My friend Barb McQuade has written a new book that will be released this coming week. It’s called The Fix, and it comes out on June 2. (If you’re in New York City this weekend, Barb and Preet Bharara will be in conversation at the 92nd St. Y., and you can get tickets here.)
I loved Barb’s first book, Attack from Within—the classic explanation of misinformation and disinformation—so I was eager to read her new one. She draws on her experience as a prosecutor to examine the MAGA movement’s overlap with a mafia-style culture of corruption, using courtroom stories and cautionary lessons from history to clarify the kinds of damage this administration is doing to American democracy. Her publisher aptly describes it like this: “The Fix is not just a critique of power gone awry. McQuade offers clear strategies that ordinary Americans can utilize, from organizing teach-ins and protests to running for local office, to reclaim the rule of law and ensure that elected officials serve the public's interest, not their own.” In other words, it’s an important book to read now, to harden your resolve and prepare to get this democracy back on track.
Discussing Barb’s first book with her at the Commonwealth Club in San Francisco
“The Fix” will be available at all the usual places. Order it now or pick it up on Tuesday when it’s released. Barb joins us tonight to discuss writing the book, the moment we’re living in, and her very practical prescription for what each of us can do right now.
“Five Questions” is a periodic feature for paid subscribers, my way of thanking those who are able to support this work so that I can devote the necessary time and resources to it. Whether you’re a paid subscriber or not, I’m happy to have you here. I appreciate everyone who reads the newsletter and works to stay informed in this pivotal moment. Free subscriptions, with access to all of the other nightly posts, will always be available, so please sign up.
