Short Synopsis
The Big Con is a brilliantly revealing look at how the radical ideas of a small group of economic hucksters have taken over the American political system and perverted our nation's policies. Through vivid portraits of self-interested politicians and pseudoeconomists, with wry analysis of their bogus theories, Jonathan Chait gives us the tools to understand what's really behind economic policy debates in Washington: a riveting drama of greed and deceit.

Full Synopsis
The Big Con is a brilliantly revealing look at how the radical ideas of a small group of economic hucksters have taken over the American political system and perverted our nation's policies.

American politics has been hijacked. Not by "neocons" or "theocons," but by a fringe group of economic extremists obsessed with radical ideas that favor no one but themselves and their business interests. With dark and engaging wit, Jonathan Chait shows how over the past three decades these canny zealots have gamed the political system and the media so that once unthinkable policies—without a shred of academic, expert, or even popular support—now drive the American agenda, regardless of which party is in power.

Why have these ideas succeeded in Washington? How did a subset of fringe radicals take control of American policy and sell short the country's future? And how do they continue to do so despite repeated electoral setbacks? Chait tells the outrageous and eye-opening story, expertly explaining just how politics and economics work in Washington. Through vivid portraits of self-interested politicians and pseudoeconomists, with wry analysis of their bogus theories, Chait gives us the tools to understand what's really behind economic policy debates in Washington: a riveting drama of greed and deceit.

"Chait is both very serious and seriously funny as he traces the rise of conservatism over the past thirty years." ---Michael Kinsley

"From beginning to end, Drummond's consistency of tone and emphasis makes a lasting, positive impression." ---Publishers Weekly Audio Review

"Jonathan Chait has written a classic of political journalism…Prepare to be shocked." ---Michael Lewis, author of Liar's Poker, Moneyball, and the Blindside

"Riveting.... Highly readable." ---The New York Times

"Who says economic policy has to be dry? [Chait] brings a lively wit and a limpid style to the topic." ---Ramesh Ponnuru, senior editor of National Review and author of The Party of Death

New York Times Bestseller