Praise for America’s Deadliest Election

“Democracy is so fragile, and these series of stunning events from some 150 years ago are a reminder that a foundational principle—the peaceful transfer of power—is so easily shattered by people who will do anything to remain in office and play upon voters’ fears and biases.”

—Nicolle Wallace, anchor of Deadline: White House on MSNBC

“It is astonishing to discover that a violent election in Louisiana in 1872 would have such a profound national impact on civil rights. America’s Deadliest Election is both an important and gripping story and is a reminder that American history never ceases to surprise us.”

—Tom Clavin, New York Times bestselling author and coauthor of Throne of Grace: A Mountain Man, an Epic Adventure, and the Bloody Conquest of the American West

“This is an extremely important book about a little known but essential aspect of our history. It is the story of how we got to today and, unfortunately, where we might be going tomorrow.”

—Fred Gray, Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and author of Alabama v. King and Bus Ride to Justice

“It’s long been said that the peaceful transition of power is a hallmark of our democracy. But as Dana Bash and David Fisher so forcefully remind us, it has not always been true. America’s Deadliest Election is a fascinating read about a forgotten episode of American bloodshed resulting from both parties declaring victory in a critical race. Some of the similarities to today [are] so striking that this book also becomes a civics wake-up call. If this wasn’t 2024, this would still be an important book and story, but today it becomes required reading.”

—Dan Abrams, New York Times bestselling author of Lincoln’s Last Trial