Combining the insights of Nixonland and the narrative style of Ladies and Gentlemen: The Bronx is Burning, this work presents a definitive cultural and political history of the pivotal year 2000 in American politics and culture. This year marked a turning point, preceding the Coronavirus pandemic, the contentious 2020 election, and the Trump presidency. It was the last year of America’s unchallenged geopolitical dominance, featuring significant events like the creation of Survivor, a media frenzy surrounding a Cuban immigrant, and Donald Trump’s failed presidential aspirations. Al Qaeda operatives also traveled to the U.S. to learn to fly planes, all converging in Florida, where a crucial presidential election was decided by an incredibly narrow margin. The year 2000 saw the political system's authority undermined by technical failures, the legal system compromised by Supreme Court justices, and the financial system devalued through deregulation and speculation. The mainstream media faced destabilization from Fox News and the internet’s rapid spread of information, while cultural elites and tastemakers began to lose their influence. Through extensive interviews and archival research, Andrew Rice weaves a compelling narrative featuring a diverse cast of characters, illustrating how this watershed year has shaped contemporary America.
