Profiles in Ignorance: How America's Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber

by Andy Borowitz

Not so long ago, it was less than ideal for an American politician to seem like a dumbass.

Interestingly, though Reagan and Rand were both fans of Bastiat, Rand was no fan of Reagan. In a 1975 letter, she wrote, “I urge you, as emphatically as I can, not to support the candidacy of Ronald Reagan. I urge you not to work for or advocate his nomination, and not to vote for him… [M]ost Republican politicians… preserve some respect for the rights of the individual. Mr. Reagan does not: He opposes the right to abortion.”

During one speech, a woman shouted, “Governor Stevenson, you have the vote of all the thinking people.” His response: “That’s not enough, madam. I need a majority.”

This answer showed Dukakis could remain cool under pressure, a commendable quality in a president. The media, however, preferred that an aspirant for that job go batshit crazy, and roasted Dukakis for not doing so.