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How To Be Right: The Art of Being Persuasively Correct
It's not enough to be right, these days—especially when you're not left. To survive, the right must learn how to express nonliberal principles as effectively as possible, and persuade others of their point of view. It is an art that demands patience, research, humor, understanding, creative thinking, learning from your opponent and even mimicking their tactics. In How to Be the Art of Being Persuasively Correct, Gutfeld reveals the strategies that have helped him keep a steady job for almost three decades. From “Discard Your Outrage” and “Outcompassion Them” To “Find the Right’s Obama” and “Use your Mom,” Gutfeld gives readers the tools they’ll need to argue, influence, and convince their friends, family and foes throughout the 2016 election cycle.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 27, 2015
167 people are currently reading
818 people want to read
About the author
Greg Gutfeld
14 books317 followersGreg Gutfeld has been called "outrageous and outspoken," neither of which he denies. A libertarian political satirist, humorist, magazine editor and blogger, he is perhaps best known as the host of the Fox News Channel program "Red Eye With Greg Gutfeld." Airing at 3 a.m. ET Tuesday through Saturday, the show covers a variety of topics, including news, entertainment, sports, and gossip. Gutfeld is also a host of FNC's "The Five," a weekday program at 5 p.m. ET.
The Weekly Standard calls him "the most dangerous man on television." According to the magazine, unlike other media darlings, "Gutfeld's stuff actually is subversive, a stink bomb hurled into every faculty lounge, mainstream newsroom, movie studio, and nonprofit boardroom in America."
Prior to joining Fox, Gutfeld was a staff writer at Prevention and editor-in-chief of Men's Health magazine. He later became editor-in-chief of Stuff, where he increased circulation from 750,000 to 1.2 million and created controversy month after month. He helmed Maxim magazine in the U.K., and was a contributor to the Huffington Post, where he became legendary for his "inspired, lunatic ridicule of his leftwing fellow Huffers." He's been published in countless magazines, has appeared in too many profiles to mention, and was only fingerprinted once.
He currently blogs on his own site, The Daily Gut, as well as Big Hollywood.com, where he writes about the news and pop culture of the day, from a conservative libertarian humorous slant. He's appeared on dozens of TV shows, as a regular on "The O'Reilly Factor," while also stopping by on Dennis Miller's radio show and spots on "Opie and Anthony."
The Weekly Standard calls him "the most dangerous man on television." According to the magazine, unlike other media darlings, "Gutfeld's stuff actually is subversive, a stink bomb hurled into every faculty lounge, mainstream newsroom, movie studio, and nonprofit boardroom in America."
Prior to joining Fox, Gutfeld was a staff writer at Prevention and editor-in-chief of Men's Health magazine. He later became editor-in-chief of Stuff, where he increased circulation from 750,000 to 1.2 million and created controversy month after month. He helmed Maxim magazine in the U.K., and was a contributor to the Huffington Post, where he became legendary for his "inspired, lunatic ridicule of his leftwing fellow Huffers." He's been published in countless magazines, has appeared in too many profiles to mention, and was only fingerprinted once.
He currently blogs on his own site, The Daily Gut, as well as Big Hollywood.com, where he writes about the news and pop culture of the day, from a conservative libertarian humorous slant. He's appeared on dozens of TV shows, as a regular on "The O'Reilly Factor," while also stopping by on Dennis Miller's radio show and spots on "Opie and Anthony."
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 109 reviews
December 24, 2015
Conservatives in the U.S. have a serious image problem. As Gutfeld observes, the Left is great at promoting terrible ideas, whereas the Right is terrible at promoting great ideas. It is this problem that HOW TO BE RIGHT aims to address.
It's an important issue, and one that I think Gutfeld is eminently qualified to tackle. You see, Greg Gutfield isn't Bill O'Reilly or Sean Hannity. He isn't your typical shrill, stiff, angry, out-of-touch conservative mouthpiece. He's the closest thing the Right has to a Jon Stewart: cool, calm, irreverent, laid-back, wickedly funny, and not afraid of self-mockery. More conservative pundits would do well to follow his example.
Unfortunately, however, it's one thing for me to point to Gutfeld as a great example of what a modern conservative should be, and quite another for him to point to himself. In that respect, this book comes across as rather self-congratulatory, not to mention self-promotional. (To be fair, though, he didn't plug ALL his previous books and TV gigs.) I really wish Gutfeld had given examples of other people who are out there giving conservatives a good name, and not just relied on himself as the go-to role model.
But maybe that would've required too much research. Which brings me to my next critique: this book is lazy. I'm worried that Gutfeld is following in the footsteps of other Fox News anchors-turned-authors who churn out books just as fast as they can without going the extra mile to make them great. If HOW TO BE RIGHT is any indication, Gutfeld's next book will be mostly written by a co-author.
Even the jokes are lazy, the sort of stuff we've heard a thousand times before on RED EYE. Ironically, out of Gutfeld's last three books (the ones written after he became a well-known media personality), HOW TO BE RIGHT is both his most comedic and his least funny. Please keep in mind, I'm not calling it unfunny--it just didn't live up to my expectations. The book contains a lot of lists and sidebars which are presented as jokes but feel like an attempt to pad the book out to hardcover length. In my opinion, it would've been better (albeit less profitable) had it been edited down and released as a slim little paperback.
Despite all my criticisms, HOW TO BE RIGHT is still a worthwhile read, and something I think a lot of conservative-minded people could benefit from. In this day and age of Donald Trump, the Republican party needs to engage in some long-overdue self-reflection. And this book is a good--though not great--place to start.
It's an important issue, and one that I think Gutfeld is eminently qualified to tackle. You see, Greg Gutfield isn't Bill O'Reilly or Sean Hannity. He isn't your typical shrill, stiff, angry, out-of-touch conservative mouthpiece. He's the closest thing the Right has to a Jon Stewart: cool, calm, irreverent, laid-back, wickedly funny, and not afraid of self-mockery. More conservative pundits would do well to follow his example.
