Rating:  Summary: Blowhards Beware: The Truth Hurts Review: Having been inside the political process that was the George Bush Sr. Campaign, I can only agree with Franken's expose of the pure venom and hypocrisy that is Neo-Conservatism. I recommend this work for those who have a need to know the dangers of Neo-Conservatism.
Rating:  Summary: Lies vs. Dude Review: Having just finished "Lies" and Michael Moore's "Dude," I'll briefly compare the books. "Lies," the more innocuous of the two, uses a team of crack Harvard minds to expose the lies and distortions of mostly...drumroll please...rightwing pundits. Yes, the vain clowns on a.m. radio who, surprise!, aren't so square with the listening public. But despite the impact these megalomaniacs have on political culture, can their advocates' opinions really be changed by Al Franken? And while the bugle call of ultra-nationalists like Coulter, Limbaugh and Hannity has resounded in American society since its inception, shouldn't these egoists be dutifully ignored rather than glamorized on book covers of their opposition? But a late chapter reveals why Franken's wrath is directed more at these nutcases than the one running the real show--turns out Franken had to humbly admit he initially supported the Iraq war, and even took a fun ride on the bandwagon bashing the Germans, the French, and the Dixie Chicks. Of course the said war--now proven completely unnecessary--makes America (and sorry, you too Al) seem even more like some big, dim-witted bully teeing off at anyone in range after someone just put gum on his chair. Jeez, you know just how far right your country has gone when a centrist like Franken is considered one of the left's foremost champions. Franken will likely run for office some day; sadly, this shows in his latest work. Moore's book is the more effective, but not just because of his steadfast vision and relative fearlessness. His research is far more essential, as it's directed at the true villains rather than their fear-laden, pom-pommed cheerleaders. One section--and one that's probably out of Franken's reach--beautifully articulates that while terrorism poses a virtual non-threat to one's safety, the hype of this ghost has allowed the radical right's agenda to haunt America nearly unchecked. Seems America has become the home of the cowardly, the wimpy--anyone but the brave. And the neocons know our penchant for getting easily spooked, and are poised to use this shortcoming to further dismantle the America we know and love. Amid all this, while uncovering lies of nutty pundits Franken-style is entertaining, it avoids the dredging of dark truths found in Moore's book--an exercise of far greater commitment, integrity and substance.
Rating:  Summary: Political Pundits... and the Pitiful People who Portray Them Review: Having just finished Ann Coulter's venomous right -wing diatribe Treason, I was looking forward to reading this book, only to bring myself back at least to center. Al Franken, to his credit, has a much better sense of humor than Ms. Coulter (who doesn't?) but I was still disappointed in the basic shallowness of this book. Franken started off in comedy and it's just hard to take him very seriously as a political commentator.Some of what he says has a ring of truth to it but , like Coulter, the messenger distorts the message. Coulter and Franken obviously sell a lot of books (I got my copy from the library)so I guess the they are meeting a need somewhere. I just can't help but feel that Franken,like Coulter, is playing a part and laughing all the way to the bank.
Rating:  Summary: A real eye openner... Review: Having read both "Slander" and "Lies...", I can honestly say that this book runs CIRCLES around Ann Coulter's. While I have traditional been right leaning in many aspects (fiscally, to be sure), I was APALLED by "Slander". Even when I would have normally agreed with her position, I was so put off by her tone that I found myself wishing I hadn't!This book does a through job of debunking the attacks of Coulter & company with style and grace. This book is immensely entertaining and informative. But don't take my word for it. Read this book and "Slander". But for pity's sake, borrow "Slander", don't BUY it! That woman's ego is already out of control. Enough people have given their money to this political pornography queen!
Rating:  Summary: Facts Review: He actually backs up everything he says and tells you where you can find, this book is really great and lets you learn a lot about how politics works.
Rating:  Summary: Brilliant Review: He does it again! This book is even more damning to the right than "Limbaugh". I don't know if I could have made it through the Bush years without Franken and Michael Moore. "Lies" is devastating to the right and exposes their lies fully and unflinchingly. Share this book with a friend.
Rating:  Summary: what is the truth? Review: He has a tendency to footnote his own work to make it look like a fact. He is just as bad as any liar out there.
Rating:  Summary: Franken Could Beat Up O'Reilly Review: He may look nerdy, but when it comes to a good old fashioned fist fight, Al Franken can throw down. Unlike Bill O'Reilly, who's all talk and no guts. Frankophiles unite!
Rating:  Summary: Do yourself a favor... Review: Hear this book on tape or CD. You will definitely enjoy Al's comic timing and vocal impersonations PLUS there are snippets of audio from Limbaugh that are as horrifically funny as they are disturbing. Then there are clips from the Wellstone memorial that are guaranteed to make you weep unless you are so damaged/screwed-up by your parents as to be unable.
Rating:  Summary: Ouch!! That's got to hurt. Review: Heh, I would say that Mr. Franken is beating the conservative blowhards at their own game except for the fact that he's not lying. Oh, he is lying you say? Maybe someone else should file suit against him like Fox. However, my only request is that you wait til the book slips down a few notches on the best seller list. This book is hilarious and factual; the only thing that would make it more funny is if it weren't true.
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