How the Hell Did This Happen? ─ The Election of 2016

The 2016 election cycle was so absurd that celebrated political satirist, journalist, and die-hard Republican P. J. O’Rourke endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. In How the Hell Did This Happen?, P.J. brings his critical eye and inimitable voice to some seriously risky business. Starting in June 2015, he surveys the full cast of presidential candidates, and offers a brief history of how our insane process for picking who will run for president evolved, concluding: “Consistency is not a hallmark of American politics, but exceptions are made when the constant is stupidity. Today’s primaries are as stupid as they’ve always been.” He takes us through the debates and key primaries and analyzes everything from the campaign platforms (or lack thereof) to presidential fashion choices. And he rises up from the depths of despair to come up with a better way to choose a president—road-trip style. Following his come-to-Satan moment with Hillary and the Beginning of End Times in November, P.J. reckons with our new age: “America is experiencing a change in the nature of leadership. We’re getting rid of our leaders. And we’re starting at the top.” And in a new afterword, P.J. tackles the next big question: “When the hell is this going to end?"