The original article seems to be rather brief. Here is an expanded version:

So good!

This simple expression holds a world of meaning. It can describe a delicious meal that tantalizes the taste buds, leaving you craving more.

It could also refer to a beautiful piece of art that captivates your gaze and stirs your emotions.

Maybe it's a wonderful experience, like a breathtaking sunset or a thrilling adventure.

When something is "so good," it has the power to bring joy, satisfaction, and a sense of fulfillment.

It makes us appreciate the little things in life and reminds us that there is beauty and goodness all around us.

Whether it's a small moment of happiness or a major accomplishment, the feeling of "so good" is one that we all strive for and cherish.

So, take a moment to notice the things that are "so good" in your life and let them fill you with gratitude and contentment.

I'd likely have enjoyed this a good bit more if, first of all, I didn't think Michael Lewis was so freakishly awesome. His reputation and previous works had set my expectations quite high. Secondly, I hadn't read DFW's truly outstanding essay, "Up, Simba" from Consider the Lobster. After reading that remarkable piece, this one just seems to come off kind of mean-spirited, supercilious and unsure of itself. It lacks the depth and authenticity that DFW's work so effortlessly conveys.

NB: This was authored before Lewis married MTV VJ Tabitha Soren, who was a fantasy of my adolescence. At least, that's what can be inferred from the omitted shout-out in the ACKs. However, he does mention a friend named "Tabitha Sornberger" who "read and improved the author without unnerving his manuscript". I think it can be plausibly read as "Tabitha Soren" and perhaps a hint that they had a closer relationship than just friendship. Well-played, Mr. Lewis! It's interesting to note these details and how they might have influenced the tone and content of the piece.

Overall, while this may not have been as enjoyable as I had hoped, it still provides some food for thought and a different perspective.

This is an account of the 1996 election. It was written by a non-political writer who is clearly outside of and disenchanted with the normal political reporting process.

He reveals how the same media and political system that ignores some of the strangest and most unnatural habits imaginable lampoons normal behavior as weird.

In a sense, it is very similar to the Joan Didion book, Political Fictions. However, he is more humorous and witty, and less dense and depressing. For some reason, Didion tends to be disliked by anyone under the age of 20. This account might offer a better perspective on just how cynical and artificial elections really are.

It provides an alternative view that can help readers understand the true nature of the political process and the role of the media in shaping public perception.

By highlighting the absurdities and contradictions, the writer challenges the status quo and encourages readers to think critically about the information they receive.

This account is not only entertaining but also thought-provoking, making it a valuable addition to the literature on elections and politics.

I was overjoyed when I discovered this book. I truly relished other works I've read by Michael Lewis, such as Liar's Poker and Flash Boys. Little did I know that he had penned a presidential campaign diary!

When I envision Michael Lewis, I always recall the day trader who began his career at Salomon Brothers and had a penchant for writing in secret. However, the reality is that Michael Lewis is one of the greatest living journalists. Just because he didn't attend journalism school or cover a local newspaper beat doesn't diminish his status as a scribe. In fact, I believe Lewis towers above most professionals as he truly endeavors to unearth insights into the human condition in his work.

The monotonous routine of the presidential campaign trail has taken a toll on some of the best in the field. Matt Taibbi and Hunter Thompson wilted in the face of the numbing boredom of press planes, bus rides, cold cut buffets, and endlessly repeated campaign speeches. During the 1996 campaign, Lewis shunned the daily drudgery and sought to forge his own path to enlightenment within the presidential chaos. By allowing himself to follow his whims, Lewis rises above the false, stage-managed pretense of the major party race.

Lewis's attention to detail often had me chuckling out loud. It's improbable that any other accounts from the presidential campaign trail will ever amuse you as much as Trail Fever. But what truly distinguishes this from everyone else is Lewis's sincere attempts to extract meaning from the mindless, ceaseless fakeness of presidential campaign politics. This book was such a delightful surprise. It is highly entertaining and profound.

Fun look at a couple of political characters, especially McCain.

It offers more than just a surface-level view. Instead, it provides a deeper insight into the weirdness of a presidential campaign.

There are also some asides that show how regular people interact with this traveling circus.

The article delves into the idiosyncrasies and behaviors of these political figures, highlighting the unique aspects of the campaign trail.

It shows how the candidates navigate the various challenges and opportunities that come their way.

Additionally, it gives a peek into the reactions and responses of the general public as they encounter the campaign events and the personalities involved.

Overall, it's an engaging and thought-provoking piece that offers a different perspective on the world of politics and presidential campaigns.

Modern-day politics offers an interesting and complex look into the inner workings of society. It is a realm filled with power struggles, competing interests, and ever-changing dynamics. Politicians jockey for position, making decisions that can have far-reaching consequences for the nation and its people. The media plays a significant role in shaping public perception of political events and figures. Social media has further revolutionized the political landscape, allowing for instantaneous communication and the mobilization of large groups. However, modern-day politics also faces numerous challenges, such as corruption, polarization, and a lack of trust in the political system. Despite these difficulties, it remains a crucial area of study and engagement, as it directly impacts the lives of every citizen.

