So You Want To Be President?

by John Warner

In theory, there are only two qualifications needed to run for President of the United you should be 35 years of age and a natural born U.S. citizen. But what else does one need to be a contender? Whether you're an elephant or a donkey, or whatever animal may be associated with an independent candidate, this book is the key to finding out if you're cut out for the job. So You Want to Be President? Takes you from choosing your party affiliation, through the primaries and ultimately to the general election. Along the way quizzes, tests and obstacles test your presidential mettle. In the back of the book is a handy scorecard for readers to track their progress toward 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.

176 pages, Paperback

First published March 4, 2008

Reviews

[Kennedy]

Oh my goodness this book is funny. I'm sure some of my enjoyment of it comes out of my interest in political science, but I'd recommend it to anyone who wonders how in the heck idiots turn in to the people running the country. I laughed out loud so many times, both at the ridiculousness of the book, but also at its crazy being so close to reality.

One of the funniest sections is merits to being qualified for President. Some of those merits?

-Shot a man in a duel (but not just to watch him die)
-Penchant for stovepipe hats
-Cartoonishly large ears
-Starred in a movie opposite a chimpanzee
-Having a very embarrassing sibling
-Having had "other priorities" at a time of war

Another good section is the one on Tim Russert, which sadly no longer applies.

Well worth the read. Pick it up to get yourself in the 2010 election spirit!

[Erin Caldwell]

This book was a mix of Dave Barry, and John Stewart, and someone not as funny as them. It really tried hard to be laugh-out-loud funny but usually fell short, often resorting to vulgarity. I did chuckle a few times and thought some of his personal anecdotes were charmingly self-depricating, but overall it was pretty ho-hum.