Very engaging and laugh out loud funny at times, this book about a 20-year-old election offers a unique perspective. Lewis has a keen insight into the candidates, which makes the reading both interesting and enlightening. I suspect that the book resonates with readers because, unfortunately, things haven't changed much in politics over the years. It also provides valuable insights into the characteristics that tend to be common amongst candidates whom I most respect. For example, they are truly passionate about their ideas and are able to speak extemporaneously without relying on a teleprompter. This ability to communicate effectively and authentically is something that I believe is essential for any successful candidate. Overall, this book is a great read for anyone interested in politics or simply looking for an entertaining and thought-provoking book.

A great look at the 1996 election left me with the distinct impression that the candidates were the least interesting part of it.

It was truly a remarkable examination that made me realize how often the focus on candidates overshadows the real essence of an election.

I would be fascinated by the same book about the most recent election.

Lewis - who is NOT a Republican - reminded me that the McCain who ran in 2008 was not the same one I liked.

I could have voted for the one I liked and the one Lewis liked.

McCain wanted to be president too much by 2008 and let the 'rented strangers' do what they did to Dole...who I also didn't mind too much.

In comparison with Buchanan.

I liked that he wandered off to follow up on more interesting stories because really, the campaign wasn't the story. Or interesting.

It's refreshing to see someone break away from the typical narrative and explore the other aspects that might be more captivating and revealing about an election.

This approach makes me eager to see what a similar analysis of the latest election would uncover.

This is not the greatest Lewis piece that I have read. However, it offers a fascinating insight into politics as it is carried out at the Presidential level and serves as a precursor to the 2016 race.

Lewis points out that Buchanan manages to stir up a passionate support base by capitalizing on economic fear, even during a period of economic boom. He then wonders what might occur if there were a downturn in the economy or a war.

Well, as it turns out, we have witnessed the consequences. The events that followed have shown the power and influence that fear can have on shaping political landscapes. It is a reminder that politics is often driven by emotions and perceptions, rather than just rational analysis.

The insights provided by Lewis in this article are still relevant today, as we continue to grapple with the complex and ever-changing world of politics.

I have a profound love for Lewis's writing style.

It truly amazes me how he can take a political topic and transform it into something that is not only engaging but also highly entertaining to read.

His ability to present complex political ideas and events in a vivid and accessible manner is truly remarkable.

One would not typically expect a political trail to be so captivating, but Lewis manages to do just that.

His words draw the reader in and keep them hooked from start to finish.

Whether it's through his use of vivid descriptions, interesting anecdotes, or thought-provoking analysis, Lewis has a unique talent for making politics come alive on the page.

I find myself eagerly anticipating each new piece of his writing, knowing that I'm in for a treat.

His work not only informs but also entertains, making it a joy to read.

I can't wait to see what he comes up with next.

In the world of media, there is a particular genre that seems to always capture the public's attention - the political gossip magazine.

These magazines are filled with juicy tidbits, rumors, and inside scoops about the lives and actions of politicians. They often cover everything from their personal relationships to their political maneuvers.

Readers are drawn to these magazines like moths to a flame, eager to get a glimpse into the secret world of politics. Some may argue that these magazines are nothing more than a source of entertainment, while others believe that they can provide valuable insights into the political landscape.

Regardless of one's opinion, there is no denying the popularity of political gossip magazines. They continue to thrive and sell millions of copies each year, keeping readers informed and entertained.

This book provided me with a more in-depth understanding of how sausage is made, along with an inside perspective on the campaign trail.

On the campaign trail, politics is similar to ultra-processed food. It lacks the authenticity and wholesomeness of real, natural, whole food.

Just as ultra-processed food is often filled with artificial additives and preservatives, politics on the campaign trail can be充斥着各种虚假的承诺、夸大其词和政治手段。

Real, natural, whole food represents the truth and authenticity that we should strive for in all aspects of life, including politics.

We need to look beyond the surface and see the real issues and solutions that lie beneath.

By understanding the similarities between politics on the campaign trail and ultra-processed food, we can make more informed decisions and demand better from our politicians.

This book has opened my eyes to the importance of seeking truth and authenticity in politics and has inspired me to be more critical of what I see and hear.

Serendipitously, I found this book in my mother's house recently. I 100% enjoyed it, perhaps due to my current intense focus on a terrible primary process / election year.

Trail Fever posited that politics was reinvented at the end of the last century. However, politicians like Bob Dole, Lamar Alexander, or Phil Gramm didn't know how to handle it. (To be fair, neither did non-politicians like Morry Taylor and Alan Keyes.) It took several decades for someone as completely empty as Trump to emerge and take advantage. In fairness, Pat Buchanan was a rather close proto-Trump. He宣称 he would bring back steel. He contends that the founding fathers were protectionist, not because he truly believes it, but because, as he openly admits to the author, draping the founding fathers over an idea is a means to sell it to the American people. He actually held a press event at the US/Mexico border and called for a fence from San Diego to Florida (sic). In the end, Buchanan probably just needed to be taller and wealthier, less eloquent and more brazen. Steve Forbes had the wealthier and taller aspects, but he went too far in the emptiness category. Here was someone completely lacking in character and accomplishment, someone who should not have been considered as the treasurer of your book club, spending millions to gain national press and spout off his terrible ideas that still influence the political conversation of the country to this day. Thank goodness we don't let that happen anymore.

