The Hardhat Riot

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One of the New York Times "100 Notable Books of 2020," this work explores the pivotal moment when the white working class first turned against liberalism, marking a significant shift in American politics. In May 1970, shortly after the Kent State shootings, a violent clash erupted in Manhattan as construction workers attacked student protesters. This confrontation highlighted a deeper conflict within the Democratic Party, signaling the beginning of a schism that would reshape the political landscape. The narrative reveals how Richard Nixon capitalized on this division, as the traditional alliance between FDR's "forgotten man" and the Democrats crumbled, ultimately paving the way for future Republican presidencies, from Ronald Reagan to Donald Trump. Set against the backdrop of a tumultuous era, including the half-built Twin Towers and the Knicks' championship victory, the story delves into the chaotic dynamics of Nixon's America and John Lindsay's New York City. Through meticulous research and previously unseen records, it captures the emergence of a class conflict that culminated in violence, illustrating how the Democratic Party's future was irrevocably altered by its past. This compelling account sheds light on the polarized America we navigate today.