is compared to Christ? Where one candidate proposes that injecting bleach might cure COVID-19 and lauds General George Washington’s securing of the airports, but it’s the other guy who’s losing it?

Writer, podcaster and Internet sensation Brian Tyler Cohen lays it out for readers, going back decades to the beginning of direct mail, talk radio and smear politics in the 1970s. I’m pretty well read, but I sure learned a lot. I’ve been a fan of Cohen’s YouTube channel for years, and this easy-to-read book shows why he’s a national treasure. Five shining stars.

[Diana Long · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent work Brian on gathering, filtering important information and telling the story in a way easy to understand.

[Terri Miles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pre-ordered the audiobook the moment Brian announced he'd written it and then waited for months for its availability. At 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 13, the Audiobook was unlocked and I dove in.

Brian is a national treasure and it's obvious that he did his research before writing this book. I learned a few things and through his words, refreshed my memory of some of the most horrific incidents in the past decade.

"Shameless" offers an honest, no-holds-barred take on what is happening in our country, calling out all of the players and their actions in government.

I wish we could get a few, if not all of the pathetic brainwashed MAGA people to take the time to pay attention to what's going on then maybe they would understand how they've been deceived — listening to or reading this book would be a good stepping-off point. But we all know that this won't ever happen.

There is one thing I would change if I could, and that was at the very beginning of the audiobook. I'd have loved it if Jamie Raskin had read the Forward he's contributed. (this is irrelevant to hardcover readers) Having Brian read it was a little awkward.

Thank you Brian for your dedication to the truth and congratulations on your first book, it's a good one.

[C · Rating 1 out of 5]

Sometimes I want a song I already know that evokes a mood I’m already in to maintain my energy. This could be the book equivalent for Democrats except it’s not catchy enough to even think about after consuming. I can’t imagine anyone that disagrees with the progressive author reading it.
Even if I’m largely agreeable to your thinking, name-calling with the word stupidity is not the kind of book I like. Similar to the another current bestseller, “Ministry of Truth,” caveat emptor: the book description has the words dumpster fire.
I feel like this, the current number one bestselling nonfiction book, is exactly what we shouldn’t be reading. And that’s coming from someone whose viewpoint is largely aligned with author. Less vitriol, please.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant recap of just how "shameless " the planning of Republicans has been

[John Hatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is difficult to imagine a book that could better describe what has happened to American politics in general and the republican party in particular over the past several years than “Shameless” by Brian Tyler Cohen. If one should miraculously appear, I’ll be one of the first to order it.

[Nick Gaspard’s Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was written before Biden dropped out so keep that in mind as you read.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First, Lawless: How the Supreme Court Runs on Conservative Grievance, Fringe Theories, and Bad Vibes, then Shameless: Republicans' Deliberate Dysfunction and the Battle to Preserve Democracy.

Covers a lot of the same ground, but BTC has a broader focus, and is more observational than historical analysis. I don't say that to discount his points, because they are accurate and compelling, but just saying that his is more political activism and commentary focused than judicial review of a Court sliding inexorably right.

I have been a longtime fan of BTC, and this book lived up to my expectations. I appreciate the no nonsense way of looking at the current political landscape, and the reasons we should get involved and care about it. The story he tells about the POW using a pin to poke holes in potatoes that will be shipped off to Nazi soldiers in WWII so that they would rot faster was particularly moving to me. A tiny, seemingly inconsequential, arguably futile act, done with the heart and soul of rebellion and FUCK NAZIS.

I'M HERE FOR THAT ENERGY. In my opinion, this book is worth 5 stars just for that one inspiring story. Highly recommend.

[Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Brian Tyler Cohen's signature pull-no-punches style, he breaks down some of the dysfunction behind the republican party and gives us some ideas about fighting it. Well written, engaging.

[Andromeda Robins · Rating 2 out of 5]

I felt as though this breezed over lots of history without trying to really analyze any of it. Rather than looking into why things are successful and what could be learned from republican media and messaging, I felt far more that the first half of the book was a history class without examining the underlying river of history, and the second half felt like an advertisement for the author on youtube partially and other independent media in general.

