The Big Lie

In this probing and illuminating analysis, Jonathan Lemire uncovers how "The Big Lie" has become a political philosophy that continues to divide America. From the WHITE HOUSE BUREAU CHIEF OF POLITICO and the host of MSNBC's WAY TOO EARLY comes a thought-provoking exploration of the current state of American politics, democracy, and elections. "[Lemire] has done his homework," praises The Guardian. Donald Trump first tested "The Big Lie" in 2016, at an August rally in Ohio, suggesting he might not accept the election results in his race against Hillary Clinton, claiming the election was "rigged." Though he didn't have to challenge the result that year, the stage was set. When he lost in 2020, he revived the lie with devastating consequences: an insurrection at the Capitol in January 2021. In the tumultuous, paradigm-shifting years of Trump's presidency and beyond, his near-constant lying has become a fixture of political life. It is inextricably linked with how his party behaves, how the Democrats respond, and how he remains relevant, even after a decisive loss in 2020. Written with sharp political insight and detailed with dozens of interviews, The Big Lie is the first book to examine this unprecedented and tenuous moment in our nation's politics, exploring the deep divisions in American society and the disinformation that continues to shape our political discourse.