The Presidential Fringe
Questing and Jesting for the Oval Office
by Mark Stein
This title was previously available on NetGalley and is now archived.
Send NetGalley books directly to your Kindle or Kindle app
1
To read on a Kindle or Kindle app, please add kindle@netgalley.com as an approved email address to receive files in your Amazon account. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
2
Also find your Kindle email address within your Amazon account, and enter it here.
Pub Date Feb 01 2020 | Archive Date Mar 31 2020
University of Nebraska Press | Potomac Books
Talking about this book? Use #ThePresidentialFringe #NetGalley. More hashtag tips!
Description
But The Presidential Fringe also takes a look at those who would jest their way into the Oval Office, from comedians such as Will Rogers and Gracie Allen to Pat Paulsen and Stephen Colbert. Along the way, Stein shows how even seemingly zany candidates, such as “Live Forever” Jones, Vegetarian Party candidate John Maxwell, Flying Saucer Party candidate Gabriel Green, or, most recently, Vermin Supreme, provide extraordinary insights of clarity into who we were when they ran for president and how we became who we are today. Ultimately, Stein’s examination reveals that it was often precisely these fringe candidates who planted the seeds from which mainstream candidates later harvested genuine, positive change.
Written in Stein’s direct and witty style, The Presidential Fringe surveys and portrays an American landscape rife with the unlikely, unassuming, unexpected, and (in a few cases) unbalanced presidential hopefuls who, in their own way, have contributed to this nation’s founding quest to form a more perfect Union.
Advance Praise
“Mark Stein once again holds a brilliant mirror up to American society and history, this time refracted through the lens of fringe presidential candidates, ranging from the profound to the pathetic. In humorous, incisive, and telling narratives, he shows us that two of our most enduring national traits are optimism and hope.”—Mark Olshaker, coauthor of Mindhunter and Deadliest Enemy
“If ever there was a time to seriously consider the value of candidates who lampoon our electoral system, it is now during the presidency of Donald Trump. Outrageous claims, promises that can never be kept, and shameless, self-serving tactics to win attention at all costs—the candidates described in this book have done it all before. Perhaps if we had understood these candidates’ efforts, we wouldn’t have the current clown in the Oval Office. This book gives us the chance to reexamine our democratic traditions, and nothing could be more timely.”—Gabriel Gomez, professor of education at Chicago State University and co-producer/director of the Drag In for Votes documentary on the presidential campaign of Joan Jett Blakk
Available Editions
| EDITION | Other Format |
| ISBN | 9781640120327 |
| PRICE | $29.95 (USD) |
| PAGES | 296 |
Featured Reviews
Sinead N, Librarian
I found this a really interesting look at presidential history. The premise is unique - a look at the fringe candidates that have run for US president. It's also a sort of look into the social history of America. It is well written and researched and I will be recommending it to library patrons that want something a little different in the history section.
Randy C, Media/Journalist
In the end, this book explains how all the odd candidates who came before – and the system that let (and encouraged) them – helped make Donald Trump possible. I enjoyed reading their stories and will recommend the book for review by Washington Independent Review of Books.
Dennis B, Reviewer
I have a strong interest in the presidents and their elections. When this title popped up I immediately had an interest.
This book tells the story of those candidates that aren’t taken seriously.
An interesting book as it revealed each candidate and their motivation, some being serious or in the case of Gracie Allen comically.
The author does.a terrific job of tying in these fringe candidates to what was going on in the country at that time.
He did very well in representing a broader picture of each race.
Excellent book that is well written, easy to read, and a book I highly recommend.
Lara L, Media/Journalist
This was interesting. I learned a lot and gained insight into the current political climate. Each chapter was a vignette into the strife of the given time period, told in a nuanced and engaging way. What could have been a dry, dull recitation instead was a lively conversation on where we've been as a country with an eye towards where we've wound up.
Jesse L, Reviewer
Very entertaining book. I knew about Pat Paulsen (even though I was born in the mid-70s) and of course Colbert, but I was surprised at many of the other "joke" candidates that have run for president over the year. A lot of people would say we actually elected a couple of jokes, but that's a different discussion.
The author has a very interesting angle, however - this could have been an OK book just talking about the people who have done this over the decades, but in going beyond the comedy, he finds things that made their way into mainstream platforms.
Parody and satire can result in real change.
Makenzie E, Reviewer
This was interesting. it gave some insight into some of the presidential candidates who before now had been unknown to me at all. fascinating read.
Ranger H, Educator
Thanks NET GALLEY
A short primer on Presidents and politics of their time
Entertaining for the most part
Ann K, Reviewer
An excellent non-fiction book that reads like a novel. So Many things to learn that were never taught in school. Fascinating facts and tantalizing tidbits make history fun. I have to admit that history was my favorite subject in school so this book was definitely for me! Thank you, Mr. Stein.
Kim J, Reviewer
I loved this book. The forgotten people of the presidential races. I really like that this book doesn't take itself too seriously. It was informative and warm and engaging. But I also liked that it showed that even though these people are largely forgotten by widespread America, they still have had an impact.
Readers who liked this book also liked:
