Geoff Kabaservice, Niskanen Center, author of Rule and Ruin:
Dan Meegan explains why many Americans feel poorly represented by both the Democratic and Republican parties. His sympathetic comprehension of these voters, and his dazzling insights into the cognitive bases for voter behavior and perception, makes America the Fair necessary reading for anyone who wants to understand why politics have become so frustrating.
David Cay Johnston, Pulitzer Prize-winning author of It's Even Worse Than You Think:
This is not your grandfather's political how-to guide —it's the insightful and telling advice of Dan Meegan about what America could be if Democrats heeded his call to create a more equal and just America with greater opportunity for all.
Steven Brill, author of Tailspin and America's Bitter Pill:
Once in a while, someone stakes out a new approach to America's perennial problems–in a way that could change the nature of the debate. In 2019 Dan Meegan is that person. With America the Fair he has staked out a 'fourth way' to think about the issues that have split us and offered a provocative playbook for a 2020 presidential candidate. He's a maestro when it comes to assembling his argument in an accessible and humorous way.
Jacob Hacker, Yale University, author of The Great Risk Shift:
What can a Canadian cognitive neuroscientist teach us about American politics? A great deal. With humor and rigor, Dan Meegan explains why our brains are fine-tuned to recoil at 'un-earned' benefits. US policies are stingy not because Americans are, but because these polices' design too often activates our innate unfairness-detector.
Alicia Munnell, The Center for Retirement Research, author of Falling Short:
America the Fair makes a compelling case that equity-based programs for the middle class are the best way to help those in need. Often these programs, like the U.S. Social Security system, not only ensure a base retirement income for middle-class workers but also have a strong anti-poverty component. And those who have their own health, disability, and income risks covered are more open to provisions that help the truly poor. Every American who cares about the future of our country should read this book.
Chris Weber, University of Arizona:
There's really a lot to like about America the Fair. It explains psychological constructs and their bearing on policy debate and ideological conflict, drawing engagingly on popular culture. Meegan reveals ground common to both conservatives and liberals, proposing a value frame for the greatest number of voters: fairness.
[Meegan] writes a far more coherent narrative of contemporary American politics than a political scientist could likely write about psychology.... Meegan uses engaging examples from psychological studies, evolutionary biology, and popular culture.
