Blue Jeans in High Places: The Coming Makeover of American Politics

by Mike McCabe

Blue Jeans in High Places is both a hunt for lost political treasure and a how-to guide for nursing American democracy back to health. The book details how our political culture has become diseased while at the same time dispelling the cynical view that politics has always been like it is today and always will be. And it prescribes a groundbreaking cure. Identifying distinguishable periods during which the nation’s ruling class employed different instruments of social, economic and political control, author Mike McCabe brings readers to terms with the troubling reality that we face another historic moment when democracy in America is giving way to oligarchy and gives this dismal period a name that captures its essence. The book reaches back to episodes from the past that speak powerfully to what our response could be to the current condition of American democracy. Tales of crooked political dealings, enterprising leaders and remarkable outcomes produced by dirt-poor unlettered men and women compel us to compare and contrast their predicament with our own. And we are left with little choice but to acknowledge that conditions like today’s have been faced before…and overcome. Blue Jeans in High Places spells out six steps citizens can take today to get back in the driver’s seat of our government. American politics is overdue for some extensive renovation. This book is about where it will happen, who will do it, and how.

Genres: Nonfiction, Unfinished

176 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 14, 2014

About the author

Mike McCabe has lived his life straddling America’s rural-urban divide. Reared on his family’s dairy farm, he’s called both cities and small towns home, even lived abroad for a time. Mike has been a farmhand, journalist, educator and civic leader. He’s had two nonfiction books published. Miracles Along County Q is his debut novel, released in October 2024.

"Mike McCabe is a gifted, gifted storyteller, and in his promising first novel, Miracles Along County Q, he demonstrates an authorial voice that recalls Thornton Wilder or Jane Smiley. Anyone who has ever lived in a small town will connect with this lovely book."

—Nickolas Butler, author of Shotgun Lovesongs and A Forty Year Kiss

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

McCabe is spot on in his analysis of our current political situation of working-class people being divided by the current 2 party system. Written before Donald's Trump's rise, this presents the disenfranchisement of rural voters and illustrates how his home state of Wisconsin was taken over and transformed from a Progressive, clean government model with great schools to a state with corruption in all three branches-even state Supreme Court Justices are bought and paid for.
His message is one of hope-if citizens can band together for common goals, we can take our country back.

[Ann Stratton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book and really gave me food for thought! I liked the historical references in how we got to the place we are at now (dysfunctional government). I understand better now how change can only come from us...not our current political leaders who have shown that they are NOT serving us but serving their corporate donors. Yet, both the right and the left side want the same thing (good schools, good economy, clean air and water, non discriminate and fair laws). Thus, both sides need to find a common ground to get that and 'kick' out the corporate sponsors we now have in Congress and within our parties. This is the start of our 'uprising' and we just need awareness to get there. Just hoping this happens sooner as opposed to later!

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

While this book will, naturally, appeal more to readers familiar with Wisconsin politics, it holds thought-provoking ideas and raises questions addressing the future of politics in the US. In looking at the dramatically changed political landscape, McCabe offers ideas designed to raise a willingness and a hopefulness that the "average person" can change the election process. The question remains: will enough people want to do that?

[Maggie Dugan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes perfect sense and even though it describes a very frustrating situation, it is a relief to read something that explains clearly what is going on in Wisconsin and the rest of the country. And it is hopeful that things actually could change. This is a short easy to read book which I wish more people would be aware of.

[Deb Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

My wish is that more Americans would follow McCabe's advice. A short book with lots of ideas both parties, and more likely a third one, should be doing. We need to get the common person back participating in our democracy and McCabe has the blueprint.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the concept Politically homeless - it's hard not to feel this way with today's political climate. Politicians concerned only about their jobs. It is unrealistic to think that policies promoting health and wellness will spring from a sick government.

[Craig · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who thinks that politics in America needs reform, this book is for you. A complete paradigm shift from "left & right" to "elites & non-elites" is what is needed and no book explains it so plainly and completely as McCabe does.

This was truly an exceptional read.

[Jessica Fraser]

Yes, please. An easy to understand explanation of how to begin reforming our corrupt political system. Now...to get everyone on board......

[Diane · Rating 4 out of 5]

very clear snapshot in time of the state of late 20th century early 21st century politics. particularly in wisconsin.

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an exceptional book that touches upon some of the major issues with American politics, but gives some real world solutions for change.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read by current candidate for Governor of Wisconsin. Very inspiring. He would be a great improvement for the State of Wisconsin.

[Andsoitgoes · Rating 3 out of 5]

A lot of information in here about Wisconsin politics that has been covered before. I was looking for new ideas about how to overcome the political challenges we face in today's Wisconsin. I found a lot of backward looking stuff that really has little to do with where we are and where we are going. I think any serious book about politics has to includes some perspectives of the other side.