We have some classics here! We've got Goodwyn's The Populist Movement, Hicks' The Populist Revolt, Nichol's Invention of the American Political Parties. And of course, good ole' Glazer's The Social Basis of American Communism. Glazer's book is not at all sympathetic to communism. Goodwyn is certainly sympathetic to the populist movement, and what's more, he both praised them for their democracy and critiqued them for their failed handling of race. I'm not sure what Rob's critique is, other than that Michelle Obama apparently reads excellent books that promote popular involvement in democratic life by the citizenry and that condemn, but seek to understand, the American communist movement.
To be perfectly honest, I've never been a strong supporter of Obama. Certainly I thought better of him than I did of McCain, but I was torn between him and Clinton (I felt Clinton was better for labor and for health).
But this I can get behind, and it makes me trust and appreciate Obama much more knowing that at least somone in his family has read the history of the People's Party.
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