The Worst-Case Scenario Almanac: Politics

by David Borgenicht, Turk Regan

Leave it to the experts of the best-selling Worst-Case Scenario series to ferret out the most scandalous, dangerous, incompetent, and downright awful people to ever seek power. The most lavish palaces, the bloodiest coups, the stupidest declarations. . . . Plus all the lists, charts, maps, and profiles that have made the Worst-Case ScenarioAlmanacs such a success. Which country had more governments in the past 175 yearsItaly or Bolivia? What ever happened to all those people who ran for vice president of the United States of Americaand lost? Illustrated, step-by-step scenarios describe how to respond when confronted with misfortune or challenge, including how to give a concession speech, kiss a drooling baby, escape a sex scandal, and evade the truth.

Genres: Politics, Humor, Nonfiction, History

243 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

David Borgenicht is the creator and co-author of the best-selling WORST CASE SCENARIO SURVIVAL HANDBOOK series. He is also the author of dozens of other books, including THE STAR TREK BOOK OF OPPOSITES and HOW TO CON YOUR KID. He is the president and publisher of Quirk Books (www.quirkbooks.com), Philadelphia-based publishers of entertaining, informative, and amusing fiction and non-fiction.

Reviews

[Mae · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish I finished this book sooner because it contains so many potential compelling arguments that I could have used in my written-requirement classes . For example, I didn't know how hypocritical the author of The Education of Little Tree was until I read the "Resumé Re-Do" case study in which is turns out Carter was a racist politician... the funny thing is, I studied the book in high school and I had no idea that was the story behind the novel. Another good argument I could have used was Khodorkovsky vs Putin, because I once had an essay topic to argue if the government is controlled by organizations.... Definitely filled with silly "How To" sections, also highlights the blunders, failures, and successes of many political figures such as Nelson Mandela, Nixon, Ferdinand Marcos, Olive Yang, Julius Caesar, Adolf Hitler, Jean Chrétien, Queen Elizabeth, Cleopatra, etc... there's also a section about actors-turned politicians besides Arnold Schwarzenegger and ironic one-liner political lessons to sum up case studies. Some facts may surprise or shock you (warning: controversy). Not a boring read of political history fun-facts, however it may require a passable geographical knowledge beforehand for example, Zaire and the content may need an update (since the book was published in 2008, I think).

[amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Continuing to read whatever is in the house! Because there's a pandemic on and we can't go to the library! A few laffs in this one (alligator in the bathtub, real hoarder shit) but why do a whole table on non-lethal objects thrown at politicians and leave out the Bush II shoe?

[Robert · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a funny, informative, entertaining handbook for anyone who follows politics, for aspiring politicians who need quick answers to the latest crisis, and the current or aspiring political pundit who needs to quickly understand the dirty business of politics in the 21st Century. The title marks this volume as one of a series of books offering advice on how to cope with the many challenges of modern living – from dating and sex, to work, to parenting, and on and on. In little more than 250 pages and six chapters this book tells you how to obtain political office, how to survive incumbency and keep your position, and how and when to leave office.
There are special instructions on such things as “How to Kiss a Drooling Baby”, “How to Survive a Sex Scandal”, and “How to Write a Best-Selling Memoir” among other invaluable subjects. Mini-biographies are provided on 10 of the “worst of the worst” political figures (by way of example of what not to do) and much advice is quoted from numerous political figures both famous and infamous. For its size and its humorous intent, this really is a very informative and funny book with some really practical bits of advice slipped in with the “spoonful of sugar.”

[Afiq Asyran · Rating 3 out of 5]

I bought this book during Big Bad Wolf event last week for just RM8. Tell you what, this book are indeed cool, suitable reading while you waiting for commuter, bus, eating by yourself in Mamak Restaurant. Providing you with simple, but yet funny trivia about politician who failed, corrupt on the worst way. Satirical book to be exact.

Surprisingly it also include some guideline to "corrupt politician to be" how to to corrupt in a professional way. And of course not all information are interesting to me, there's so many pages I skipped because I find it boring.

[Peter Wolfley · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book won't help you become the next LBJ but it is a fun read and contains a ton of anecdotes chronicling the blunders and successes of those creatures we call politicians. The best story in is about the original Cassius Clay from Civil War days. He may be the only person able to give Chuck Norris a run for his money.

If you are an aspiring politician you should probably just peruse this book because it is a fantastic collection of the things which leaders have done wrong. All you have to do is avoid repeating history, and the only way to that is to know it.

[Nicole Yovanoff · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was a fun read. Great examples of what to do and what not to do to get elected, keep elected and historical references to keep it interesting. For those who like politics and like having your tongue firmly placed into your cheek, this is a book for you.

[Ron · Rating 3 out of 5]

With Trump and Hilary going at it, I thought that I should give this book a read. It is obvious that they've read some of it. Seriously, the book is a collection of lists on various topics and is an easy read that you can pick up and set down without having to worry about keeping track of things.

[Elizabeth · Rating 3 out of 5]

A silly book, but lots of interesting facts and amusing "how to" vignettes.

[Phil Griffin · Rating 1 out of 5]

Silly book full of number of fascinating anecdotes.