Unfortunately, however, it's one thing for me to point to Gutfeld as a great example of what a modern conservative should be, and quite another for him to point to himself. In that respect, this book comes across as rather self-congratulatory, not to mention self-promotional. (To be fair, though, he didn't plug ALL his previous books and TV gigs.) I really wish Gutfeld had given examples of other people who are out there giving conservatives a good name, and not just relied on himself as the go-to role model.
But maybe that would've required too much research. Which brings me to my next critique: this book is lazy. I'm worried that Gutfeld is following in the footsteps of other Fox News anchors-turned-authors who churn out books just as fast as they can without going the extra mile to make them great. If HOW TO BE RIGHT is any indication, Gutfeld's next book will be mostly written by a co-author.
Even the jokes are lazy, the sort of stuff we've heard a thousand times before on RED EYE. Ironically, out of Gutfeld's last three books (the ones written after he became a well-known media personality), HOW TO BE RIGHT is both his most comedic and his least funny. Please keep in mind, I'm not calling it unfunny--it just didn't live up to my expectations. The book contains a lot of lists and sidebars which are presented as jokes but feel like an attempt to pad the book out to hardcover length. In my opinion, it would've been better (albeit less profitable) had it been edited down and released as a slim little paperback.
Despite all my criticisms, HOW TO BE RIGHT is still a worthwhile read, and something I think a lot of conservative-minded people could benefit from. In this day and age of Donald Trump, the Republican party needs to engage in some long-overdue self-reflection. And this book is a good--though not great--place to start.
March 3, 2016
He's taking a stab at humor, and I'm not sure how to react to it. In a way, I admire how Gutfeld undercuts B.S. But I question how he counters B.S. with more B.S. Not sure I'd like to model his approach completely, but this was moderately entertaining and I learned a few things about strategy.
I want to read Not Cool: The Hipster Elite and Their War on You sometime.
I want to read Not Cool: The Hipster Elite and Their War on You sometime.
November 17, 2015
Let me say up front that your political viewpoints will more than likely determine ahead of time whether you love or hate this book. Honestly, that’s sad. But we’ve become a political world where convenience seems to trump responsibility. Rather than look deeper than a headline people tend to base their beliefs on memes and slogans. If that’s you then you’ll miss something when it comes to this book. You’ll miss a great deal of information but on top of that you’ll miss some great laughs as well. So if you’re interested in both then continue reading.
Greg Gutfeld is a commentator, a satirist and a member of the regular panel on Fox News Channel’s THE FIVE. Among the commentators there he is by far the wittiest and the most regularly hilarious member. As host for years of RED EYE, Fox’s late night show, he brought together a divergent group in individuals to talk about the days topics that was enlightening and funny at the same time. As his star has risen Gutfeld has taken his words from spoken to book format authoring four books including this one. All insightful and are worth reading.
But this new book is something more important. It’s something that members of the Republican Party need to read, especially those higher up. It also should be required reading for all of the Republican candidates as well during this election year. They could use the sage advice offered here.
Gutfeld makes numerous great points in the book but the most important is that if the truth of what the right stands for is to get out there a better presentation is needed to make it happen. What Republicans lack when it comes to speakers that represent them is a charismatic leader who can reach people on a level that doesn’t involve fact filled charts and graphs but just talking to them. The last time this happened was with Ronald Reagan and look how good he did.
The book opens with a chapter called “Why We’re Evil” which doesn’t really present that as a desirable description but actually discusses why Republicans have been saddled with that label and done little to counter it with the exception of saying “Nuh uh!” Admitting up front that you will be attacked for saying you are a Conservative, Gutfeld explains how to explain you stance in a way that’s both quick and difficult to refute. That answer, from the book, is “Here is the simple stance to why you are Right: It is a more practical, generous, and compassionate way to live”. The fact of the matter is he’s right or to be more understandable, he is correct. He then discusses how to present you case in a way that doesn’t resort to insults or simply saying I’m right and you’re wrong.
Much of what he carries on with discusses the fact that for liberalism to exist it needs conservatism there to allow it to be. As he says “Liberalism can exist only in periods of calm” that “…conservatism doesn’t compete with liberalism, it sustains it.” Safety and security must be a part of our society for there to be the free time to consider much of what liberals have to offer. Well not so much offer as take it from others to offer to someone else. With each word printed in the book he explains this and how both views need one another.
But Gutfeld doesn’t let the right off the hook either. As he states in the book “The left is excellent at extolling horrible ideas; the right is horrible at extolling excellent ideas.” Therein lies the heart of the book. While he does lean to the right (Gutfeld says that he’s a libertarian and all things point this direction though I’m sure the left considers him just shy of Rush Limbaugh), Gutfeld points out problems with both sides of the issues. Best of all is that along with the humor he is noted for he presents arguments that are fact based. Sadly that might not matter. My father has told me more than once that liberals don’t want to be confused by facts. Which might be why this book is so important.
That’s because Gutfeld doesn’t rely simply on facts. As I said from the start, the book is more about being able to argue persuasively. Eight years ago we had a relatively unknown and unaccomplished nominee for President running who won not based on his abilities and his record but because he was persuasive. It’s what young people today in a world of social media where everything is explained in 140 characters in a tweet expect. This book helps conservatives find the way to do that. And make you laugh.
Greg Gutfeld takes a lot of flak from his co-hosts for promoting his books when they come out but the fact is they are enjoyable books to read. They make you think and they make you laugh. As with many satirists from the past, he blends those two things together to make an impression on those willing to look past those memes and slogans, those one worded posters like “HOPE” and extremely edited campaign commercials and find some truth in a world where one side controls most media. Now if we could just get Republican candidates to read this book.
