THE DAY AFTER
By Brian Tyler Cohen
Publisher: Harper
The author of “Shameless” looks at the relationship Republicans and Democrats have to power and prescribes ways for it to be used after Donald Trump’s presidency.
Review by By The Books Reviewer
Brian Tyler Cohen's latest work, "The Day After: How to Wield Power in a Post-Trump World," is a scathing indictment of the political inertia that has plagued the Democratic Party for decades. Cohen, a seasoned political journalist and podcaster, doesn't mince words as he lays bare the systemic failures that have allowed autocracy and plutocracy to tighten their grip on American democracy.
At the heart of Cohen's argument is the assertion that Democrats have been complicit in their own downfall by adhering to outdated norms of bipartisanship. He contends that the political landscape has morphed into a de facto parliamentary system where power is concentrated in the majority, rendering cross-aisle cooperation obsolete. This perspective is not merely theoretical; it's a clarion call for Democrats to abandon their passive stance and adopt a more assertive approach to governance.
Cohen's proposals are as radical as they are necessary. He advocates for the elimination of the filibuster, describing it as a tool that perpetuates a status quo rejected by voters time and again. Furthermore, he calls for the abolition of the Electoral College, arguing that it undermines the principle of one person, one vote. Perhaps most controversially, Cohen suggests a complete overhaul of the Supreme Court, including the addition of four justices, implementation of eight-year term limits, and mandatory retirement at age 70. These recommendations are not for the faint of heart, but they underscore the urgency with which Cohen believes reform must be undertaken.
Critics may argue that Cohen's proposals are too extreme or impractical. However, as Kirkus Reviews aptly notes, "A battle cry for 'complacent friends of democracy' to bestir themselves to meaningful action." ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/brian-tyler-cohen/the-day-after-2/?utm_source=openai)) This sentiment encapsulates the essence of Cohen's work: a demand for immediate and decisive action to prevent the further erosion of democratic institutions.
In conclusion, "The Day After" is not just a book; it's a manifesto for those who refuse to stand idly by as democracy teeters on the brink. Cohen's unflinching analysis and bold prescriptions make this a must-read for anyone committed to the preservation and revitalization of American democracy.
Recommendation: Highly recommended!
written on: 7/23/2026