Ebook: The Influence Machine

An illuminating history and groundbreaking investigation tracing how a single trade organization turned itself into the most dangerous political weapon in America

When Americans hear the words "Chamber of Commerce," many still think of the local business associations that spruce up Main Streets and sponsor Little League teams around the country. But the United States Chamber of Commerce is a different animal altogether. The Chamber was originally founded to give big business a voice during the long--and now almost inconceivable--period in American history that saw the rise of workers' rights, consumer protections, and environmental awareness as national priorities. But over time, driven by an antigovernment ideology and its desire for financial and political power, the Chamber metastasized into a fighting force designed to protect the worst excesses of American industry.

The Chamber, through its veiled corporate sponsors, can take credit for some of the...