Greg Gutfeld is a commentator, a satirist and a member of the regular panel on Fox News Channel’s THE FIVE. Among the commentators there he is by far the wittiest and the most regularly hilarious member. As host for years of RED EYE, Fox’s late night show, he brought together a divergent group in individuals to talk about the days topics that was enlightening and funny at the same time. As his star has risen Gutfeld has taken his words from spoken to book format authoring four books including this one. All insightful and are worth reading.
But this new book is something more important. It’s something that members of the Republican Party need to read, especially those higher up. It also should be required reading for all of the Republican candidates as well during this election year. They could use the sage advice offered here.
Gutfeld makes numerous great points in the book but the most important is that if the truth of what the right stands for is to get out there a better presentation is needed to make it happen. What Republicans lack when it comes to speakers that represent them is a charismatic leader who can reach people on a level that doesn’t involve fact filled charts and graphs but just talking to them. The last time this happened was with Ronald Reagan and look how good he did.
The book opens with a chapter called “Why We’re Evil” which doesn’t really present that as a desirable description but actually discusses why Republicans have been saddled with that label and done little to counter it with the exception of saying “Nuh uh!” Admitting up front that you will be attacked for saying you are a Conservative, Gutfeld explains how to explain you stance in a way that’s both quick and difficult to refute. That answer, from the book, is “Here is the simple stance to why you are Right: It is a more practical, generous, and compassionate way to live”. The fact of the matter is he’s right or to be more understandable, he is correct. He then discusses how to present you case in a way that doesn’t resort to insults or simply saying I’m right and you’re wrong.
Much of what he carries on with discusses the fact that for liberalism to exist it needs conservatism there to allow it to be. As he says “Liberalism can exist only in periods of calm” that “…conservatism doesn’t compete with liberalism, it sustains it.” Safety and security must be a part of our society for there to be the free time to consider much of what liberals have to offer. Well not so much offer as take it from others to offer to someone else. With each word printed in the book he explains this and how both views need one another.
But Gutfeld doesn’t let the right off the hook either. As he states in the book “The left is excellent at extolling horrible ideas; the right is horrible at extolling excellent ideas.” Therein lies the heart of the book. While he does lean to the right (Gutfeld says that he’s a libertarian and all things point this direction though I’m sure the left considers him just shy of Rush Limbaugh), Gutfeld points out problems with both sides of the issues. Best of all is that along with the humor he is noted for he presents arguments that are fact based. Sadly that might not matter. My father has told me more than once that liberals don’t want to be confused by facts. Which might be why this book is so important.
That’s because Gutfeld doesn’t rely simply on facts. As I said from the start, the book is more about being able to argue persuasively. Eight years ago we had a relatively unknown and unaccomplished nominee for President running who won not based on his abilities and his record but because he was persuasive. It’s what young people today in a world of social media where everything is explained in 140 characters in a tweet expect. This book helps conservatives find the way to do that. And make you laugh.
Greg Gutfeld takes a lot of flak from his co-hosts for promoting his books when they come out but the fact is they are enjoyable books to read. They make you think and they make you laugh. As with many satirists from the past, he blends those two things together to make an impression on those willing to look past those memes and slogans, those one worded posters like “HOPE” and extremely edited campaign commercials and find some truth in a world where one side controls most media. Now if we could just get Republican candidates to read this book.
September 18, 2019
Q:
• Where are the liberal four-star generals?
• Where are the left-wing brain surgeons?
• How come there are no progressive NFL quarterbacks?
• Why doesthe left have no Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, or Bruce Willis?
Will there ever be a left-wing action figure? (And no, Ed BegleyJr. doesn’t count.)
• Where are the left-wing CEOs? More to the point: why are there no left-wingersin
charge of anything that requiresresults? Other than entertaining other liberals?
• Also—where are the right-wing serial killers?
• Where are the conservative Beat poets? (Wherever they are, leave them there.)
• Where is myfree market feminist performance artist?
• Where are my pants? (I’m freezing!) (c)
• Where are the liberal four-star generals?
• Where are the left-wing brain surgeons?
• How come there are no progressive NFL quarterbacks?
• Why doesthe left have no Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, or Bruce Willis?
Will there ever be a left-wing action figure? (And no, Ed BegleyJr. doesn’t count.)
• Where are the left-wing CEOs? More to the point: why are there no left-wingersin
charge of anything that requiresresults? Other than entertaining other liberals?
• Also—where are the right-wing serial killers?
• Where are the conservative Beat poets? (Wherever they are, leave them there.)
• Where is myfree market feminist performance artist?
• Where are my pants? (I’m freezing!) (c)
December 12, 2022
I was going to start reading Gutfeld's latest--'The Plus', when I realized I hadn't read this yet! It came out before Trump's presidency--during the Obama years, so some references seem dated. The humor, and his topics are still timely. A quick read! I didn't give it four stars as it didn't quite seem as well put together as his previous books.
December 20, 2019
At a quick glance, Greg Gutfeld comes across as kind of dumb and weird, but if you listen to him long enough he's actually somewhat funny, eloquent and impressionable. This is the first time that I read his works and he's actually an engaging thinker and writer. Note: we are all weird in our unique ways This book is so Greg Gutfeld, I totally got the message and agree that the folks on Right camp ought to learn and sharpen the art of articulating their arguments with the aim to win converts or the very least to make the other side listen to your point of view (and give them space to think things through). There's also a need to stay humble even when you know your're right. Some of the proposed methods I agree, but not all.
August 17, 2025
I saw this book at the library and thought it would be interesting to learn more about why conservatives think the way they do. But Greg Gutfeld is so full of himself I couldn't read the whole thing. He makes a few good points like the importance of skeptic about the information you are taking in, finding common ground in arguments with someone who you mostly don't agree with, and the need to do your own research.
he gives a lot of examples of issues and how to argue the right opinion, but some of them are actually absurd. He says that the way to argue against pro-choice is to compare it to China's one child policy which lead to a rise in the amount of boys. And then to say that they really just want more of a choice to get rid of the kid if is going to turn out as someone they don't want, like a redhead.
