what's the matter with kansas? how conservatives won the heart of america (2004) is a book by american journalist and historian thomas frank, which explores the rise of populist anti-elitist conservatism in the united states, centering on the experience of kansas, frank's native state. in the late 19th century, says frank, kansas was known as a hotbed of the left-wing populist movement, but in recent decades, it has become overwhelmingly conservative. the book was published in britain and australia as "what's the matter with america?"