Great Political Wit: Laughing (Almost) All the Way to the White House

by Bob Dole

Bob Dole's political career may not have taken him to the White House, but he did pick up some great stories along the way. In this delightful collection, the longtime United States senator shares his favorite anecdotes, witticisms, and reminiscences.
From the campaign trail to the Oval Office, from smoke-filled rooms to the chambers of the Capitol, Bob Dole surveys a century of political wit.  There are bon mots from Calvin Coolidge, Winston Churchill, Harry Truman, John F. Kennedy, and a host of other political figures. Bob Dole introduces each section with mirthful moments from his own experience, displaying the gift for wry humor that has made him a favorite guest on late-night talk shows.
A jovial--and completely bipartisan--compendium, Great Political Wit is a connoisseur's selection of political repartee at its best.

Genres: Politics, Humor, Nonfiction, History, Biography, Collections

224 pages, Paperback

First published September 15, 1998

About the author

Robert J. Dole was born on the twenty-second day of July 1923, in Russell Kansas. He served as a US military officer during WWII, Kansas House of Representatives member, lawyer, County Attorney of Russell County, United States House of Representatives, US Senator, USA Vice President Candidate in 1976 (ran with Gerald Ford as President), competed for the USA Presidential Canidate slot on the Republican ticket in 1980 (losing out to Reagan), and in 1988 (losing to Bush), and Republican nominee for US President in 1996.

Dole was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal on January 17, 2018. He was married to former U.S. Senator Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina.

In February 2021 he announced he had been diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. He passed away on December 5th, 2021.

Reviews

[Michael · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read but full of short stories from the last 80 years of politics. Bob Dole shows that he really does have a sense of humor after all.

[Clint · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is 10% Mr. Dole's thoughts and 90% collected humor from U.S. and other leaders from the past 100 years or so, it is a delightful collection. Yes, I've heard many of the stories or statements before, but they're useful to me for potential editorials, speeches or just for rereading. Politicians of 2023 could use some of the levity that the former senator, vice presidential candidate and presidential candidate compiled; if they did employ such humor and didn't take themselves so seriously, our politics might not be so polarized.

[Aidan R. McNabb · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was ok, the book contained a few good lessons, mainly the importance of having a sense of humor and the ability to laugh at one’s self. However many of the jokes are dated and don’t land with a modern audience, in addition to this the book is all over the place. This is to be somewhat expected considering it is a collection of personal stories, however it almost feels as if each chapter runs on with no real point. Still gave me some good laughs though.

[Douglas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Political humor from the 20th century mostly is divided into different categories. Dole introduces each section with stories from his own life. Democratic and Republican politicians are featured. Dole's on political bias shows through but it's not overbearing. The author is very funny and it shows in this book.

[Dean · Rating 1 out of 5]

It's a quick read, most of it is entertaining. Almost a string of jokes or one-liners... you can put it down at any point and pick it up again much later without worrying about losing any train of thought.

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved the book, it was given to me by my great grandpa after he died and I want to live during the time of politics in the book. It talks about Bob's life in politics and famous quotes from presidents and senators, etc through many years.

[Drew D · Rating 2 out of 5]

Unless you're the biggest political nerd of all time, you really won't get anything out of this book at all. I was kinda shocked at how little substance this book had, only buy it if its on sale at goodwill.

[David Meyer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Funny political stories and jokes - primarily one-liners.

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

First Edition; Fifth Printing

[Ben · Rating 3 out of 5]

A few funny anecdotes and quotes (and quips) but nothing much more here. Maybe a chuckle or two, but nothing out-right knee-slapping or laughing out loud humorous.

[Don · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun book showcasing Dole’s humor and that of political figures throughout the decades. Definitely an enjoyable and entertaining read!

[Harrison Vetter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing too hilarious, but full of clever quips, comebacks, and one-liners throughout.

[David Richardson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not the funniest book I've ever read, but it has some good laughs. Short and very easy to read.

[Helen · Rating 3 out of 5]

These anecdotes are not funny, but are interesting biographical sketches.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, evenhanded.

[Vadim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Этот сборник политических шуток собрал Боб Доул, в XX в один из ведущих политиков Республиканской партии США и ее кандидат в президенты в 1996 году. Наверное главное, что можно почерпнуть из этой книги, это то, что американские политики относятся к себе не с такой нечеловеческой серьезностью, как принято в России.

В России мне сложно представить первую леди, которая сказала бы это:
"Это миф, что я плохо одеваюсь. Одеваюсь я очень хорошо, просто выгляжу не очень".
Ну или президента:
"Я распорядился, что теперь, если что-то случится, меня будили в любое время, даже если это совещание кабинета [министров]".

Хотя многие шутки близки только американскому читателю, многое узнаваемо. Так, один из президентов описал правительственный подход к экономике так:
"Если движется, обложи налогом; если продолжает двигаться, введи регулирование; если уже не движется, субсидируй".

[David Vanness · Rating 4 out of 5]

my copy is hardback, 191 pages, same cover.

[Timothy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had to search to find this one. Full of a lot of funny stories.

[John Nelson · Rating 3 out of 5]

A politician who doesn't take himself too seriously - now there is a novel concept! (One that the current occupant of the White House might do well to consider.)

[Megan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bands loves this one. I see him in it.