He also says too argue that gun control is actually anti-woman, because it stops women from being able to protect themselves from sexual assault. Pardon??
And he says that he's all for immigrants who respect the law and work hard in America & that they are the real victims of other immigrants who do not get documented, but he doesn't even mention how hard it can be to become documented if you want to.
He says so many things are 'facts' but literally does not have citations or footnotes to back anything up. Also this many is literally 5'5 which explains a lot. One good thing is that this book did want me to become more researched and learn more facts so that I can more confidently voice what I believe.
he gives a lot of examples of issues and how to argue the right opinion, but some of them are actually absurd. He says that the way to argue against pro-choice is to compare it to China's one child policy which lead to a rise in the amount of boys. And then to say that they really just want more of a choice to get rid of the kid if is going to turn out as someone they don't want, like a redhead.
He also says too argue that gun control is actually anti-woman, because it stops women from being able to protect themselves from sexual assault. Pardon??
And he says that he's all for immigrants who respect the law and work hard in America & that they are the real victims of other immigrants who do not get documented, but he doesn't even mention how hard it can be to become documented if you want to.
He says so many things are 'facts' but literally does not have citations or footnotes to back anything up. Also this many is literally 5'5 which explains a lot. One good thing is that this book did want me to become more researched and learn more facts so that I can more confidently voice what I believe.
November 15, 2016
For total disclosure, I am a huge fan of Greg Gutfeld's politics. I am not a liberal, but I also can't stand many out-of-touch "conservative" talking heads. I've always enjoyed how Gutfeld cut through both Democratic and Republican BS, and how he occasionally did it humorously.
I would give this book 4.5 stars if I could, but given the necessity to grade up or down, I am going to grade down.
First, what's right about the book: Gutfeld makes a litany of stirring arguments for what really troubles people in the world today. He makes a great point that in today's world if you're not going to hold the popular belief you are going to have to have your act together. You will be tested, and you will have to be ready. He then gives you many of the best ways for winning arguments with people who wish to test your "audacious viewpoints." His arguments are, as he promises, persuasive. His jokes occasionally are home runs, and they had me laughing out loud at home.
That said, he is all over the place in how he writes this book, and they could have easily trimmed some fat here. The frequent out-of-left-field jokes are great for a blog post, but if you're going to sit and read 10,000+ words of a man's work, the constant digressions will get exhaustions. It doesn't help that many of the jokes fall flat.
If you count yourself as a "rebel" you should read this book regardless. It will give you many of the best reasons why some actual free thinkers don't tow either party line. Just accept that the fact feed will come in a slightly garbled and incoherent form, probably because Greg Gutfeld admits to drinking through the creation of the text.
I would give this book 4.5 stars if I could, but given the necessity to grade up or down, I am going to grade down.
First, what's right about the book: Gutfeld makes a litany of stirring arguments for what really troubles people in the world today. He makes a great point that in today's world if you're not going to hold the popular belief you are going to have to have your act together. You will be tested, and you will have to be ready. He then gives you many of the best ways for winning arguments with people who wish to test your "audacious viewpoints." His arguments are, as he promises, persuasive. His jokes occasionally are home runs, and they had me laughing out loud at home.
That said, he is all over the place in how he writes this book, and they could have easily trimmed some fat here. The frequent out-of-left-field jokes are great for a blog post, but if you're going to sit and read 10,000+ words of a man's work, the constant digressions will get exhaustions. It doesn't help that many of the jokes fall flat.
If you count yourself as a "rebel" you should read this book regardless. It will give you many of the best reasons why some actual free thinkers don't tow either party line. Just accept that the fact feed will come in a slightly garbled and incoherent form, probably because Greg Gutfeld admits to drinking through the creation of the text.
January 30, 2018
Greg hits another one out of the park and he doesn't even play baseball. He must have written a hundred books by now,.... or maybe only three but he's still loaded with keen observations and his wit never runs dry.
June 24, 2016
Quite enjoyable. Gutfeld has moments where he seems to be exploring left field, but on the whole, his case was compelling and practical.
March 27, 2018
'How To Be Right: The Art of Being Persuasively Correct' by Greg Gutfeld is a humorous and compelling attempt to quell the shouting matches between the political right and left, with the hope that the right will win in the end.
With chapter titles like "Discard Your Outrage" and "Outcompassion Them" the author talks about his career and how he goes about defending his opinions. He does it with humor and a willingness to turn an argument on it's head. Even going to absurd extremes at times. He is not shrill like most right proponents, and he has the ability to make a solid and thoughtful counter argument.
I enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud at times. I can relate to some of the situations and wish I'd been as quick on my feet as the author.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Crown Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
With chapter titles like "Discard Your Outrage" and "Outcompassion Them" the author talks about his career and how he goes about defending his opinions. He does it with humor and a willingness to turn an argument on it's head. Even going to absurd extremes at times. He is not shrill like most right proponents, and he has the ability to make a solid and thoughtful counter argument.
I enjoyed this book. It made me laugh out loud at times. I can relate to some of the situations and wish I'd been as quick on my feet as the author.
I received a review copy of this ebook from Crown Publishing and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Thank you for allowing me to review this ebook.
October 20, 2024
The political punditry equivalent of Os Guinness' Fool's Talk: wily prophetic praxis bordering on sophistry sans the nuggets of plain sanity anchoring each unnerving utterance. Both books were published the same year (2015), interestingly enough. If we find ourselves reeling now (2024), it's because we haven't learned our lessons and continue to descend into our shrill selves. Fives stars but 'take back one kadam to honor the Hebrew God, whose Ark this is.' Really though, minus one for GG's libertarian hoopla.
July 27, 2020
I think I just don't like politics. He was very witty and had some good points, but I hate politics.
February 9, 2020
Gutfeld offers to conservatives the promise that they can win arguments and be "right" and factual while scoring political points, but in reality his claims can't stand up to scrutiny. . .
