You Can't Be President: The Outrageous Barriers to Democracy in America

by John R. MacArthur

"This book lays bare the malfunctions of our democracy and the solutions in a superb literary style and a convincing manner." George McGovern, Democratic candidate for President, 1972

It seems like an historic A woman almost won the nomination to run for President of the United states—losing to an African-American, who will run against the oldest candidate ever! It’s the realization of one of the core beliefs of our Anyone can be president.

Or is it? What if a close analysis showed that the candidates were, for the most part, getting their financing from the same corporations and lobbyists … that they all went to the same schools … that their votes were remarkably similarly on most issues …?

In a rollicking piece of journalism based on years of reporting, John R. MacArthur, the publisher of Harper’s Magazine , talks to truly independent candidates—including the first ever post-election interview of Joe Lieberman nemesis Ned Lamont—about what they were up against. He gives the most detailed breakdown yet of campaign financing sources. He analyzes the parameters of the two party system, what the Constitution has to say about that, and how the media treats independent politicians. And he also discusses how all this influences issues of local democracy.

It’s an edgy, fascinating look at the system that’s a must-read to understand whether the most historic election in American history is really going to be about change … or not.

Genres: Politics, Nonfiction, Political Science

288 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Public Scott · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good, very fast read. It's hard not to get depressed when you realize how much money and power cripple change in this country.

[Daniel Meza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the various examples and information throughout the book. It read as a novel while being a loose explanative book of the various barriers in the U.S. political system.

[Calvin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although not an academic work, MacArthur's analysis is very in-depth. However the title is rather misleading. Instead of defending the idea "You Can't Be President", MacArthur shows how various barriers to democracy hinder our government from being truly representative.

[Natalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written analysis of all that's not working in American democracy. Published in 2008 but just as relevant today as four years ago, with an excellent foreword that is pretty much an indictment of Obama's administration. A must read for anyone who cares about this country.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Stuff you already know about the lack of true openness and democracy in this country, but a good analysis nonetheless.

[Handel · Rating 3 out of 5]

Couple interesting ideas but weirdly disjointed and repetitive at the same time.

[Jon]

Essential reading for anyone who thinks Obama's election will really change America in any significant way. Enough said!

[Dave Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not everyone knows this or is able to verbalize it very well.

[Shandra]

(Note to self - wait for updated version to hit library)

[George Robbins · Rating 1 out of 5]

An overwhelmingly pretentious and whiny tirade on the lack of opportunities for white liberals in American politics. Gag me.

[John Bohnert · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was very disappointed with this book.