A recent review published on Mar. 10 discusses John Tillman’s new book, The Political Vise: How the Radical Left Controls America and the Path to Regaining Our Liberty. The book serves as both a memoir of Tillman’s advocacy career in Illinois and an exploration of his theory on how public policy is shaped in the United States.
The topic is significant because it addresses ongoing debates about political influence, cultural change, and the dynamics between progressive and conservative forces in American society. Tillman’s experiences as a libertarian-conservative advocate provide context for his analysis of these issues.
Tillman introduces the concept of three types of “political vises” that exert pressure on politicians and shape policy outcomes. He describes a traditional vise, dominant from the nation’s founding until the 1980s, where politicians are influenced by expediency, fear, and principle under pressure from both the press and the public. According to Tillman, this model has been replaced since the 1980s by a progressive vise, where liberal politicians and media drive public conformity to progressive norms. He also proposes a hypothetical “liberty political vise,” which would see media and influencers pushing politicians toward policies based on personal aspiration and fulfillment.
The review notes that while these models help explain certain aspects of policy development—such as why legislators might support specific measures—they do not fully account for broader societal trends or shifts in political power. For example, during events like COVID-19 lockdowns or Supreme Court nominations, traditional pressures often reassert themselves regardless of ideological framing.
Tillman argues that engaged citizens will protect their freedom but acknowledges challenges when public sentiment favors state intervention over individual liberty. The review points out that both left-leaning and right-leaning groups can adopt victimhood narratives to advance their agendas.
Ultimately, the reviewer concludes that Tillman’s model does not fully address how progressives have appealed to voters with promises of stability and improved living standards—a strategy that has helped them win elections at various levels. The analysis suggests that while frameworks like Tillman’s offer insight into political behavior, they may oversimplify complex realities.