One example of his that I read: "We have more trees now in America than ever before." To which my internal reply was "whaaaat? That can't possibly be true --I will have to look it up" which in conversation would look like a win to someone just looking to score debate points. Gutfeld doesn't offer any sources to his "facts" like this. Sure enough, the truth is we have 2/3 the number of tree we had in the 1600s, more than a hundred years ago, but that's not saying much. Gutfeld offers no context to his facts, or the fact that a main reason for our reforestation efforts are due to the national parks and forests (a progressive measure). This statement also deflects the reality that we actually need at least 400 trees per person, and also that a newly planted tree does not have the same oxygen request ration value as old growth (100+ years old) forests.
Another point he made: The NYPD is now mostly made of minorities, so how can they be racists? This may be true, but it ignores the fact that police must follow racists policies set by the city government; or that individual racism doesn't matter as much as systematic racism, that it is possible for racism to exist even without racists (see Racism Without Racists by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva) or that the police are socialized to be racists without even realizing it and therefor an individual black cop can become racists against other blacks and not even realize it.
The book is chock full of unsubstantiated claims like these that would take a course or three to properly unpack from the implied meanings of Gutfeld arguments. But this is the strategy of the right: make the left have to work extra hard in explaining complicated truths and therfore waste a lot of their time and energy to the point of exhaustion in the hopes that they will just give up. Similar to the "Nazis were socialist" argument, or "the civil war wasn't about slavery, but states' rights."
In short, Gutfeld doesn't really offer logical arguments.
One example of his that I read: "We have more trees now in America than ever before." To which my internal reply was "whaaaat? That can't possibly be true --I will have to look it up" which in conversation would look like a win to someone just looking to score debate points. Gutfeld doesn't offer any sources to his "facts" like this. Sure enough, the truth is we have 2/3 the number of tree we had in the 1600s, more than a hundred years ago, but that's not saying much. Gutfeld offers no context to his facts, or the fact that a main reason for our reforestation efforts are due to the national parks and forests (a progressive measure). This statement also deflects the reality that we actually need at least 400 trees per person, and also that a newly planted tree does not have the same oxygen request ration value as old growth (100+ years old) forests.
Another point he made: The NYPD is now mostly made of minorities, so how can they be racists? This may be true, but it ignores the fact that police must follow racists policies set by the city government; or that individual racism doesn't matter as much as systematic racism, that it is possible for racism to exist even without racists (see Racism Without Racists by Eduardo Bonilla-Silva) or that the police are socialized to be racists without even realizing it and therefor an individual black cop can become racists against other blacks and not even realize it.
The book is chock full of unsubstantiated claims like these that would take a course or three to properly unpack from the implied meanings of Gutfeld arguments. But this is the strategy of the right: make the left have to work extra hard in explaining complicated truths and therfore waste a lot of their time and energy to the point of exhaustion in the hopes that they will just give up. Similar to the "Nazis were socialist" argument, or "the civil war wasn't about slavery, but states' rights."
In short, Gutfeld doesn't really offer logical arguments.
May 18, 2016
I picked up this book for fun and it has been one of the more interesting books i've read this year indeed.
Gutfeld is a wonderfully witty author who peppers his book with funny analogies and interesting insights. Personally I identify as a liberal, but after reading this book, I find myself more convinced of the need to take a conservative stance at times. It's really true that liberals do market horrible ideas well while the conservatives fail to do so, a key point and a valid one at that. This is however reiterated a bit too much during the book.
Readers might also find themselves a bit confused if they do not have prior knowledge of some of the individuals and the people he refers to. Personally I was confused too when reading this book because of my lack of understanding of US politics and possibly some cultural figures he was referring to.
However nonetheless, the majority of the book was understandable to me, given that I had a rough semblance of what the US political climate was.
Understandably, Gutfeld as a conservative has some bias and some rather radical viewpoints that I personally disagree with, particularly on gun control but that's a debate for another day. Readers might hence find his viewpoints a bit warped but nonetheless the book is still worth a read.
I'll rate it 4 out of 5 stars because of how enjoyable a read it was.
If you liked this review, head to my blog leoreview.wordpress.com to read similar book and movie reviews. Any support would be much appreciated!
Gutfeld is a wonderfully witty author who peppers his book with funny analogies and interesting insights. Personally I identify as a liberal, but after reading this book, I find myself more convinced of the need to take a conservative stance at times. It's really true that liberals do market horrible ideas well while the conservatives fail to do so, a key point and a valid one at that. This is however reiterated a bit too much during the book.
Readers might also find themselves a bit confused if they do not have prior knowledge of some of the individuals and the people he refers to. Personally I was confused too when reading this book because of my lack of understanding of US politics and possibly some cultural figures he was referring to.
However nonetheless, the majority of the book was understandable to me, given that I had a rough semblance of what the US political climate was.
Understandably, Gutfeld as a conservative has some bias and some rather radical viewpoints that I personally disagree with, particularly on gun control but that's a debate for another day. Readers might hence find his viewpoints a bit warped but nonetheless the book is still worth a read.
I'll rate it 4 out of 5 stars because of how enjoyable a read it was.
If you liked this review, head to my blog leoreview.wordpress.com to read similar book and movie reviews. Any support would be much appreciated!
August 27, 2018
While I disagree with some of his arguments and positions I agree with what seems to be the main purpose of this book, to encourage civility in political discourse, and discourage puritanism, extremism, and echo chambering. He is flat out wrong about some things, but he at least argues about them the right way, and he is surprisingly liberal on some issues, for example he is in favour of legalising drugs, he is agnostic, and he accepts the continued existence of abortion clinics. It should actually go without saying that he is fine with gay marriage, almost all conservatives are at this point, and even a few far right types seem to be OK with the gays. Which supports his argument that both sides of the political divide are actually more diverse of opinion than we assume, and that we should be more tolerant of that diversity. He talks of his joy of seeing more minorities becoming conservative (as Hitchens points out gay marriage is a sign of this shift), and he is not the only person to notice that many minorities actually have a conservative culture (highly religious, respect for ones elders, strong sense of family etc.) He talks about the need to be more willing to compromise with ones allies as well as ones opponents. In summary, this is a book calling for tolerance.