Lewis' most underrated work is truly a gem.

His in-depth examination of the 1996 republican primary circuit provides a crystal-clear picture of how American politics underwent a significant evolution in the 2000s.

Each figure in the primary seems to form a sort of Trump composite. Lewis masterfully combines each factor that contributed to their moderate success into a political juggernaut.

He vividly shows how Bob Dole was at a disadvantage, with potentially no avenue to beat Clinton. After all, he was competing with a savvy political chameleon.

The intricacies of each primary are incredibly dynamic. Peeling back the onion of the last campaign before the advent of social media leads to a wealth of insights and premonitions about what politics have become today.

This work by Lewis is not only a fascinating look into the past but also a valuable resource for understanding the present and future of American politics.

Read this, including the follow-up/postscript.

It was indeed slightly easier to put this book down compared to other Michael Lewis books. However, it is still an absolutely fantastic read.

Michael Lewis has a remarkable talent for presenting stories in a captivating way, and this book is no exception.

He manages to paint McCain in a completely new light for me.

Through his detailed and engaging narrative, I was able to gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of McCain's character, his experiences, and his impact.

The book offers a unique perspective that I found both enlightening and thought-provoking.

It made me see McCain in a different light and gave me a newfound respect for him.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in McCain or in well-written non-fiction.

It is a testament to Michael Lewis's skill as a writer and his ability to bring a subject to life on the page.

I should preface my review with two key notes:

1) I love politics

2) Michael Lewis is one of my favorite writers

That said, this was not a great book. If I could give it 2.5 stars, I would. I just googled to see how many books Lewis has written and landed on Bookscrolling.com, where they have a ranking for all of his books. Losers was ranked 14th out of 17 books. So maybe that is just confirmation bias, I don't know. I do know the first 200 pages were interesting. They presented engaging stories and perspectives that held my attention. However, the final 100 pages were a disjointed mess. The narrative seemed to lose its focus and coherence, making it a bit of a struggle to get through.

Not surprisingly, this book is all/mostly(?) dispatches from the road for The New Republic. And while there's a lot of first person in all/most(?) of Lewis' books, there was just way too much of it in this tomb. It felt a bit self-indulgent at times. There's a lack of maturity to the writing and insight, at least compared with many of his more recent books. Given that this was his fourth book and written in 1996, it perhaps should not be that surprising. The author was still developing his writing style and depth of understanding at that time.

Still, if you like politics and don't remember or have never heard of Morry Taylor, there's a lot to like here. The book provides some interesting insights into the political landscape and the people involved. It may not be Lewis' best work, but it still has its merits for those with a particular interest in the subject matter.

Wow,

I had this memory of this book being significantly better than it truly is. In theory, it offers a hilarious perspective on the losing candidates in the 1996 presidential election. However, it ultimately turns out to be just a collection of anecdotes and quick character sketches. There are no real story arcs; instead, it's more like an anti-arc that carves out the space around Clinton's path to re-election.

I first read it during the 2008 presidential election. At that time, my enjoyment stemmed from realizing that Keyes was just as absurd in 1996 as he was in 2004 and 2008. But there are also moments when an uncanny quality saves it from being a complete waste. It allows us to see many future political figures before they became prominent, and we're either shocked by the incongruity or predictability of their later achievements. Ted Haggard, J.D. Hayworth, and others make brief appearances throughout the book, giving us an unexpected peek into the GOP's minor league.

Unless you have a genuine love for Michael Lewis and/or political hijinks, I wouldn't recommend this book.

This piece of writing is not Lewis' finest work, but it is without a doubt funny and full of quotable lines.

It has managed to bring out the cynic within me, mainly due to his snarky and biting comments about the real politicians.

Lewis seems to have a knack for observing the flaws and follies of those in power and presenting them in a humorous yet scathing way.

The way he dissects the actions and words of politicians makes for an entertaining read.

Even though it may not be his best work in terms of literary quality, it still has the power to make us laugh and think about the state of our political world.

His snarky comments act as a wake-up call,提醒 us to be more critical of those who hold positions of authority.

Overall, this work is a lighthearted yet thought-provoking take on the world of politics.

The best political book I’ve read besides What It Takes is a truly remarkable piece of work.

It offers profound insights into the complex world of politics, presenting a comprehensive analysis of various political systems and their implications.

The author's writing style is engaging and accessible, making it easy for readers to understand even the most intricate political concepts.

Throughout the book, there are numerous real-life examples and case studies that further enhance the understanding of the subject matter.

Moreover, the book also explores the role of leaders in shaping political landscapes and the challenges they face in making decisions that impact society.

Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in politics, providing a wealth of knowledge and food for thought.