Summary

"What's the Matter with Kansas?" by Thomas Frank seeks to understand why ordinary Americans often vote against their own economic and social interests. Frank examines Kansas, once a bastion of radicalism, now dominated by conservative viewpoints, to unravel this paradox. He observes that a significant political shift has occurred, with issues of cultural identity and values now outweighing economic concerns for many voters.

The book explores the rise of the Great Backlash, a style of conservatism that effectively uses social issues to mobilize voters while advancing pro-business economic policies. This strategy involves exploiting cultural anger to achieve economic objectives, leading to policies that benefit corporations and the wealthy, often at the expense of the working class. Frank argues that this derangement is not unique to Kansas but is a widespread phenomenon in American political life.

Frank delves into the concept of the "liberal elite" and how it is used to cast liberals as wealthy, arrogant snobs, out of touch with the values of ordinary Americans. This tactic, combined with the culture war, has successfully swayed working-class voters to support conservative causes, even when those causes are detrimental to their economic well-being. The author provides a detailed analysis of the individuals and movements that have contributed to the rise of conservative populism in Kansas.

The book also examines the role of economic anxiety and the decline of the middle class in fueling the conservative movement. Frank highlights the challenges faced by farmers, factory workers, and small-town communities in Kansas, and how these challenges have been exploited by conservative politicians to gain support. Despite the economic hardships faced by many Kansans, they continue to vote for policies that benefit the wealthy and powerful.

Ultimately, "What's the Matter with Kansas?" is a critical analysis of the cultural and economic forces that have transformed American politics. Frank challenges readers to question their assumptions about class, values, and the role of government in a rapidly changing society. He emphasizes the need for a new political narrative that addresses the economic concerns of working-class Americans while promoting a more inclusive and equitable society.