May 16, 2018
Greg's attempts to be 'funny' are cringe worthy at best and outright sad at worst; conversely, probably the funniest thing I've read in a long time was reading Greg unironically say 'immigrants are natural conservatives' - oh greg, such delusion. A simple google search shows hispanic and black immigrants (which compose >90% of (il)legal immigrants) overwhelmingly vote for democrats. 'Identity politics are bad' unless we're talking about having more 'diversity' in the GOP, then it's good, or when we're talking about 'based' black men like Thomas Sowell, or Ben Carson - 'see, blacks can be conservative too, see? see?!?!' Greg is your typical run-of-the-mill milquetoast conservative - very strong opinions about things he just doesn't know a whole lot about.
I say this as someone who is on the political right: Don't waste your time with this drivel. If my dad didn't buy this book for me I'd have never even glanced at it in the book store. And to top it all off $29.95! My poor father's wallet!
0.5/5
I say this as someone who is on the political right: Don't waste your time with this drivel. If my dad didn't buy this book for me I'd have never even glanced at it in the book store. And to top it all off $29.95! My poor father's wallet!
0.5/5
December 31, 2015
In one sense, it's a shame this book has to exist at all. But, on the other hand, with a lot of apolitical people joining the scene in the last 7 or so years, there's a benefit to a television pundit that conservatives might know giving some tips about the best ways to make conservative arguments.
As someone who's been doing this for a decade and a half, this isn't going to give anyone but newbies anything significant to chew over, and if you find Gutfeld grating (and I'm neither a Fox News guy nor a *Red Eye*/*The Five* watcher), this book might not change that, but if you're new to the conservative movement and are looking for some pointers for those awkward holiday meals or summer cookouts, there's little out there like this to offer up.
Worth it if you need it, but skip it if you're experienced.
As someone who's been doing this for a decade and a half, this isn't going to give anyone but newbies anything significant to chew over, and if you find Gutfeld grating (and I'm neither a Fox News guy nor a *Red Eye*/*The Five* watcher), this book might not change that, but if you're new to the conservative movement and are looking for some pointers for those awkward holiday meals or summer cookouts, there's little out there like this to offer up.
Worth it if you need it, but skip it if you're experienced.
February 26, 2017
Received the book in the mail today, started reading, and couldn't stop. First time I've read an entire book in one day. I enjoyed it immensely--it was witty, silly, and informative. Greg Gutfeld is one of my favorite commentators on culture and politics. Although I don't agree with everything Greg says, How to be Right did not disappoint and I look forward to reading his next book. Thanks Gutfeld!
February 5, 2016
Being of a conservative bent and having the book recommended by a good source, this was disappointing. While offering some good come backs for a conversation with a liberal, I found the work crude and lacking much real depth. While filled with what some would call humor, after a while the humor wore thin and the point shallow. Having just read Sowell's Wealth, Poverty and Politics, this didn't fit my expectations.
December 30, 2016
If you really like (or love) Greg Gutfeld, you'll really like (or love) this book. If you don't like Gutfeld on TV you won't like this book. His personality in writing comes off exactly as does his commentating on television. If you like that brand of social commentary and humor, you'll enjoy this easy-to-read collection of his thoughts regarding how to effectively persuade those with whom we may disagree.
March 13, 2020
I was into it the first hour and a half of the audiobook. Another hour later and it began to feel a bit crowded among all of the strawmen, so I turned if off. I'll make up for giving up by adding another "right" book to my to-read shelf. In the meantime, here are some notes:
Despite his mischaracterization of "liberal" viewpoints, motives and solutions (esp.) and his mischaracterization of liberal's characterizations of "right" viewpoints, Gutfield's book is entertaining and useful, to an extent. I would recommend it to anyone who is struggling with talking about their political persuasion with people who don't share it. Of course, this was written for folks on the right, and has all of the necessary jabs at and derision of the left that he needs to convince his readers he is himself "right" and therefore, worth their time.
First off, as a liberal, it was not easy to read, even though I got a few good laughs. When he's not being nasty, he's pretty funny. And when he is being nasty, it's funny only if you're on his side. (No one likes being the butt of a joke.)
Second, the book feels dated. Already. Obama was still President when it was published 5 years ago, and Donald Trump was a marginal character in the political scene, and none too loved by fellow Republicans. So note the irony when Gutfield tells us that "facts matter". (I can't help but wonder what his stance is now on the habitually lying President Trump.) Who wouldn't agree that facts matter? But, yes, facts are good, and it's good that he emphasizes this to his readers. Also, his comments about the then-recently-turned Democrat Charlie Crist being a "Star Trek villain from planet orange" and an "irradiated loser" are an uncanny echo of the ubiquitous "orange" jokes about Trump and show that neither Trump's hue, nor the jokes about it, are very original. (Does Gutfield regret saying that about Crist? I wonder, but doubt it.) And then there's this: "Before the Internet, anyone could be President." I cannot begin to untangle that, although I know that Trump is in it somewhere.
Third, Gutfield's book is not a guide to debating issues from a "right" standpoint. You won't find comprehensive and articulated arguments about the issues that are sure to convince rational people that you're right. Instead, he just shows you how to win arguments. Mostly through style and rhetoric. It's sophistry. That's not a bad thing. You can't win arguments on logic alone (unless you're a computer arguing with another computer). You have to help people see your way. Using analogies is one way to do that. Jokes work, too. Gutfield's strategy of "extension" is yet another way: taking a liberal talking point to its furthest extreme to show how wrong is it. For example:
Disingenuous, but effective. I mean, who wants to agree with Hitler? Although later in the book Gutfield writes, "no Nazi analogies. It makes you worse than Hitler." The quote isn't technically an analogy, but still. I guess consistency isn't Gutfield's strong point. But then again his goal is just to show how good he is at turning other people's thoughts into spaghetti, so that they don't know whether he is "right" (in the sense of "correct") or not, and end up surrendering.
