American Reboot: An Idealist’s Guide to Getting Big Things Done

Hurd, an ex-CIA officer and former Republican congressman from Texas, calls for the Republican Party to turn away from Trumpism in this sensible if somewhat predictable account. Calling for party leaders to “appeal to people of color, female voters, and younger voters”; rebuke conspiratorial thinking; and re-embrace bipartisanship, Hurd emphasizes his own record of building political consensus by listening to constituents, no matter their party affiliation. He also critiques “bureaucratic red tape that prevents innovation”; contends that people “should move up the economic ladder through free markets, not some flavor of socialism”; and calls for a strong national defense and collaboration between the U.S. government and private sector to win the “New Cold War” with China. Though the Bush wing of the Republican Party will find much to agree with, Hurd underplays the appeal of populism among the party’s base and doesn’t fully reckon with how the electoral system helps to keep Republicans in power even without broadening their message. This well-intentioned call for change is unlikely to change minds on either the right or the left. (Mar.)