Smash Mouth

by Dana Milbank

First published 2001

The 2000 presidential campaign reveals its true nature through the eyes of Washington Post writer Dana Milbank. He argues that negative campaigning has actually decreased, yet the political system suffers from different problems entirely. Milbank contends that campaign claims should be judged on relevance rather than tone. He believes the press should focus on correcting outright lies while allowing candidates to battle over legitimate issues. Following the candidates by bus, plane, and motorcade, Milbank documents the fierce conflicts that defined America's first presidential contest of the new century. His account combines humor with serious analysis, offering readers an insider's perspective on the brutal realities of modern political warfare.

Genres: american, political-science, non-fiction, 21st-century, journalism, american-history

Vibes: fast-paced, suspenseful, thought-provoking

Tropes: insider-perspective, social-commentary

Setting: America

Period: 2000

391 pages · Hardcover · Basic Books

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