Red, White & Liberal: How Left Is Right & Right Is Wrong

By Alan Colmes

Book Overview

As one of the foremost liberal voices in television and radio today, Alan Colmes has long been braving the wilds of controversial issues and conservative slander. The host of the talk-radio show Fox... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060562978
• ISBN13: 9780060562977
• Release Date: October 2003
• Publisher: William Morrow
• Length: 352 Pages
• Weight: 1.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 1.1" x 6.0"

Customer Reviews

Comendable! A surprisingly good book by Colmes.

Alan Colmes wrote a good book. Say what you will about his place in Fox news but the guy wrote a honest, non-extremist, non-sensationalized book about liberalism. The man deserves some credit. He leaves little room for reproach. His moderate tone and pragmatic approach, though not as entertaining as others, gives an excellent, though academic, defense for liberalism and moderation. Though not immune to harsh criticisms of certain conservatives, Colmes, in noble fashion, delves into matters of thought that are very worthy of discussion...especially in today's very divided red-blue political landscape. Of particular interest to me was the chapter concerning "church and state", morality and religion from the standpoint of our forefathers. I must say, of all the books I've read, the insightful argument made on this misunderstood yet widely abused facet of politics is unique to this book. That chapter alone is worth the book purchase and will cause many to rethink their mantras. Must-read material for everyone.

You want Liberal Ranting? you went to the wrong place

Can you stand Michael Moore? Neither can I. He seems to find great joy in ranting and raving about how much he hates bush, and how our country is rampant with gun violence and whatnot using vauge terms like "Frankenstein syntdrome" making for nothing more than a bathrrom reader. But Alan Colmes backs up his opinions with those incredibly stubborn things called facts. He makes good points that are hard to refute, and he makes me proud to have him on the liberal team. If you are a conservative or a liberal, you MUST read this book, for it wont have you curling your toes in digust.

Poor Alan

having to deal with that blowhard Hannity everyday must make him crazy. Writing a thoughtful and interesting book like this while living like a prisoner on FNC is a miracle.

A Comedian Stands Up...and Proves He's Not Just An Act!

Although Alan Colmes speaks from a liberal point of view, he does it on the Fox News Channel, which some say has a conservative bent. (In his book, Colmes argues that Fox really is "Fair and Balanced.") Worse still, Colmes recognizes that not every issue can be seen in terms of black and white, or, more specifically, liberal and conservative. He understands shades of gray. For these infractions, Colmes has drawn fire from some of his fellow liberals. Some have criticized him for being too moderate, and some even have gone so far as to suggest that he is not really one of them. As a cable holdout, I cannot discuss Colmes' commentary on "Hannity & Colmes," but if you are under the impression that the former comedian is just putting on another act every night, you should read "Red White & Liberal," which is one of the best books about politics I have read this year. In their email to Colmes, his fans often thank him for speaking for them, but here he has done more than that: he has given them the tools they need to articulate their own views, support them with facts and hold their own in the ongoing national debate. Colmes also provides a timely reminder that patriotism and love of God are not the sole property of the (Religious) Right. He points out that conservatives who dispute this may want to reread Christ's Sermon on the Mount, as well as various writings by Thomas Jefferson! Nevertheless, if you are an independent or a conservative, you need not be put off by Colmes' subtitle, How Left is Right and Right is Wrong. Despite his liberal take on everything (including the policies of presidents past and present, religion, and even the verdict in the O.J. Simpson trial), Colmes reaches out to all sides, even including a chapter in which he discusses points of agreement with conservatives. He also couches his arguments in a wit that is dry but never nasty. This should provide a refreshing change for those who are fed up with the tone of our political discourse, which, in the seven years since Al Franken first set out to satarize it, has only gotten worse, judging by most of the email that Hannity and Colmes have received in response to their work--some of which Colmes reprints in his book--and several of the political screeds now parading across our bookshelves! While other pundits accuse each other of "Slander" and "Lies," leaving a "Legacy" of "Arrogance," Alan Colmes talks about the issues--in a tone that would not be out of place at a civilized dinner table. By "talks," I mean he provides genuine discussion with well-reasoned arguments, instead of rehashing tired sound bites and relying on gimmicky visual aids. If you are an independent or a conservative who is willing to read opposing viewpoints, you should find Colmes to be an amiable Olive Branch to the liberal ideology. If you are a liberal, here is your charter. "Red, White & Liberal" will leave you thinking, "Right on!" Or should that be, "Left on?"

A needed voice

Alan Colmes' debut book is a surprisingly healthy presentation of progressive political philosophies, muscular and articulate. Backed by solid reasoning and careful thought, he lays out a case on topics ranging from the war in Iraq to the role of religion in politics. I didn't agree with everything he said, but I found all of it to be engaging and satisfying. I bought this book the day it came out and read it in two sittings. Don't miss it.