Fourth, and last, despite his best intentions, he did make some rational arguments that I thought were pretty thoughtful and worth consideration, even if I do have doubts about them. For example, the arguments that "Conservatism doesn't compete with liberalism, it sustains it" and "Casting all vulgarity as anti-PC allows nonsense to masquerade as bravery". Also, I cannot argue with this:
Despite his mischaracterization of "liberal" viewpoints, motives and solutions (esp.) and his mischaracterization of liberal's characterizations of "right" viewpoints, Gutfield's book is entertaining and useful, to an extent. I would recommend it to anyone who is struggling with talking about their political persuasion with people who don't share it. Of course, this was written for folks on the right, and has all of the necessary jabs at and derision of the left that he needs to convince his readers he is himself "right" and therefore, worth their time.
First off, as a liberal, it was not easy to read, even though I got a few good laughs. When he's not being nasty, he's pretty funny. And when he is being nasty, it's funny only if you're on his side. (No one likes being the butt of a joke.)
Second, the book feels dated. Already. Obama was still President when it was published 5 years ago, and Donald Trump was a marginal character in the political scene, and none too loved by fellow Republicans. So note the irony when Gutfield tells us that "facts matter". (I can't help but wonder what his stance is now on the habitually lying President Trump.) Who wouldn't agree that facts matter? But, yes, facts are good, and it's good that he emphasizes this to his readers. Also, his comments about the then-recently-turned Democrat Charlie Crist being a "Star Trek villain from planet orange" and an "irradiated loser" are an uncanny echo of the ubiquitous "orange" jokes about Trump and show that neither Trump's hue, nor the jokes about it, are very original. (Does Gutfield regret saying that about Crist? I wonder, but doubt it.) And then there's this: "Before the Internet, anyone could be President." I cannot begin to untangle that, although I know that Trump is in it somewhere.
Third, Gutfield's book is not a guide to debating issues from a "right" standpoint. You won't find comprehensive and articulated arguments about the issues that are sure to convince rational people that you're right. Instead, he just shows you how to win arguments. Mostly through style and rhetoric. It's sophistry. That's not a bad thing. You can't win arguments on logic alone (unless you're a computer arguing with another computer). You have to help people see your way. Using analogies is one way to do that. Jokes work, too. Gutfield's strategy of "extension" is yet another way: taking a liberal talking point to its furthest extreme to show how wrong is it. For example:
I'm not just pro-choice, I am super-pro-choice. Seeing the 'achievement' of China's one-child policy, which achieved its goals by eliminating millions of girls, I realize I want that same kind of choice. If and when me and the missus produce a junior, he or she had better not be redheaded, left-handed, potentially obese, or a fan of Coldplay. If the tests are as specific as I wish them to be (and they will be, in time, trust me), I will make sure to abort the ginger-haired, clumsy, porky brat with horrid taste in music. Oh the choices we'll have that will allow us to eliminate everyone we find objectionable! All we will have left are boys who look like Ryan Seacrest. And girls who look like Ryan Seacrest! If Hitler were alive today (and who says he isn't?), he would jump for joy (or Eva). He'd be so pleased to see the progress his Eugenics program has made.
Disingenuous, but effective. I mean, who wants to agree with Hitler? Although later in the book Gutfield writes, "no Nazi analogies. It makes you worse than Hitler." The quote isn't technically an analogy, but still. I guess consistency isn't Gutfield's strong point. But then again his goal is just to show how good he is at turning other people's thoughts into spaghetti, so that they don't know whether he is "right" (in the sense of "correct") or not, and end up surrendering.
Fourth, and last, despite his best intentions, he did make some rational arguments that I thought were pretty thoughtful and worth consideration, even if I do have doubts about them. For example, the arguments that "Conservatism doesn't compete with liberalism, it sustains it" and "Casting all vulgarity as anti-PC allows nonsense to masquerade as bravery". Also, I cannot argue with this:
I never trusted anyone who was ideologically pure. It made me flee the left when I was young (and caused many in lockstep to flee from me), and it creeps me out on the right. There is no possible way a conservative commentator can be right 100 percent of the time. Yet I often run into people on my side who maintain that it’s possible. As much as I admire my righty pals, they’ve been wrong. As much as I think I’m pretty smart, I’ve screwed up plenty. But ideological purity forbids you from even contemplating that. I had a coworker once tell me that he wouldn’t disagree with a conservative, and the reason? Strictly because he was a conservative. Even when the conservative was telling him to remember the cardinal rules of social liberalism: don’t sit on your lunch and never leave your pants in the taxi. Stupid, blind bias.
September 27, 2016
And make liberals really really mad that they got stumped. You may not change their political views but you sure stood them up.
