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Principalities and powers are always hard to see, but from time to time intrepid explorers stumble upon empires so imposing that they must be hidden from the view of almost everyone else. Whether truly conspiratorial or just secretive, these powers shape the course of history and public policy in ways unknown to most citizens and, of course, in directions contrary to their true interests.

In 2004 the head of the Democratic National Committee, Terry McAuliffe, was introduced to megachurch pastor Rick Warren, author of the mega–best-seller The Purpose Driven Life. McAuliffe stuck out his hand and said, “Nice to meet you, Rick! And what do you do?”