One sentence summary
This book delves into the 100 people who the author believes are causing harm to America, with a special focus on comedian and political commentator Al Franken.
Book genre
Non-fiction, political commentary
Main topic of the book
The book primarily focuses on individuals in American culture who the author believes are detrimental to society through their actions and beliefs.
Key ideas
- America is facing multiple social and political issues, many of which are perpetuated or worsened by certain prominent individuals.
- Some of these individuals are well-known public figures, while others work behind the scenes.
- The author argues that these individuals contribute to the negative state of America through their actions, beliefs, and influence.
Main parts of the book and short summary
- Part One: The Liberals – The author discusses various liberal individuals and their impact on America, including Oprah Winfrey, Ted Turner, and Michael Moore.
- Part Two: The Media – This section looks at the role of the media in America and specifically focuses on biased and unethical media figures such as Dan Rather and Chris Matthews.
- Part Three: The Academics – Here, the author criticizes influential academics such as Howard Zinn and Noam Chomsky for their radical and extreme beliefs.
- Part Four: The Pop Culture – This part examines the contribution of individuals in pop culture, including rappers, writers, and actors, to the decline of American culture.
- Part Five: The Trial Lawyers – The author argues that the rise of trial lawyers and their tactics have had a negative impact on American society.
- Part Six: The Lawyers and Judges – In this section, the author criticizes lawyers and judges who he believes are promoting personal agendas instead of upholding justice.
- Part Seven: The Congress – The author takes aim at various members of Congress, both Democrats and Republicans, for their corruption and lack of effectiveness.
- Part Eight: The Next Generation – This final section looks at the younger generation and their attitudes and actions which the author believes are harmful to America’s future.
Key takeaways
- The author believes that some individuals in prominent positions contribute to the deterioration of American society.
- These individuals come from various backgrounds, including politics, media, academia, and pop culture.
- The author suggests that America needs to pay attention to these influential figures and hold them accountable for their actions and influence.
Author’s background and qualifications
Bernard Goldberg is a journalist, author, and political commentator known for his work on CBS News and HBO. He has won multiple Emmy Awards for his reporting and has written several books on media bias and societal issues. His background in journalism and experience in media give him insight into the subjects discussed in the book.
Target audience
The target audience for this book is individuals interested in politics, media, and social issues in America. It may also appeal to those looking for a critical perspective on prominent figures in American culture.
Publisher and first publication date
The publisher of the book is HarperCollins, and it was first published in 2005.