Anger and resentment appear to be playing an increasingly important role in politics, as is evident by the vociferous opposition to welfare, abortion and immigrants, and by the rise of the radical religious right. This text presents an explanation of these phenomena, providing empirical evidence for the role of the rigid, harsh childrearing practices in the creation of punitive, authoritarian adult political attitudes. The authors show how political processes in the United States are distorted by the unresolved negative emotions (such as fear, anger and helplessness) that remain from punitive parenting, and by the politicians and conservative religious leaders who exploit those emotions. Among the public figures discussed are Patrick Buchanan, Newt Gingrich, Ronald Reagan and Billy Graham.