The lack of any political science and political theory from a book ostensibly about the shifting and mutation of political ideology is a strange writing choice in my opinion. It comes across fully in service of neoliberalism, and neglects to engage with a deeper thesis than just “communicate better what you [democrats] do for americans.”

Maybe this would have felt appropriate and well structured prior to the 2024 election, but after it and with the power of hindsight, this feels like the author lives in a different country.

[James Garman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brian Tyler Cohen wrote and published this book as his contribution to the dialogue about politics. He points out the absolute awfulness of the GOP message and how horrible their representatives are. However, on the Democratic side, we have not yet learned how to combat them, or at least hadn't at the point this book came out.

Reading the book, I saw some rays of hope in the new Kamala Harris campaign and its ability to grab one liners...or even just words, to communicate. Labeling J. D Vance and trump as "just weird" may have been the turning point in devising a message that gets out and makes people think about what the choices really are. The choices, of course, are between a party that disdains the whole concept of our Democratic Republic and wants authoritarian rule as long as they themselves are in the position of the autocrats, and a party that is fighting hard to make this country more fair and decent for everybody.

He points out what our weak points are, the major one of which seems to be our belief that the media will finally ride in like the cavalry and saves us from the lies being told by the MAGA cult. They won't because MAGA lies get headlines which brings in the viewers. We need another way, and as one example he lifts up Pete Buttigieg who is able to go on even so conservative a media outlet as Fox and handle the dialogue in a way that leaves even Hannity having to give some ground to him.

This may seem more like an summary than an actual review but the truth of the message is something that I think needs to be shared. Are there problems withi the book? Yes, there are a whole lot more footnotes than we need, in my opinion becauses Brian likes ot give plenty of examples to back up his assertions but overall, it is an excelent book.

I would recommend it to anybody who wants to save our country from a dictatorship and destruction of our civil liberties.

[Adam · Rating 4 out of 5]

In his book, Cohen builds a convincing, comprehensive argument for rational strategic thinking and efficacy amidst hard truths about ultra-left-wing success within our media ecosphere. For his viewers, this book echoes familiar reasoning from his show that I adore. Written before Harris’ candidacy, his call to specific action is now even more prescient. A solid quick read/listen worth your time.

[Colleen Villasenor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a concise and readable critique of how the Republican Party became the party of opposition at any cost. It traces the evolution of the Party of Lincoln from changes as far back as the Nixon administration. It is discouraging on the one hand, but it is more importantly a clarion call to vote and be politically active. It is alarming to find how slim the margin often is in determining the outcome of an election. In one election, the winner of an election in Virginia was ultimately determined by drawing a name from a porcelain bowl. The author is a popular YouTuber who draws much of his information from interviews with knowledgeable people, such as Pete Buttigieg, Jen Psaki, Al Franken, and Mehdi Hasan as well as others. The Forward is written by Jamie Raskin, one of the interviewees and a frequent contributor to Cohen's YouTube channel. This book is a valuable contribution to the analysis of the current political scene.

[Jordan Seifert · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm just going to state the obvious, this book is preaching to the choir. If you've been paying attention to the news cycle for the last couple of years, then you won't gain any new insights from reading this book. But, it does you give you some ammunition if you ever find yourself debating a conservative. The author knows conservatives won't read this book. But you can use it for clear digestible information. This book is well written and everyone should read it at least once, especially if you're liberal/progressive. Pick it up today!

[Sam · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a short recap of fundamentals: it provides context on the current Republican talking points and how they have come to be so popular. The culmination of the 2024 Election has been 50+ years in the making, and this book helps to point out the logic (or lack thereof) in today’s political discourse.

Cohen isn’t without bias, certainly, but it is refreshing to hear a political pundit actually point out that today’s politics are kind of crazy, right?

