When the Clock Broke by John Ganz Summary

When the Clock Broke examines America’s political and social turmoil in the early 1990s, exploring the collapse of Reagan-era conservatism, rising populism, and fractures over race, economics, and globalization. John Ganz ties events like the LA riots, David Duke’s campaigns, and Ross Perot’s presidential bid to today’s polarization, arguing these crises foreshadowed modern extremism and institutional distrust.

This book suits readers interested in modern political history, the roots of Trumpism, or societal upheaval. It’s ideal for those analyzing populism, conspiracy theories, or how 1990s deregulation and racial tensions shaped today’s ideological divides. Academics and general audiences alike will appreciate its narrative depth and historical parallels.

Yes. Critics praise Ganz’s gripping storytelling and sharp analysis of how Reaganomics, white nationalism, and media shifts destabilized America. The book’s exploration of figures like Pat Buchanan and Rudy Giuliani offers fresh insights into contemporary politics, making it essential for understanding today’s fractured landscape.

Ganz defines “negative solidarity” as unity forged through shared resentment rather than common goals. He uses it to explain how right-wing movements mobilized voters via anti-establishment rhetoric, racial scapegoating, and opposition to globalization during the 1990s recession.

The book links their growth to economic anxiety post-Reaganomics, cultural shifts, and systemic distrust. Ganz highlights David Duke’s racialized appeals, survivalist subcultures, and Rush Limbaugh’s media influence as catalysts, arguing these forces exploited disillusionment with bipartisan politics.

The 1992 election—with Perot’s populism and Buchanan’s “culture war” rhetoric—serves as a climax. Ganz frames it as a rejection of establishment politics, revealing deepening divides over trade, identity, and America’s global role that reshaped both parties.

He explores tensions through events like the Crown Heights riots and LA unrest, detailing how economic inequality and systemic racism fueled conflicts. The book also critiques bipartisan failures to address segregation’s legacy, linking these struggles to modern movements.

Ganz blames Reagan-era deregulation for the savings-and-loan crisis, wealth gaps, and deindustrialization. He argues these policies alienated the working class, creating fertile ground for conspiracism and anti-government sentiment in the 1990s.

Ganz draws direct lines between 1990s populism and Trump’s rise, noting parallels in conspiracy peddling, media tactics, and appeals to “Middle American Radicals.” The book positions figures like Buchanan as ideological forerunners of MAGA politics.

Giuliani’s 1993 mayoral win symbolizes a shift toward law-and-order politics and transactional leadership. Ganz ties his rise to public craving for “protection over policy” amid perceived institutional collapse, foreshadowing authoritarian appeals in later decades.

Yes. Ganz details how theories about the New World Order, CIA drug trafficking, and Clinton scandals gained traction in the 1990s. He frames them as symptoms of eroded trust in media and government, highlighting their role in mobilizing fringe groups.

Some reviewers note its focus on right-wing movements overshadows progressive responses of the era. Others argue its thematic breadth occasionally sacrifices depth, though most praise its relevance to understanding modern extremism.