Ah, if only he were here now.

We could have a lively discussion about Sarah Palin. Her unique style and controversial views always manage to spark intense debate.

And what about the "Bush Victory Tour"? It was a significant event that had a profound impact on the political landscape.

Bernie Madow, too, is a figure worthy of conversation. His ideas and influence have shaped the political discourse in many ways.

I truly miss him and the engaging conversations we used to have.

It's moments like these that make me realize how much I value his presence and his insights.

Hopefully, he'll be back soon, and we can pick up where we left off.

Until then, I'll continue to think about the topics we would have discussed and look forward to the day when we can talk again.

I thoroughly enjoyed the peruse through history.

It was an absolute delight, much like taking a FUN American History or Polysci class.

The experience was truly captivating and engaging.

Hunter, the subject of this historical exploration, was a truly deranged genius.

His unique perspective and actions added an element of intrigue and fascination.

I find myself loving him for that very reason.

However, I must admit that I gave it 4 stars because some of the political jargon was a bit over my head.

Nonetheless, it did not detract significantly from the overall enjoyment and learning experience.

The journey through history with Hunter was one that I will remember and cherish.

It has opened my eyes to new aspects of the past and has made me eager to learn more.

Overall, it was a great read and I would highly recommend it to others interested in history and the minds of extraordinary individuals.

Certainly, it is an entertaining read in the typical Hunter fashion. I happen to be a 90s child, so the political events of the 70s and 80s were, for the most part, beyond my comprehension. However, I would still highly recommend this if you are an avid Hunter S. Thompson (HST) fan. What makes it even more appealing is that each article is only 2 - 3 pages long. This concise length makes it a pretty easy and accessible read. You can quickly dip into the world of HST's unique perspective and writing style without having to invest a significant amount of time. It's a great way to get a taste of his work and perhaps discover something new about the political and cultural landscapes of those decades.

Personally, I have an intense love for this book.

The reason being that each "chapter" is merely 2.5 pages long. This makes it a perfect fit for my rather inconsistent reading schedule. On any given day, I might have anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour to devote to reading.

Having all that wonderful HST content presented in such an easily digestible format is truly amazing. It's like a literary treat that I can enjoy in short bursts.

I would not suggest this book for those who are new to HST's work. However, if you have already read some of his other pieces or have had a firsthand experience of the 80s, then it is definitely worth checking out if you are in search of more HST goodness.

It offers a unique perspective and a different kind of reading experience that only HST can provide.

Overall, it's a great addition to any HST enthusiast's collection.

The fascinating aspect of this collection of Thompson articles lies in the remarkable frequency with which he inadvertently anticipates the future. "First as tragedy, then as farce." However, the farce in question pertains to a group of septuagenarians who were discredited crooks back in the late 1980s.

The general public in the United States has a memory as short as that of a goldfish. If one were to peruse this collection, it would become evident that the swine never departed; they simply aged, grew more malicious, and emitted an even more offensive stench. This generation of swine stubbornly refuses to fade away.

It is truly astonishing to observe how Thompson's words, written years ago, still hold a mirror up to the present state of affairs. His astute observations and caustic commentary continue to resonate, serving as a reminder of the enduring nature of certain vices and the cyclical nature of history.

Classic from my college days.

Back then, during my college years, it felt like a truly remarkable moment when I "discovered" Hunter in Rolling Stone.

I remember it vividly. I was flipping through the magazine, and there he was, his words and his style just jumping off the page.

I thought I was sooo cool. It was as if I had uncovered a hidden gem that not many others knew about.

Hunter's writing had this unique charm, this raw energy that spoke to me on a deep level.

It made me feel like I was part of something special, a secret club of those who truly understood his genius.

Looking back now, that moment of discovery was just the beginning of a long and wonderful journey into the world of Hunter's literature.

It opened my eyes to a new way of seeing and experiencing life, and it has had a lasting impact on me ever since.

I wasn't astonished to come across a plethora of political articles. However, upon reading a few of them, I felt a tinge of boredom.

Not having lived during that era and not being overly interested in politics in the slightest, there were numerous articles where I had absolutely no idea what the heck Hunter was babbling about.

But I don't hold that against him. It's not his fault that I know next to nothing about Reagan and Bush. Nevertheless, it did have a detrimental impact on the book as a whole.

My favorite articles were those that were likely complete nonsense or gave the impression that he was short on time and simply had to send some pages over, much like the very first article in the book.

I believe I could become engaged in his political discussions if they were presented in the form of a proper book. That's precisely why I still have hopes for Fear & Loathing on The Campaign Trail.

The renowned gonzo journalist delves into the ill-fated era of the 1980s in this compilation of articles on politics and culture. By this time, Thompson's life had become considerably more comfortable, and many of the articles showcase more luxurious surroundings compared to his earlier works. However, there is still an abundance of the strangeness and eccentric reportage that makes HST's writing so enjoyable to read.

