New Podcast: The Accelerating Slow Civil War

Author Jeff Sharlet discusses his new book 'The Undertow: Scenes from a Slow Civil War'

‘Wow’ moments

One of my favorite things about being able to host ‘On Democracy’ is the opportunity to chat with brilliant people who force me to question my preconceived notions or opinions. This week’s guest, Jeff Sharlet, literally made me say “wow” at least twice in this interview with his unique insight on the far right movements in the country after immersing himself in it for 7 years.

His new book ‘The Undertow: Scenes From a Slow Civil War’ is a travelogue of the deepest and most terrifying reaches of the American far right. He found himself sitting in a car with an extreme Q-Anon believer after a Trump rally, sitting on the porch of a militia leader, and being escorted out of a church by gun wielding extremists and then translates that into beautiful prose.

I found myself literally rubbing my forehead in disbelief as he describes tripping the security perimeter of a house flying ‘Fuck Trudeau’ flags in Wisconsin and being invited in by the gun carrying homeowner. That bravery and boldness gives Jeff one of the most fascinating perspectives I’ve found on this American moment. This is a must watch episode and his book should be on your bookshelf.