When the Clock Broke

When the Clock Broke by John Ganz delves into a pivotal yet tumultuous period in American history, capturing the seismic shifts at the close of the Reagan era. Set against the backdrop of the early 1990s, Ganz's narrative weaves through the aftermath of the Cold War, the Gulf War, and the zenith of U.S. global power. Instead of the anticipated "kinder, gentler America," the nation experienced a swell of domestic upheaval, presaging the stark polarization and rising extremism witnessed today. Without revealing specific plot details, Ganz takes readers on a journey through events that marked this era, illuminating the deep-seated issues that emerged during this period.

Ganz's examination spans a wide array of incidents and phenomena. From the riots and social unrest in Crown Heights and Los Angeles to the rise of divisive figures like David Duke and the proliferation of survivalist movements in America's heartland, the book captures the fervent broadcast era epitomised by Rush Limbaugh. The narrative also covers the internecine battles amongst neoconservatives and the "paleo-con" right. These elements highlight the chaotic and divided American socio-political landscape, as what Philip Roth termed the "indigenous American berserk" manifested in ever more extreme forms.

The 1992 presidential campaign comes under particular scrutiny, showcasing the insurgent populist bids of Pat Buchanan and Ross Perot which disrupted the political establishment. Ganz unpacks how Americans grappled with recession, growing concerns about racial and social change, the rise of new powers in Asia, and the collapsing norms from the Cold War era. This period also saw a surge in conspiracy theories and a keen struggle among intellectuals and activists to understand the alienation of "Middle American Radicals," whose discontent energised new socio-political movements.

Amidst these upheavals, Bill Clinton's ascent suggested a potential new centre in American politics, yet this centre proved fleeting. Ganz's rollicking and eye-opening narrative captures the complexities of the fall of the Reagan order, portraying the end of a distinct political era and the birth of a more turbulent and fractured America.

With endorsements from noteworthy contemporaries, Ganz is recognised as a vital voice in understanding our current political climate. As Rick Perlstein notes, "John Ganz is the most important young political writer of his generation—just the one our dark moment needs." Andrew Marantz of The New Yorker praises the book as "lively and kaleidoscopic," while Jeet Heer underscores its significance by stating, "John Ganz belongs to a species of public intellectual that is almost extinct. When the Clock Broke is the first of what I hope will be a shelf of books that help us uncover the true history of our times."

When the Clock Broke not only examines a historical period but also offers a profound commentary on the enduring legacies of these pivotal years, making it an essential read for anyone seeking to understand the roots of contemporary American discontent and division.