Hard Right: The Rise of Jesse Helms

Traces the life and political career of Senator Jesse Helms, examines his role in the conservative political movement, and discusses his influence on the development of American foreign policy

Furgurson, veteran Washington correspondent for the Baltimore Sun, classifies Helms as a unique personality, far different from other classic Southern demagogues. Helms expresses the social and cultural grievances of America's outsiders who feel even Reagan failed in transforming America. Furgurson decribes how Helms has made himself the national leader of the New Right and has created a juggernaut direct-mail fundraising machine through interlocking New Right political organizations. As "Senator No," Helms eschews the politics of the possible for unbending obstructionism to even inadequately conservative legislation. Furgurson also notes that Helms rose to political prominence by participation in political campaigns characterized as deceitful and very rough. Recommended for most libraries. Mark K. Jones, Cincinnati, Ohio
Copyright 1986 Reed Business Information, Inc.