The Longest Con: How Grifters, Swindlers, and Frauds Hijacked American Conservatism

by Joe Conason

Conason's case is that Trump isn't where conservative grift began, only its largest example. Across about seventy years, from McCarthy-era anti-communist crusaders through Tea Party activists and prosperity-gospel preachers, you see the same business model, if you will: inflame a grievance, name an enemy, promise retribution and collect the donations.