When the Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s

When the Clock Broke: Con Men, Conspiracists, and How America Cracked Up in the Early 1990s

John Ganz

4.14(2001 readers)
"John Ganz is the most important young political writer of his generation—just the one our dark moment needs." —Rick Perlstein

"Lively and kaleidoscopic." —Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker

"John Ganz belongs to a species of public intellectual that is almost extinct . . . When the Clock Broke is the first of what I hope will be a shelf of books that help us uncover the true history of our times." —Jeet Heer

A lively, revelatory look back at the convulsions at the end of the Reagan era—and their dark legacy today.

With the Soviet Union extinct, Saddam Hussein defeated, and U.S. power at its zenith, the early 1990s promised a “kinder, gentler America.” Instead, it was a period of rising anger and domestic turmoil, anticipating the polarization and resurgent extremism we know today.

In When the Clock Broke, the acclaimed political writer John Ganz tells the story of America’s late-century discontents. Ranging from upheavals in Crown Heights and Los Angeles to the advent of David Duke and the heartland survivalists, the broadcasts of Rush Limbaugh, and the bitter disputes between neoconservatives and the “paleo-con” right, Ganz immerses us in a time when what Philip Roth called the “indigenous American berserk” took new and ever-wilder forms. In the 1992 campaign, Pat Buchanan's and Ross Perot’s insurgent populist bids upended the political establishment, all while Americans struggled through recession, alarm about racial and social change, the specter of a new power in Asia, and the end of Cold War–era political norms. Conspiracy theories surged, and intellectuals and activists strove to understand the “Middle American Radicals” whose alienation fueled new causes. Meanwhile, Bill Clinton appeared to forge a new, vital center, though it would not hold for long.

In a rollicking, eye-opening book, Ganz narrates the fall of the Reagan order and the rise of a new and more turbulent America.

Publisher

Farrar, Straus and Giroux

Publication Date

6/18/2024

ISBN

9780374605452

Pages

422

Categories

Politics

Questions & Answers

The "negative solidarity" of hate and exclusion played a significant role in the rise of authoritarian figures and movements in the U.S. during the late 20th century. This sentiment, rooted in the idea of unity through shared enemies, fostered a climate where marginalized groups and ideologies gained traction. It led to the following outcomes:

  1. Marginalized Groups: Movements like the Ku Klux Klan and David Duke's campaign capitalized on racial and ethnic fears, promoting exclusionary policies that resonated with a segment of the population disillusioned with the status quo.

  2. Populist Backlash: The economic downturn and social changes in the late 20th century fueled resentment against immigrants, minorities, and perceived elite groups. This sentiment bolstered the rise of figures like Pat Buchanan and Ross Perot, who promised to protect "Middle America" from these perceived threats.

  3. Authoritarian Leadership: The desire for strong, decisive leadership in times of perceived crisis contributed to the popularity of authoritarian figures. Figures like Huey Long and George Wallace, who promised to restore national greatness, gained support by appealing to this desire.

  4. Cultural and Political Fragmentation: The rise of these movements and figures contributed to a fragmented society, where cultural and political divisions deepened. This fragmentation made it easier for authoritarian leaders to exploit existing tensions and promote their agendas.

  5. Shift in Political Discourse: The normalization of hate and exclusion in political discourse emboldened extreme factions, leading to a more polarized political environment where the center became less influential.

In summary, the "negative solidarity" of hate and exclusion created an environment where authoritarian figures and movements could thrive, contributing to a more fragmented and polarized society.

The economic and social challenges of the late 20th century significantly contributed to the rise of a politics of national despair and far-right movements in the U.S. Economic turmoil, including the 1980s debt crisis and the 1990 recession, led to widespread dissatisfaction with the status quo. The loss of manufacturing jobs, increasing income inequality, and the decline of the middle class fueled resentment and a sense of dispossession among many Americans.

Socially, the breakdown of traditional institutions, such as the family and community, contributed to a growing sense of isolation and alienation. The rise of talk radio, with hosts like Rush Limbaugh, amplified these sentiments, fostering a culture of anger and resentment. The perceived threat of cultural and racial change, exacerbated by immigration and the end of the Cold War, further fueled fears of American identity erosion.

These challenges created an environment ripe for far-right movements, which offered simplistic solutions to complex problems and tapped into the anger and despair of many Americans. The resurgence of far-right movements, such as the rise of David Duke in Louisiana and the paleoconservative movement, reflected a deep-seated frustration with the perceived failures of the political establishment and the mainstream left.

During this period, the media, especially talk radio and television, significantly influenced the political landscape in the United States. Talk radio, with its shock jocks like Rush Limbaugh, fostered a culture of anti-intellectualism and divisiveness. Limbaugh's audience, predominantly white and higher-income, was encouraged to embrace wealth and the wealthy, while expressing general despair and resentment. His show's audience, known as "dittoheads," were encouraged to think for themselves, but often echoed Limbaugh's views without critical analysis.

Television talk shows, while often dealing with sensitive issues, sometimes exploited sensationalism and confrontation, leading to rowdy debates and public brawls. This format, combined with the rise of cable news, created a space for demagoguery to thrive. The media's focus on personalities and sensational stories over substance contributed to a political environment where anti-intellectualism and demagoguery became more prevalent. The media's role in shaping public opinion and the spread of these ideologies was significant, contributing to the rise of figures like Ross Perot and later, Donald Trump, who capitalized on the existing trends.

The "Christian Identity" movement and other far-right ideologies in the Great Plains during the Farm Crisis were significant due to their exploitation of economic distress and social anxiety. As farmers faced financial ruin, these movements offered simplistic explanations for their plight, often blaming Jewish bankers and other external enemies. The Christian Identity ideology, which posited that white Americans were the true Israelites and that Jews were the descendants of the devil, resonated with many farmers who felt marginalized and economically oppressed.

This ideology contributed to the rise of the militia movement by providing a framework for resistance against perceived enemies and promoting the idea of vigilantism. Groups like the Posse Comitatus and The Covenant, the Sword and Arm of the Lord, were formed, often with the aim of protecting their communities from perceived threats. The Ruby Ridge tragedy, where the Weaver family was killed by federal agents during a standoff, was a direct consequence of this environment. The Weavers, influenced by Christian Identity beliefs, believed they were fighting against a New World Order and its agents. Their tragic death became a rallying point for the far-right, reinforcing their narrative of persecution and government tyranny.

The 1992 presidential election and Ross Perot's rise reflected significant political and cultural shifts in the U.S. The election showcased a nation divided, with traditional political parties facing challenges. Perot's campaign, focusing on economic issues, resonated with voters frustrated by economic decline and political gridlock. His outsider status and focus on the "average American" appealed to those feeling alienated by established politics.

The election also highlighted cultural anxieties, including concerns over immigration, racial tensions, and the erosion of traditional values. Ross Perot's campaign, with its focus on economic issues and national identity, tapped into these anxieties, reflecting a desire for a return to a more traditional, cohesive America.

The election's outcome, with Bill Clinton's victory, indicated a shift towards a more centrist, New Democrat approach, which sought to balance traditional Democratic values with a focus on economic efficiency and national unity. The rise of Ross Perot and the election of Bill Clinton together marked a turning point in American politics, signaling a shift towards a more pragmatic, centrist approach.

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