Mattson, Kevin

Profiles the men and women who created a new American liberal tradition in post-war America, retracing the intellectual journeys of prominent thinkers and writers and describing how they helped create a more liberal America.

". . . [the author] documents what was once called a "punk rock world"-the all-encompassing hardcore-indie culture that incubated his own talent. . . showing just how widespread the movement became, ranging across the nation, from Washington, D.C. through Ohio and Minnesota to Los Angeles, and how democratic it was due to its commitment to do-it-yourself tactics"--Adapted from publisher.

Describes the historical emergence of a liberal vision for America during a conservative era. Profiles American liberals such as Arthur Schlesinger, Jr., James Wechsler, John Kenneth Galbraith, Reinhold Niebuhr, and Adlai Stevenson. Documents their intellectual journey, including serving in the war, focusing on the plight of the poor, and creating a sense of hope despite human limitations.

Analyzes the speech given to the nation by President Jimmy Carter on July 15, 1979, during which he issued a warning that the people of the United States were suffering from self-indulgence and a crisis of faith, and examines the reasons why the speech, which was initially well-received, ultimately led to Carter's downfall.