The Essential America

The Essential America: Our Founding Fathers and the Liberal Tradition
by
George McGovern
(Simon & Schuster, 2004)

A review of the history and current state of what George McGovern calls today's "most maligned political philosophy," American liberalism. He proves, however, that liberalism is the foundation of the nation and the very backbone of democracy.

From Booklist:

"McGovern, the man who has come to epitomize liberalism in American politics, offers a perspective on the tradition of liberalism as the bedrock of American political traditions. He cites the Founding Fathers as well as more recent political history, in much of which he was personally engaged, for examples of American moral spirit and ideals. But, he asserts, the nation has gone astray with a domestic policy that favors the wealthy and an international policy that relies on military might. Acknowledging the national trauma of the terrorist attack of 9/11, McGovern nonetheless asks the question: "Is it possible that preponderant military power and earth-shaking aerial bombardment are not the best antidotes to the terrorist zealot?" He denounces the preemptive war in Iraq and tax breaks for the wealthy. Noting his 1972 presidential campaign theme, "Come Home America," McGovern appeals for a return to progressive politics. He specifically calls for using our power and influence to resolve the conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians and for reducing military spending in favor of solving domestic ills."

From Publisher's Weekly:

"The former presidential candidate, three-term South Dakota senator and outspoken opponent of the Vietnam War balances partisan argument with historical perspective in his winning, well-reasoned (if rarely startling) ninth book. Drawing both on the "moral and spiritual views" of America's founders and on his own experiences (as a wartime bomber pilot, a senator and a U.N. official fighting world hunger), McGovern defends a proud legacy of liberalism, whose "role is to harness federal power to serve the public interest." Offering warm words for many Republicans, McGovern nevertheless pulls no punches about the current administration's "arrogance and go-it-alone" behavior; much of the book outlines a progressive alternative. Five chapters alternate progressive policy recommendations with discussions of (and long quotes from) presidents McGovern admires: Jefferson, Jackson, Lincoln and FDR. The book's real historical hero, however, is Eisenhower, who warned that an ever-expanding "military-industrial complex" could choke off democracy and waste American treasure in needless wars."