As Lewis remarks, in one of his many great insights, "this emphasis on who wins is a form of madness." You can't make any money predicting winners, and "the winner in this case has had no effect whatsoever on the debate. The debate has been framed entirely by the losers."

Random tangent: midway through the book, Lewis relates a disturbing exchange with a couple of rogue Detroit union guys calling themselves "Citizens for Better Government":

ML: "How many people are involved in this movement?"
"We don't discuss that. It's national."
ML: "Who is the head of it, nationally?"
"We don't discuss that."
ML: "What's the point of organizing, then?"
"We don't discuss that, either."
ML: "What about Perot?"
"The true grassroots people abandoned Ross Perot. It's the opportunists and the gullibles that stayed with him."

Knowing what we know now - "economic anxiety" and all that - this interview struck me as far more nefarious than Lewis realized.

Passages from this will likely figure prominently in any comprehensive biographies of John McCain that are yet to be written. This is in terms of elucidating how he managed to gain such high levels of respect and admiration from liberals, apolitical individuals, and other non-right wingers prior to 2008. McCain's story is one that is both complex and fascinating. His actions and decisions over the years played a significant role in shaping the way he was perceived by different segments of the population. There were certain events and positions that endeared him to those who might not have otherwise been inclined to support him. Understanding these aspects of his life is crucial for anyone looking to truly understand the man and his impact on American politics and society.

The 1996 elections presented a cast of interesting characters, and this is precisely what the book offers - just interesting characters. Lewis becomes completely enthralled with "The Grizz," to the extent that he seems to lose the overall perspective for the book. As a result, the book reads more like a character sketch. It makes a rather half-hearted effort to make a statement about American politics in general. However, Lewis gets so deeply involved with "The Grizz" that the book finds itself in a sort of no-man's land, somewhere between a political read and a character sketch.

Two stars: One would expect more from Michael Lewis. After all, he is a well-known and respected author. One hopes that in his future works, he will be able to strike a better balance between character development and making a meaningful statement about the larger political landscape. This book, while having its moments, ultimately falls short of the high standards that Lewis has set for himself.

Like most of his books, this one is extremely intelligent and is filled with an abundance of fascinating information.

However, for me, it seemed to progress at a somewhat slow pace. This might perhaps be more attributable to the nature of the subject matter rather than the quality of the writing itself.

Nevertheless, I am still glad that I managed to make it through the entire book.

If you have an interest in political campaigns and political journalism, then this book is definitely worth a read. It offers valuable insights and perspectives that can enhance your understanding of these complex and dynamic fields.

Despite its initial slowness, the wealth of knowledge and the thought-provoking ideas presented within its pages make it a worthwhile investment of your time.

So, if you are looking to expand your knowledge and gain a deeper understanding of political campaigns and journalism, give this book a chance. You might just be pleasantly surprised by what you discover.

I first read this book approximately three years ago. I was browsing through Michael Lewis's books on his website or perhaps some other site. In any event, I came across an excerpt that really spoke to me regarding the past presidential campaign. As a result, I decided to reread it. This time around, I was able to observe the seeds of Trump being sown by the two political parties. He writes about the disengagement of the two major candidates. Morry Taylor and, to some extent, Pat Buchanan's candidacies, when combined, were precursors to Trump, although without the insults, vulgarity, and lies. Secretary Clinton fulfilled the role similar to that of her husband's and Senator Dole's candidacies.

Through the perspective of this past campaign, the book was significantly more enlightening and entertaining. The first time I read it, I only gave it 4 stars, but now I would rate it 5 stars. It offers a unique and valuable insight into the political landscape and the events that led up to the election. It makes one think about the state of our political system and how it has evolved over time. Overall, it is a great read that I would highly recommend to anyone interested in politics or current affairs.

I can't decide if it's heartening or disheartening to know that the vanity and stupidity of American elections persist 30 years later.

On one hand, it's disheartening because it seems that despite the passage of time, the same flaws and follies still exist in the electoral process. The focus on superficiality, mudslinging, and empty promises rather than实质性的 policies and solutions is truly concerning.

On the other hand, it could be heartening in a way. Maybe this awareness can lead to a greater push for reform and improvement. It might inspire more people to get involved, to demand better from their leaders and the system.

Overall, it's a complex situation. But one thing is for sure, this book offers an interesting perspective on the state of American elections. It's a fun read that makes you think about the issues at hand.

Perhaps through continued discussion and analysis, we can find ways to make the electoral process more meaningful and effective.