John White's fascinating new book explores the increasingly dominant role values play in today's public and private life, concluding that a serious rift in political and cultural values in America produced the astounding tie between George W. Bush and Al Gore in the 2000 presidential election. White argues that while politically important, the present "values divide" goes much deeper than cultural conflicts between Republicans and Democrats. Today, citizens are reexamining their own intimate values - including how they work, live, and interact with each other - while the nation's population is rapidly changing. Collectively the answers to these value questions, White contends, have remade both American politics and the popular culture. - Current - takes stock of the national mood in the aftermath of September 11th. - Thorough - compiles extensive current public opinion polling data from the Roper Center at the University of Connecticut at key moments in recent American history including during the Columbine tragedy, the Clinton-Lewinsky scandal, Clinton's impeachment, and the Election of 2000 to present a snapshot of American values at the outset of the 21st century. - Insightful - provides a compelling explanation for the outcome of Election 2000 and the prospects for the Republican and Democratic political agendas over the long term.
