When the Clock Broke audiobook cover - 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

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When the Clock Broke
The 1992 Political Climate+
Rise of Paleoconservatism+
Architects of Populism+
The Culture Wars+
The Authoritarian Impulse+
The Long Tail of 1992+

Quiz — Test Your Understanding

Question 1 of 7
What was the core message of libertarian leader Murray Rothbard to the conservative movement in 1992?
  • A. To return the Republican Party to the traditional policies of Ronald Reagan and George H. W. Bush.
  • B. To compromise with social democrats in order to save the failing American economy.
  • C. To 'break the clock' and completely dismantle the New Deal and the Great Society.
  • D. To focus entirely on foreign policy and establish a new globalist world order.
Question 2 of 7
How did paleoconservative thinker Sam Francis interpret the political rise of former KKK Grand Wizard David Duke?
  • A. As a sign that 'Middle American Radicals' were fed up with elites and ready for a new, revolutionary political force.
  • B. As a dangerous threat that would permanently destroy the Republican Party's credibility with minority voters.
  • C. As an isolated incident unique to Louisiana's corrupt political history and lack of institutional control.
  • D. As proof that neoconservative policies were successfully winning over lower-middle-class Southern voters.
Question 3 of 7
Why was Pat Buchanan's 1992 primary challenge against George H. W. Bush considered a significant turning point in conservative politics?
  • A. He convinced the Republican establishment to adopt universal healthcare to combat the economic recession.
  • B. He successfully united disaffected conservatives and libertarians under a banner of confrontational, right-wing populism.
  • C. He became the first primary challenger in modern history to defeat an incumbent president.
  • D. He focused his campaign entirely on promoting free trade, globalism, and open borders.
Question 4 of 7
What underlying societal trend did figures like talk radio host Rush Limbaugh and third-party candidate Ross Perot successfully tap into?
  • A. A widespread feeling of loneliness, alienation, and populist anger against the political and media establishment.
  • B. A growing public desire for international military intervention following the end of the Cold War.
  • C. A renewed trust in mainstream media and traditional political institutions to solve economic inequality.
  • D. A demand for highly detailed, technocratic policy proposals rather than personality-driven politics.
Question 5 of 7
How did Bill Clinton attempt to capture the political middle and regain momentum during the early battles of the culture wars?
  • A. By proposing a border wall to keep out illegal immigrants and protect domestic jobs.
  • B. By blaming the 1992 LA riots entirely on the television show 'Murphy Brown' and single parenthood.
  • C. By publicly condemning the controversial rap artist Sister Souljah.
  • D. By delivering a prime-time speech declaring a cultural war for America's soul.
Question 6 of 7
According to the book, why did paleoconservatives like Sam Francis and Murray Rothbard look to fictional and real-life mafia figures for inspiration?
  • A. They believed organized crime networks could be utilized to secretly fund grassroots political campaigns.
  • B. They yearned for strong, machiavellian figures willing to fight to maintain traditional cultural order.
  • C. They wanted to deregulate the economy to allow for unrestricted, black-market capitalism.
  • D. They thought the government should adopt the social welfare systems and community policing used by crime families.
Question 7 of 7
Following the 1992 election, what strategy did Sam Francis propose to challenge established liberal dominance?
  • A. A return to the moderate, bipartisan policies of the George H. W. Bush administration to win back suburban voters.
  • B. An alliance with the Democratic party to focus solely on bridging the gap of economic inequality.
  • C. A complete withdrawal of conservatives from local and state politics to focus exclusively on the presidency.
  • D. A grassroots, Gramscian cultural revolution using forceful topics like abortion and gun control to activate followers.

When the Clock Broke — Full Chapter Overview

When the Clock Broke Summary & Overview

When the Clock Broke (2024) delivers a fascinating look into the years leading up to the 1992 Presidential Election, between Bill Clinton, Ross Perot, and the incumbent George H.W. Bush. It reveals how a relatively small movement took root and began to transform the Republican Party into a more populist and authoritarian version of conservatism. It also shows why this approach appeals to the disaffected groups in America.

Who Should Listen to When the Clock Broke?

  • History buffs
  • Political junkies
  • Cultural critics

About the Author: John Ganz

John Ganz is an American journalist and historian known for his keen analyses on contemporary politics and history. He has written extensively for various publications, including The New Republic and The Washington Post. Ganz’s work often explores the intersections of politics, culture, and economic change, offering a nuanced perspective on American history.

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