Tucson Festival of Books

Joe Conason


One of America's most respected journalists, Joe Conason has covered every presidential election since 1980. His political insights have also led to seven books, the latest being "The Longest Con." In it, he explores how right-wing extremists seized control of the Republican Party. 

Conason is the founder and editor of the National Memo, a daily newsletter featuring political news and commentary. This will be his third visit to the Tucson Festival of Books. 

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Awards: New York Press Club Byline Award


Scheduled events:
Our New Status Quo
As President Trump redefines the American political environment, the times are a-changing. In this session, authors Joe Conason, Juanita Tolliver and Alejandra Oliva will discuss what those changes will look like and how they will affect us all.

Integrated Learning Center Room 130 (Seats 143, Wheelchair accessible)  View this venue on the Festival map
Sat, Mar 15, 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
Current Issues / Politics / Social Science
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - Integrated Learning Center (following presentation)  View this venue on the Festival map

Panelists: Joe Conason, Alejandra Oliva, Juanita Tolliver
Moderator: Jim Nintzel
Weighing the Pros and Cons
Longtime political observer Joe Conason comes to the festival with an unsparing, often comical look at how one of our parties has evolved from a group that fiercely defended the Constitution to one whose leaders are dedicated to their own self-interests.

Arizona Daily Star Stage (Seats 250)  View this venue on the Festival map
Sat, Mar 15, 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Current Issues / Politics / Social Science
Signing area: Signing - Arizona Daily Star (following presentation)  View this venue on the Festival map

Panelist: Joe Conason
Moderator: David McCumber
Divided We Stand
Whether we're discussing political party affiliation, ideological beliefs or how First Amendment freedoms are practiced, it's clear there are wide divisions in American society. These authors approach these issues from very diverse points of view.

Student Union Gallagher Theater (Seats 337)  View this venue on the Festival map
Sun, Mar 16, 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Current Issues / Politics / Social Science
Signing area: Sales & Signing Area - UA Campus Store Tent (on Mall) (following presentation)  View this venue on the Festival map

Panelists: Amanda Becker, Joe Conason, Jonathan Turley
Moderator: Thomas Miller

Books:
The Longest Con
How Grifters, Swindlers, and Frauds Hijacked American Conservatism
Current Issues / Politics / Social Science
St. Martin's Publishing Group
July 2024
ISBN 9781250621160
320 pages

Man of the World
The Further Endeavors of Bill Clinton
Current Issues / Politics / Social Science
Simon and Schuster
January 2016
ISBN 9781439154113
486 pages