Although he doesn't always accurately predict the future, he was remarkably perceptive during this disastrous decade that perhaps shaped the struggles of the modern era more than any other.

It should also be noted that Thompson had a penchant for embellishing his experiences to make them even more outrageous. Therefore, everything that isn't straightforward reporting of the news should be taken with a grain of salt, so to speak.

Content notes:

While HST can hardly be described as compassionate towards animals, when he reports on the bust of a dogfighting ring in the Western US, his disgust and outrage are palpable. By the late 1980s, this gruesome bloodsport had emerged from its backwater enclaves and become a lucrative enterprise for high-stakes gamblers. Reading this, one can't help but think that if lawmakers had taken action regarding the breeding of fighting dogs 30 years ago, we might not be facing the current animal welfare and public safety crisis surrounding this issue.

Yet, a few chapters later, Thompson proudly recounts a disturbing story of torturing a fox to death on his Colorado ranch. If this story is indeed true, HST has no moral high ground over those who torment dogs. A fox suffers just as much as a dog, and the abuse of one is no different from the abuse of the other.

Thompson wrote articles on the week's news - herein compiled from 86 - 88. He seems to be completely obsessed with a wide range of topics including Nixon, drugs, swine, and guns. Moreover, he utters the word "savage" a satisfying number of times. It is quite interesting and fun to read about the evolution of the 1988 presidential race. Starting from 86 (midterm elections), going through the scandal of Iran-Contra, and finally witnessing Bush emerge as a front runner. However, this whole process seems to have a profound impact on our poor author. And perhaps, it is rightly so. The events and developments during this period must have been complex and intense, leaving a mark on the author's perspective and emotions.

Hunter really rips into that rotten pigfucker Reagan, which is truly great to witness.

One can observe his transformation from initially believing that the Iran Contra affair would bring down the Reagan legacy. However, as it ultimately amounts to nothing, he becomes even more bitter about the state of American politics.

It's fascinating to see how Hunter's perspective evolves throughout this process. His scathing criticism of Reagan shows his deep-seated dissatisfaction with the political establishment.

The Iran Contra affair was a significant event that had the potential to reshape the political landscape. But when it fails to have the desired impact, it only fuels Hunter's frustration.

This highlights the complex and often disillusioning nature of American politics, where expectations are frequently dashed.

Hunter's reaction serves as a reminder of the powerlessness that many people feel in the face of a political system that seems impervious to change.

Overall, this account provides a vivid snapshot of Hunter's emotional journey and his views on the state of American politics during this tumultuous time.

My feelings regarding this volume are rather difficult to precisely define. HST is an enormously significant figure for me. The Great Shark Hunt collection, along with his more extensive works on the Hell's Angels and the Nixon campaign trail, provides AAA-level insights into the great beast that was America in the 20th century, which is especially crucial for teens. Even within this volume, his manic energy and his highly refined skills as a prose stylist constantly remind us that he is one of the funniest individuals to have ever written in the English language.

And yet. It is extremely repetitive and largely lacking in genuine insight. I could only have truly relished reading these as they originally appeared in the SF Examiner. Reading these minor snippets gathered into a late pillar of the Gonzo canon left me deflated and depressed. These are all rather insubstantial articles without any real in-depth reporting or a street-level perspective. It is abundantly clear that most of the pieces in this collection are late deadline, outright fiction written in a stupor after hours of watching satellite television while being extremely intoxicated, lacking the queasy thrill that characterized HST's longer works. By his own admission, HST barely interacts with humans here: aside from the occasional bar stool conversation, phone call, or visit to a tattoo parlour. The collection is at its most exciting when it strays far from politics, when the ghosts of HST's best political work on the evil and paranoid Watergate saga cannot directly haunt the pages.

My fundamental perception of HST remains unaltered after carefully examining his '80s journalism, which by all accounts marks the beginning of a shocking decline: HST is a mostly tragic figure who had less than 10 years of productive work before gradually descending into addiction and self-parody.

Hunter S. Thompson is always a fun read with his distinct rhythm. His works have a unique charm that吸引 readers from all over the world.

However, this collection of essays is a bit cumbersome. The writing style is still recognizable as Thompson's, but the organization and flow of the essays could be improved.

Some of the essays seem to jump from one topic to another without much connection, making it difficult for the reader to follow. Additionally, the length of some of the essays may be off-putting to some readers.

Despite these drawbacks, there are still some gems in this collection. Thompson's insights into politics, culture, and society are as relevant today as they were when the essays were first written. His ability to cut through the bullshit and get to the heart of the matter is truly remarkable.

Overall, this collection of essays is worth reading for fans of Hunter S. Thompson, but it may not be the best introduction to his work for those who are new to his writing.