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Start giftingPolitical Suicide
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Learn moreA collection of entertaining and cautionary tales of political missteps in American history, from the birth of the nation through the present day
Just in time for the presidential election of 2016 comes Political Suicide, a history of the best and most interesting missteps, peccadilloes, bad calls, backroom hijinks, sordid pasts, rotten breaks, and just plain dumb mistakes in the annals of American politics.
They have tweeted their private parts to women they’re trying to impress. They have gotten caught on tape doing and saying things they really shouldn’t have. They have denied knowing about the underhanded doings of underlings—only to have a paper trail lead straight back to them. Nowadays, it seems like half of what we hear about politicians isn’t about laws or governing but is instead coverage focused on shenanigans, questionable morals, and scandals too numerous to count. And while we shake our heads in disbelief, we still can’t resist poring over the details of these notorious incidents.
In Political Suicide, the foibles of our politicians are brought from the tabloid pages to this entertaining—and cautionary—tale of American history.
Erin McHugh is a former publishing executive and the award-winning author of more than twenty books of popular nonfiction, trivia, and history. She has written for Bloomberg News, TimeOut New York, and GreenSource magazine and is a contributing writer at Better Homes and Gardens.
Lisa Flanagan is a classically trained soprano, comedian, voice-over artist, and Earphones Award–winning narrator.
Reviews
“If you need a little light relief from the current political campaign, consider this book by Erin McHugh, whose background in history and trivia serves her well here.”
“Compulsively readable, at times hilarious, at times cringe-worthy. From prostitute dalliances to pistol duels, American politics has, as McHugh reports it, quite a colorful and bewildering history.”
“Those who think the current electoral season resembles a circus will enjoy this entertaining collection of incredible misdeeds by contemporary and long-gone politicos.”
“Serves up a hodgepodge of tales of less-than-bright-and-shining moments in American history…McHugh’s breezy style will appeal.”
“Flanagan’s narration is consistent and clear, and her appropriate pace holds the listener’s attention…Each anecdote is brief and self-contained, which makes them work well for commuting or other short drives.”
“An important, sad, and very funny book. You will laugh, you will cry, and you will understand American history in a new way.”
“A brilliant time capsule of solid proof that America has had a long history of elected officials who have been expert at sinking their own careers―in every possible way. A rollicking, jaw-dropping antidote for these ‘oh no s/he didn’t!’ times.”
“A thoroughly captivating take on America’s rich parade of rogues, scoundrels, and buffoons…History and hijinks might be ‘political suicide,’ but Erin McHugh knows that this combo also makes for a rip-roaring read.”
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