April 27, 2019
When someone uses a deflection as an argument point, it does not actually make a point other than you are claiming for instance that you can not properly defend your point of view. This is a Soviet propaganda technique which Fox news has been marketing to the right for years now. Example: Just because a democrat has committed sexual abuse does not rationalise or explain why you cant make a point about a Republican. In a court of law, the greatest debate format, you must present facts and previous case decisions, not blame others for also committing murder. Murder my friends has been a part of human history since Cain & Able... Many of the assumptions are downright inaccurate. For instance most serial killers are liberals & Quarterbacks are right wing to name just a few. Do not assume your arguments will hold water just because the author tells you so. They will not. You will not appear anything like persuasively correct using the ammunition Greg provides. I am afraid, even as a centrist leaning to conservative economic and progressive social stand point, this is very weak material. Fortunately 65% of Americans know this and the other 35% do not care about anything but a few points such as guns and abortion. The right (Republicans, conservatives/libertarians/federalists/hate groups) do now own the economy or hard work. America's NO. 1 industry is entertainment which is blamed on the left. The highest valued largest revenue companies Trillion dollar or near trillion $ companies in the world: Google, Apple, Amazon & Facebook as well as many other tech companies are considered left leaning. How many trillion dollar companies are conservative? 19% are progressive, 35% Republican and the rest are conservative with economics and progressive with social issues of centrists. If you need a book with weak strategies to learn how to argue you have a problem and this book will not solve it. The book is pre-Trump and accuses the press with letting Obama get away with all sorts of conspiracy theory wacko concepts. Time after time the statement that conservatives make things and keep you safe while progressives/liberals take risks and take your money while sleeping with terrorist. BS. The Police & our Military are not conservative institutions, they are American and represent as well as serve all under our justice and constitutional system. Here is another inane quote: "All successes in life are based on conservative principles—and if these liberals applied their no-score, no-winner, no-loser belief systems to their hobbies or professions, they would fail miserably. — Success relies on absolute truths, supply and demand, work and reward, achievement, not identity." Can you understand what BS this is? IF not then please buy 10 of these books and distribute to your friends & family. There are many basically ridiculous claims such as: Liberals are bad cooks but great eaters. Really? Whomever believes this nonsense please know many fine chefs are progressives. Really! I have proof or more proof than Greg for sure! If you want to understand the tactics of the right in making their arguments then read this: https://thebestschools.org/magazine/1... Also look at this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TejoM... The same tactics expertly practiced by Kelleyanne Conway on poorly prepared journalist: 1. Deflect. 2. Exploit politeness 3. Pass the buck 4. Make something up. Facts or other statements do not obstruct her interpretation. You cant gain clarity, you receive nonsense. There is no way to success, she dodges and trips up hosts and you are left more confused. My sincere recommendation is to avoid this book but learnt he tactics and counter tactics if you wish to engage with this lot. They spew BS at a phenomenal rate and do not intend to do any more than infuriate you and claim some low moral victory I suppose? Uniting the USA and working towards the common good? MAGA? Forget it! One more rant just to explain finally what this author is about: "Where are the liberal four-star generals? • Where are the left-wing brain surgeons? • How come there are no progressive NFL quarterbacks? • Why does the left have no Arnold Schwarzenegger, Chuck Norris, or Bruce Willis? Will there ever be a left-wing action figure? (And no, Ed Begley Jr. doesn’t count.) • Where are the left-wing CEOs? More to the point: why are there no left-wingers in charge of anything that requires results? Other than entertaining other liberals? • Also—where are the right-wing serial killers?" We all know most serial killers and mass murders are right wing fascists don't we? It is pure BS.
August 11, 2017
Gutfeld delivers a unique perspective on how to be more persuasive to the general public. Gutfeld is a right-leaning pundit who flares a witty persona on television. Gutfeld's presents examples of the the Right-wing media struggles with promoting great ideas.
The premise is clear but the facts are weak in this writing. Gutfeld does not help his argument by continually referring to his other books and TV shows. This book lacks the necessary research to properly address the issue of presenting ideas to the public.
The premise is clear but the facts are weak in this writing. Gutfeld does not help his argument by continually referring to his other books and TV shows. This book lacks the necessary research to properly address the issue of presenting ideas to the public.
November 27, 2019
Im a fan of GG. I enjoy his dialogue on TV.
I found this book to be extremely difficult to finish. I don't particularly like to ask a question when being asked a question and most of the book is written in that way. I also don't particularly care to prove I'm correct or to be persuasively correct.
I probably should have read a summary of the book before actually buying and reading it. That was my fault as the book was pretty well explained by the Title.
I found this book to be extremely difficult to finish. I don't particularly like to ask a question when being asked a question and most of the book is written in that way. I also don't particularly care to prove I'm correct or to be persuasively correct.
I probably should have read a summary of the book before actually buying and reading it. That was my fault as the book was pretty well explained by the Title.
August 3, 2020
A humorous book from a conservative that outlines how to argue for certain conservative positions.
The book is a bit out-dated as he talks about the political climate and issues that were prominent in 2014 and 2015.
I found the book mildly humorous at times but not as funny as I expected. Gutfeld's writing style also is a bit more free-form than I prefer. He uses sarcasm quite a bit...sometimes it becomes a distraction.
The book is a bit out-dated as he talks about the political climate and issues that were prominent in 2014 and 2015.
I found the book mildly humorous at times but not as funny as I expected. Gutfeld's writing style also is a bit more free-form than I prefer. He uses sarcasm quite a bit...sometimes it becomes a distraction.
December 3, 2020
I love Gutfeld's writing style, wit, and easy-to-understand contextualization. This was a great book, for me it was a page-turner, I couldn't put it down and it overflows with great insight, common sense, and golden nuggets. Someone should give Greg a Scooby snack! Despite your political persuasion, if you're a person that likes critical thinking and the exchange of ideas, you'll like, "How To Be Right."
February 6, 2024
4 ⭐️
Gutfeld wrote this book during his transition from hosting Red Eye to exclusively co-hosting The Five. As a Red Eye fan, I was not happy with this change and at the time decided not to read this book. Now that I have, this book felt like a kind of farewell tour to Red Eye where you could see some of the watered-down version of him we now see. I found the book entertaining, but it just wasn’t the same.
Gutfeld wrote this book during his transition from hosting Red Eye to exclusively co-hosting The Five. As a Red Eye fan, I was not happy with this change and at the time decided not to read this book. Now that I have, this book felt like a kind of farewell tour to Red Eye where you could see some of the watered-down version of him we now see. I found the book entertaining, but it just wasn’t the same.
August 19, 2017
How to argue as a conservative - and be funny at the same time.
Amazing read. I would recommend this book to anyone. The liberals could learn a thing or two from it, I'm sure. Maybe they could strengthen their positions and be a challenge once in a one.
Amazing read. I would recommend this book to anyone. The liberals could learn a thing or two from it, I'm sure. Maybe they could strengthen their positions and be a challenge once in a one.
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