Wattenberg, Ben J

Examines the twentieth century through the perspectives of social scientists whose statistical work measuring the lives of American citizens created successes, controversies, and failures. Includes interviews with Sen. Daniel Patrick Moynihan, Betty Friedan, Milton Freeman, and George Gallup Jr. among others.

Documents the rise of the conservatives in the Republican party and the massive changes that have taken place in the U.S. as a result. Also discusses how the Republicans have been able to dominate recent presidential politics.

Traces the history of the Democratic Party's domination of U.S. politics from the presidency of John F. Kennedy to its split in 1968 at the tumultuous Chicago convention. Since then, despite their best efforts, the Democrats have lost five out of the last seven elections. Ben Wattenberg explores the reasons for this.