DRIFT The Unmooring of American Military Power

According to the Constitution, the power to declare war should belong to Congress, not to the president alone. But these days? Not so much. With energy and humor, Maddow tracks how the inflation of executive power and the shrinkage of congressional involvement—from Vietnam to Afghanistan—has mired our nation in a state of perpetual war. Maddow’s robust delivery is reminiscent of her MSNBC show’s tone but not so close as to sound like a rehash. The production bears the authenticity of a meticulously researched political analysis, liberally mixed with Maddow’s scathing wit. Her understanding of the material makes her breakneck pace enjoyable, and her deep criticism of the Reagan administration just wouldn’t sound the same coming from anyone else. A.H.A. © AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2012]