Honest Numbers and Democracy: Social Policy Analysis in the White House, Congress, and the Federal Agencies

The book provides an in-depth critique of social policy analysis in the U.S., highlighting the detrimental effects of partisanship on data integrity and analyst credibility. Drawing on interviews with key political figures, it traces the evolution of policy analysis from the Johnson administration through the Reagan and Clinton eras, revealing how presidents have misused data to influence policy decisions. Additionally, it explores the challenges posed by the electronic revolution and public distrust of government data, making it essential reading for those invested in U.S. democracy's future.