Wag the Dog: A Novel

Larry Beinhart’s Wag the Dog: A Novel (originally titled American Hero) is a political satire and thriller that explores the manipulation of public opinion through media and political spin. The novel gained widespread attention for its prescient commentary on how governments and media can manufacture events to distract the public from scandals or to achieve specific political objectives.


Overview of the Novel

Plot Summary:
The story follows Eddie O’Hara, a former public relations and political consultant turned detective, who uncovers a conspiracy involving the U.S. government and Hollywood to fabricate a war. The purpose of this fake war is to distract the American public from a presidential sex scandal during an election year. The government enlists Stanley Moss, a Hollywood producer, to create a completely fictional war scenario, complete with fake news footage, propaganda, and fabricated heroic narratives.

As Eddie delves deeper into the conspiracy, he faces threats, misinformation, and the challenge of distinguishing truth from fiction in a world dominated by spin and spectacle.


Themes

Media Manipulation and Manufactured Reality:

  • The novel highlights the ease with which media can be manipulated to shape public perception. The fictional war is staged as a spectacle, designed to capture the imagination of the masses while diverting attention from real issues.

The Power of Propaganda:

  • Beinhart demonstrates how storytelling, imagery, and emotional appeals can be weaponized to control narratives and influence public opinion.

Moral Ambiguity and Cynicism:

  • The story delves into the ethical compromises made by politicians, media professionals, and corporations in pursuit of power and profit.

Illusion of Patriotism:

  • By fabricating a war, the novel critiques the exploitation of patriotic sentiments to serve political and personal agendas.

    Key Characters

    • Eddie O’Hara: The protagonist, a detective who stumbles upon the conspiracy. His journey represents the struggle to uncover the truth in a world dominated by lies.
    • Stanley Moss: A flamboyant Hollywood producer who orchestrates the fictional war. Moss embodies the blend of creativity and cynicism required to manufacture mass deception.
    • The President: Although unnamed, the president’s involvement in a scandal serves as the catalyst for the conspiracy. His character highlights the lengths politicians will go to protect their image.

    Connection to Reality

    The novel is a sharp critique of real-world events and practices. Beinhart draws inspiration from actual political scandals, such as the Iran-Contra affair and the media frenzy surrounding celebrity culture. The book suggests that in a media-saturated society, the line between reality and fiction is increasingly blurred.


    Adaptations

    The book was adapted into the 1997 film Wag the Dog, directed by Barry Levinson and starring Dustin Hoffman and Robert De Niro. While the film retains the central premise of a manufactured war to distract from a presidential scandal, it simplifies and streamlines the plot for cinematic purposes.


    Relevance Today

    The novel remains highly relevant in the context of modern politics, where the manipulation of media and public opinion has only become more sophisticated with the rise of social media and digital technology. It serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unquestioningly accepting narratives and the need for vigilance in the face of propaganda.


    Conclusion

    Larry Beinhart’s Wag the Dog: A Novel is a powerful exploration of the intersection of media, politics, and power. It challenges readers to think critically about the stories they consume and to question the motives behind the narratives presented by those in authority. Both darkly humorous and unsettling, the book remains a significant commentary on the fragility of truth in an age of spectacle and spin.

    Share:

    Leave a Reply

    New Topic Each Month.
    Become the expert and learn things you’ve been missing.
    Liberty and Your Countrymen Need You!

    Join Our Email List

    Get news alerts and updates in your inbox!

    Get Involved

    Iron County News is a grassroots volunteer newspaper. It subsists on the monetary and working donations of private citizens and journalists who feel that real news needs to come to the forefront of mainstream news practices.

    If you’re interested in writing for the Iron County News, or contributing in other ways, please contact us.

    Subscribe to Our Email List

    Get Iron County News alerts and updates in your inbox!