By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Joe Concha's "The Greatest Comeback Ever: Inside Trump's Big Beautiful Campaign" is a brazenly partisan account of Donald Trump's 2024 presidential campaign, presenting a narrative that is as audacious as it is one-sided. Concha, a Fox News contributor, embarks on a mission to chronicle what he perceives as a triumphant return to power, yet his approach is so steeped in bias that it undermines the credibility of the work.

The book's premise hinges on the assertion that liberals were so terrified of Trump's resurgence that they resorted to every conceivable tactic to thwart him, only to inadvertently bolster his campaign. Concha revisits what he labels as "tone-deaf, unhinged anti-Trump predictions" from the 2024 race, suggesting that each attack only made Trump stronger. This narrative, however, lacks the nuance and objectivity necessary for a serious political analysis. By painting the opposition with such broad strokes, Concha fails to engage with the complexities of the political landscape, reducing the discourse to a simplistic us-versus-them dichotomy.

The author's portrayal of the Democratic campaign is equally problematic. He contrasts Trump's purportedly joyful and forward-looking campaign with what he describes as Kamala Harris and Joe Biden's "doom and gloom" approach. Such characterizations are not only reductive but also dismissive of the substantive policy debates that took place during the election. Concha's focus on superficial elements, like Trump's dance to "YMCA," detracts from a meaningful discussion of the issues that mattered to voters.

Furthermore, the book's tone is unabashedly celebratory of Trump, bordering on hagiography. Phrases like "the biggest, most beautiful, most terrific campaign of the century" are emblematic of the hyperbolic language that pervades the text. This lack of restraint not only alienates readers seeking an impartial account but also raises questions about the author's intent. Is this a genuine attempt at political analysis, or merely an exercise in cheerleading?

In terms of structure, the book is disjointed, with Concha jumping between various events and anecdotes without a clear narrative thread. This haphazard approach makes it difficult for readers to follow the progression of the campaign and understand the strategic decisions that led to Trump's victory. Additionally, the absence of critical engagement with Trump's policies and campaign tactics results in a lopsided account that does a disservice to readers seeking a comprehensive understanding of the election.

In conclusion, "The Greatest Comeback Ever" is a glaring example of partisan journalism masquerading as political analysis. Concha's unabashed bias, coupled with a lack of depth and critical engagement, renders the book more of a fanfare than a serious examination of the 2024 presidential campaign. Readers interested in a balanced and insightful account of the election would be well-advised to look elsewhere.

Recommendation: Not recommended.

written on: 5/8/2025