This is Al Franken's second political book, coming after the brilliantly titled Rush Limbaugh is a Big Fat Idiot and Other Observations. Unlike that work, which was composed of a series of essays, this book tells a single story: how Al Franken came from nowhere to win the 2000 presidential election and then was driven from office in disgrace. Before I go any further, I have to acknowledge that humor is subjective. With that out of the way, I can say that I don't remember the last time I read a book that made me laugh out loud more often.
The book opens with a lengthy excerpt from Daring to Lead the authorized campaign biography of Al Franken. This section outlines Franken's campaign, first in New Hampshire and then Iowa. Franken pledges to walk across the state of New Hampshire. Eventually he realizes he could save time by driving. Franken's candidacy is strengthened when he latches upon the issue of ATM fees. While running on this issue -- and financing his campaign through a 1-900 number, illegal drug sales, and unlimited financing from the insurance industry for his promotion of deregulation -- Franken encounters every form of corruption present in our current political system.
The second section of the book, Franken's campaign diary, is what will ultimately prove his undoing. In his diary, he refers to the citizens of Iowa and New Hampshire as "SP" -- Stupid People. His advisers frequently tell him to stop keeping a diary, because it could later be used against him. He dutifully records all of this.
The final section of the book begins with Franken's inauguration. It is presented as Bob Woodward's The Void: The First Hundred Days of The Franken Presidency. Franken opens his presidency by attacking Nelson Mandela and rupturing his spleen. He becomes depressed and eventually ends up popping Zoloft while planning how to infiltrate Iraq and assassinate Sadaam Hussein. Finally, Franken's administration crashes in scandal and he is driven from office.
While there are moments of weakness, where the story drags, on the whole this is a very funny book. Not only does Franken parody the presidential campaing process, he offers a funny take on how the media reports the news. I would definitely urge people to check out this book.
Interesting Quotes:
[Excerpt from campaing speech]
"In the days, weeks, and months ahead, you will be hearing more from me about my specific plan for your future. But first, I want to hear what you have to say. And that's why immediately after this speech, I will be leaving for New Hampshire, where I intend to walk the state diagonally, and then from side to side, visiting evry single household" (page 44).
[From a Campaign Memo]:
"After a conversation with Joel [legal counsel] (I didn't go into specifics, but instead posed a series of hypothetical questions to him during one of his recent lucid periods), I have identified the following areas of concern:
1. Very Illegal Activities. Otto's assaults on members of the press, on Gore's campaign team, and on private citizens. The theft of Mr. Dillingham's Cutlass. Wire fraud associated with Otto's phone sex business. The use of proceeds from the fraud to pay for campaign expenses.
2. Illegal Activities. Virtually non-stop patronizing of protitutes by you and other members of the team. Fraudulent claims in your television advertising. Operating two motor vehicles in a reckless manner. Criminal conspiracy to obstruct justice and engage in interstate flight with respect to your brother's assaults. Skipping out on hotel and restaurant bills in various towns and cities in New Hampshire, Iowa, and in between. The manufacture and sale of highly addictive methamphetamines by members of your campaign team (I didn't know about this either, but Otto spilled the beans last night while high on methamphetamine).
3. Possibly Illegal Activities. The laundering of donations from insurance companies via "royalty payments" for your book. The use of those monies for expenses directly related to your campaign. Failure of the campaign to file timely or accurate financial disclosure forms with the Federal Election Commission. Otto's fraudulent impersonations of "Botto Branken" and "Dotto Dranken."
4. Legal, Though Questionable, Activities. Deceptive claims made during speeches. Dishonest conduct toward your wife and numerous girlfriends. Exaggerated or utterly fictitious account of your own past in book Daring to Lead. And others too numerous to mention" (pages 121-122).
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