Conservatize Me

October 1, 2006
As a Seattle public radio commentator deeply entrenched in a liberal mindset, Moe wondered whether a sudden immersion in conservatism could change his worldview-so he saturated himself with nothing but right wing people, media and culture for an entire month. His subsequent misadventures are of uneven quality: thoughtful conversations with National Review editor Rich Lowry and talk radio host Michael Medved, among others, are interspersed with awkward attempts to provoke representatives of groups like the Family Research Council. At a visit to a fundamentalist church service, for example, he repeatedly asks if they'll be "able to stop The Gay" from destroying marriage. Moe also takes easy potshots at country music, SUVs and other red-state staples, and watches movies like Red Dawn and Forrest Gump for purported conservative themes. Conversations with conservative intellectuals, which force him to acknowledge greater shades of ambiguity, provide less fodder for mockery. His commonsense conclusion-exposure to new ideas can be eye opening, if not exactly transformative-will confirm the attitude of readers who have already embraced political complexity.

December 4, 2006
Inspired by Matt Spurlock's Supersize Me
, Moe submerges himself in the conservative Republican culture for 30 days to see if he will be converted into a snarky, dominating hatemonger, speaking out against wimpy liberal pacifists and "the gay." He does this by meeting with such icons of conservatism as the National Review
's editor Rich Lowry and male-escort-turned-White-House-reporter Jeff Gannon, and visiting geographic destinations symbolic of Republican conservatism. With his Wal-Mart wardrobe and iPod filled with right-wing musicians, Moe spends some quality time with the other side. Unsurprisingly, his results lead him down the middle road to understanding the system and desires of both sides. Moe, a radio personality, reads with evident delight. His execution of sarcasm and irony cannot be understated, particularly when his concept of reality is challenged by extremely inaccurate, misguided or asinine statements, as during his interview with Gannon. His vocal characterization of his young son invokes awe, wonder, determinism and warmth. His most endearing moments come when he interacts with his child. Listeners will delight in Moe's sincerity, comedic delivery and overall performance. Simultaneous release with the HarperCollins hardcover (reviewed online).

In the spirit of the popular movie SUPERSIZE ME, humorist/public radio commentator (and de facto liberal/progressive) John Moe searches for the core of conservatism in the USA. His absurd yet dedicated attempt to understand what makes modern American conservatives tick involves changes in his attire, food, company, and hobbies. CONSERVATIZE ME expresses the author's shock at some conservative notions, delivered with just the right tinge of sarcasm and outrage, and his surprise at his agreement with, or at least understanding of, some of their positions. Laugh-out-loud funny and filled with intellectual self-deprecation, Moe's quest makes for a fun listen with a dose of real insight. D.J.B. (c) AudioFile 2007, Portland, Maine