[Peter Wright · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy Cohen’s YouTube content so I figured I’d enjoy this book. Honestly, I’m shameless with my attraction for the guy; he’s smart, has a pleasant reading voice, and does an outstanding job not only exposing in detail the corruption, hypocrisy, and shamelessness of the Republican Party, but he also does a great job of exposing problems with Liberals, too. He does, however, highlight some potential and time-tested awesomeness on the left, such as Al Franken, Jim Raskin, Jen Psaki, Jessica Tarlov, Barack Obama, and the ever brilliant Pete Buttigieg who can consistently go on Fox “news” and tear through their misinformation.

I absolutely LOVED his analogy about poking holes in potatoes. Not gonna spoil that here, you just need to read his book and see what that’s all about. He makes a strong case here for what needs to be done to fix America, even if he isn’t quite able to comfort the reader with promises that America WILL be fixed, even with amazing liberals like those listed above.

[Kurt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Many years ago, before Trump was ever president, I told anyone who cared to listen that the fact that more than 5% of the U.S. population supported an ignorant, mean-spirited, charlatan, bully, and con-man like Donald Trump meant that my country was screwed. Now that we also know that he is also a convicted felon, indicted felon, court-adjudicated sexual assaulter, and, in all likelihood, a child rapist, yet was still elected president, the point has really been driven home. The willingness of so many Americans to gobble up the hateful and ridiculous propaganda that the right constantly spews completely baffles me.

This book spells it all out. Short and concise, it tells it like it is. Unfortunately, not a single person who should read it will.

[Nelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

As someone who wishes she had minored in Poli-Sci, I found this very informative and digestible, allowing me to grasp some of the intricacies and nuances of the U.S. political landscape.

[Patricia Q · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been following Brian for years on YouTube. When he announced he was going to be releasing a book, I couldn't wait to listen to it. Shameless is phenomenal! Thank you, Brian, for writing this must-read book.

[Pat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brian Tyler Cohen uses multiple sources, both archival and contemporary, to clearly explain the pathway set by Republicans over decades to disregard any attempts of bipartisan legislature and disrupt and derail democracy. While pulling no punches about the danger this country faces he also encourages each of us to realize that our votes matter, our attempts to refute disinformation matters and our efforts can make a difference. Contributions by Pete Buttigieg, Jan Psaki, Jamie Raskin, Heather Cox Richardson and others lends gravitas to the book.

[Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable book and a good reminder of how the political ideologies have shifted in recent history. The people who probably need to read this, most likely won't, but even if you "know" a lot of this information, it's a good reminder of what's at stake. I listened to the audiobook, and Cohen is an excellent presenter, so I would recommend listening to the audiobook if possible.

[Vicky Stow · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was very well written, very down to earth and understandable. It is a little bit comforting to know that other people are as frustrated as I am by the lies and disinformation being spread by the Republican party. Shameless is a good title for this book, because these people have no shame. I always think to myself how can they be that way? Don't they realize how they're selling their souls for money at their own greed? But no, if they do realize it, they don't care. They have no shame and no desire to change. I find it heartening that some young people have gotten involved in trying to save our democracy and I applaud the author for his podcast and for this book. I know it must be a lot of work but it's good to know that there are people, especially young people like him, fighting for our country. I give this book an A+.

[Emery · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honest and relatable

Accurate articulation of political views in my lifetime. Provides an excellent understanding as to why voting on issues is more important than voting exclusively for a figure head.

At 66 years of age I can honestly say I've been on both sides and sometimes on the fence. The challenge to change a political disposition depends heavily upon ones willingness to defy tribal loyalty. The primary obstacle being to reason within a barrage of misinformation and the impact "Love of Hate" mentality has.

The liberty of the freedom to cause harm or oppress our fellow Americans is not a moral concept.
Liberty to exercise the freedom of Empowerment however is.

After all democracy is not a zero sum game.

[Shelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been following Brian Tyler Cohen on YouTube for some time now and always appreciate his political perspective and no nonsense communication style. When I learned that he had written a book, I was very eager to read it. I was not disappointed. This is a well written commentary on the divisiveness and polarization that is a growing threat to our democracy. Best of all, it is a playbook for how to resist the hopelessness and apathy that the constant culture wars, social media disinformation, and biased news sources fuel on a continuous basis. Highly recommend this one.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended to anyone interested in politics and democracy.