Ratf**ked

Ratf**ked exposes how Republican strategists executed REDMAP, a sophisticated plan to gain control of state legislatures and redraw congressional districts after the 2010 census. The book tracks the implementation of this strategy across six key states: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Michigan, Ohio, Florida and Wisconsin. Former Salon editor David Daley documents the technical details of gerrymandering and redistricting, explaining how technological advances and big data enabled unprecedented precision in manipulating electoral maps. Through extensive research and interviews, he reconstructs the development and execution of REDMAP from its origins through its successful implementation. The narrative focuses on key political operatives like Karl Rove, Ed Gillespie, and Chris Jankowski, examining their roles in transforming American electoral maps. Daley analyzes specific districts and races to demonstrate how strategic redistricting transformed relatively balanced states into reliably partisan territories. This detailed investigation raises fundamental questions about representation, democracy, and the relationship between electoral systems and political outcomes. The book serves as both a political history and a warning about vulnerabilities in American democratic institutions.

Readers found this book illuminating about gerrymandering tactics used in the 2010 redistricting process. Many note it reads like an investigative journalism piece rather than a dry policy book. Liked: - Clear explanation of complex redistricting concepts - Detailed accounts of how REDMAP strategy worked state-by-state - Strong research and data to support claims - Nonpartisan approach focused on process over politics Disliked: - Repetitive examples and points - Limited discussion of potential solutions - Some found the tone alarmist - Technical mapping details difficult to follow One reader noted "It made me angry but helped me understand why my vote feels meaningless." Another said "Should be required reading for anyone interested in fair elections." Ratings: Goodreads: 4.06/5 (2,900+ ratings) Amazon: 4.6/5 (480+ ratings) Barnes & Noble: 4.4/5 (40+ ratings) Most critical reviews focused on the book's dense passages about mapping technology and district-drawing methodology.

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📌 REDMAP (Redistricting Majority Project) cost only $30 million to implement nationwide, yet fundamentally altered American electoral maps and political outcomes for a decade. 🗺️ The term "gerrymandering" originated in 1812 when Massachusetts Governor Elbridge Gerry approved a salamander-shaped district, leading to the portmanteau of his name and "salamander." 💻 Modern redistricting software can analyze voter data down to individual households, allowing mapmakers to predict electoral outcomes with up to 99% accuracy. 🏛️ Author David Daley served as editor-in-chief of Salon.com and is a senior fellow at FairVote, a leading electoral reform advocacy organization. 📊 The six states examined in the book collectively represent 94 electoral votes and were crucial swing states in multiple presidential elections between 2000-2020.