Idiots, Hypocrites, Demagogues, and More Idiots: Not-So-Great Moments in Modern American Politics

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If you're looking for the perfect book to put the current election season in perspective, get hold of IDIOTS, HYPOCRITES, DEMAGOGUES, AND MORE IDIOTS by Paul Slansky. The author, to quote the subtitle, takes a look at NOT-SO-GREAT MOMENTS IN MODERN AMERICAN POLITICS . . . regardless of your political affiliation, you'll laugh at such comments as those made by: * President Bush: Our enemies are innovative and resourceful, and so are we. They never stop thinking about new ways to harm our country and our people, and neither do we. * President Clinton [railing against excessive drug profits in 1993]: The prescription drug industry is spending one billion more dollars a year on advertising than they are developing new jugs. Er, drugs. You'll also learn the truth behind the stories that you may have read, such as the following: * With Gary Hart's presidential hopes evaporating in the wake of his having been found alone at home with nonwife Donna Rice, the National Enquirer unearthed a photo of her sitting on his lap. "The attractive lady whom I had only recently been introduced to dropped into my lap," Hart explained, adding gallantly, "I chose not to dump her off." And, lastly, you'll shake your head in amazement at the stupidity of some rather famous folks--including former presidents such as this one: * Nixon thought he could use Presley in his antidrug efforts. "I think you can reach young people in a way no one in the government can," he said, and Elvis quickly agreed. "I can go right into a group of hippies and young people and be accepted, he said. "This can be real helpful." Then, having buttered Nixon up, Presley got to his own agenda: "Mr. President, can you get me a badge from the Narcotics Bureau? I've been trying to get a badge from them for my collection." Nixon told an aide, "I'd like to do that. See that he gets one," prompting an excited Elvis to surprise him with a big hug. But then, Presley had a right to be joyous-the federal drug agent's badge he'd tricked Tricky Dick into giving him protected him from then on from any airport searches. Unreal! And so is much more of this book that I thoroughly enjoyed . . . you will, too.

While some believe that living in a 24/7 news culture helps us understand the world around us, there is plenty of evidence that information overload softens our brains and makes it easy for demagogues to have their way with us. Paul Slansky does not contribute to the clutter but, rather, sifts it for us, leaving a fine, highly detailed, and hilarious residue containing everything we should have noticed for ourselves -- and nothing else. An important side benefit of reading a Slansky book (or one of his quizzes in the New Yorker or the Huffington Post) is that, afterward, you'll find yourself listening a little more closely to, and laughing a little harder at, the nonstop, often insane chatter of the newsmaking class.