by Bill Maher
First published 2001
Bill Maher dissects the pervasive culture of intentional truth manipulation that dominates modern America. He examines how spin operates across every sector of society, from the White House and courtrooms to advertising agencies and dating scenes. Maher argues that spin ranges from presenting difficult situations favorably to completely abandoning facts to avoid embarrassment or scandal. He draws examples from the Clinton presidency, the Florida recount, and the Bush administration to illustrate political spin tactics. The analysis extends beyond politics into journalism, law, advertising, and personal relationships, where even the word "dating" itself represents spin. Maher acknowledges that spin serves a purpose, suggesting that unvarnished truth might prove too difficult for society to handle. He identifies the major practitioners, dubbed "spin doctors," and catalogs their most notable failures and miscalculations. Maher concludes that the twenty-first century, launched with a president who was "spun into office," will provide endless opportunities for truth manipulation to flourish.
Genres: american, political-science, politics, social-issues, non-fiction, 21st-century
Vibes: intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: investigative-journalism, social-commentary
Period: 21st-Century
272 pages · Unbound · Pocket Books