By The Book Reviews

Review by By The Books Reviewer

Jennifer Welch's "Not Today, Fascists: The Lies That Got Us Here, and the Truths That Will Reunite Us" is a brash, unfiltered manifesto that aims to dissect the current political landscape of the United States. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jennifer-welch/not-today-fascists/?utm_source=openai)) Welch, co-host of the popular podcast "I've Had It," leverages her platform to deliver a scathing critique of the rise of theocracy and authoritarianism in America. ([netgalley.com](https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/book/860726?utm_source=openai))

From the outset, Welch's tone is unapologetically confrontational. She spares no one in her analysis, lambasting not only the far-right factions she deems responsible for steering the nation toward fascism but also the Democratic Party for its perceived complacency and ineffectiveness. Her disdain for figures like former Attorney General Merrick Garland is palpable, accusing him of dithering in the face of authoritarian threats. ([kirkusreviews.com](https://www.kirkusreviews.com/book-reviews/jennifer-welch/not-today-fascists/?utm_source=openai))

Welch's background as a progressive atheist from Oklahoma provides a unique lens through which she examines the intertwining of religion and politics. She delves into the influence of Evangelical prosperity gospel and its role in perpetuating economic inequality, coining the term "Big Church" to describe the tax-exempt religious institutions wielding significant political and economic power. ([books.google.com](https://books.google.com/books/about/Not_Today_Fascists.html?id=CfmbEQAAQBAJ&utm_source=openai))

However, the book's relentless vitriol often overshadows its substantive arguments. Welch's penchant for incendiary language and ad hominem attacks diminishes the credibility of her critique. Her comparisons of contemporary political figures and institutions to historical fascist regimes are hyperbolic and lack nuanced analysis, reducing complex issues to simplistic binaries.

Moreover, Welch's call for the left to adopt equally aggressive tactics as the right raises ethical concerns. Advocating for a "fight fire with fire" approach risks further entrenching the divisive political climate rather than fostering constructive dialogue and solutions.

In conclusion, while "Not Today, Fascists" offers a passionate and unfiltered perspective on the current state of American politics, its effectiveness is undermined by its coarse rhetoric and lack of nuanced analysis. Readers seeking a thoughtful examination of the rise of authoritarianism and theocracy in the U.S. may find Welch's approach more inflammatory than informative.

Final recommendation: Read with caution.

Recommendation: Read with caution.

written on: 10/15/2026