Book Notes: “Finish What We Started: The MAGA Movement’s Ground War To End Democracy”
DAVE’s NOTES
Finish What We Started: The MAGA Movement’s Ground War to End Democracy
by Isaac Arnsdorf
2024 — Little,Brown and Company — 272 pages
Isaac Arnsdorf’s book, “Finish What We Started: The MAGA Movement’s Ground War to End Democracy,” is not a book about former President Trump, rather it focuses on the grassroots base of the MAGA movement that remains vigorous even after the January 6th Capitol riot. The Washington Post reporter zeroes in on ordinary supporters who believe the 2020 election was stolen and are motivated by a mix of nationalism, traditional social values, and anti-liberalism. This movement’s roots trace back to historical precedents like the 1940s “America First” isolationists, showing a persistent thread of conservative nationalism and conspiracy thinking.
Arnsdorf contrasts the current MAGA fervor with earlier conservative leaders like Nixon, Reagan, and Bush, who despite their conservative policies, did not fully align with the hardline conservatism seen today. For instance, Nixon’s engagement with Communist China and Reagan’s support for immigration and free trade were at odds with the stringent right-wing ideology. The book tells us the impact of the name “Maga,” which, according to research, has gained widespread recognition and negative connotations, even more than Trump himself.
Biden’s presidency has acknowledged this shift, with Biden framing his campaign as a battle for the nation’s soul against an increasingly extreme Republican Party, now dubbed the “MAGA Party.” This rebranding effort capitalizes on the public’s growing perception of the Republicans as power-hungry and ruthless. Arnsdorf also explores Trump’s possible second term, where he plans to aggressively target his critics, signaling a departure from past constraints observed during his first term.
Five Highlights
1. Grassroots Focus: Arnsdorf’s book emphasizes the grassroots supporters of the MAGA movement, exploring their beliefs and motivations post-January 6th, rather than focusing on political leaders and operatives.
2. Historical Context: The book traces the ideological roots of the MAGA movement to historical precedents like the 1940s “America First” movement, showcasing a long-standing tradition of conservative nationalism and conspiracy thinking.
3. Contrast with Past Leaders: It contrasts current MAGA fervor with previous conservative leaders like Nixon, Reagan, and Bush, who, despite conservative credentials, never fully embraced the extreme right-wing ideology now prevalent in the MAGA movement.
4. MAGA Perception: Research highlighted in the book shows that the term “MAGA” has a highly negative connotation among voters, more so than Trump, influencing political strategies to label Republicans as extreme and dangerous.
5. Biden’s Strategy: President Biden’s strategic use of the term “MAGA” to highlight the extremism of the current Republican Party underscores the deep political divide and his effort to frame the 2020 election as a moral battle for the soul of the nation.
The MAGA movement, driven by deeply held beliefs and historical ideologies, illustrates how grassroots activism can reshape political landscapes and redefine party identities, highlighting the critical role of public perception and grassroots momentum in contemporary politics. It takes us inside conservative politics from the local level to the White House.
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