SKU: 22062000220

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

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How the Hell Did This Happen?: The Election of 2016This election cycle was so absurd that celebrated political satirist, journalist, and die hard Republican P. J. O'Rourke endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. As P. J. put it, "America is experiencing the most severe outbreak of mass psychosis since the Salem witch trials of 1692. So why not put Hillary on the dunking stool?" In How the Hell Did This Happen?, P. J. brings his critical eye and inimitable voice to some seriously risky business.

This election cycle was so absurd that celebrated political satirist, journalist, and die-hard Republican P. J. O'Rourke endorsed Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. As P.J. put it, "America is experiencing the most severe outbreak of mass psychosis since the Salem witch trials of 1692. So why not put Hillary on the dunking stool?"

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 asks, "Who are these jacklegs, high-binders, wire-pullers, mountebanks, swellheads, buncombe spigots, four-flushers and animated spittoons offering themselves as worthy of America's highest office?" and surveys the full cast of presidential candidates including everyone you've already forgotten and everyone you wish you could forget.

P.J. offers a brief history of how our insane process for picking who will run for president evolved, from the very first nominating convention (thanks, Anti-Masonic Party) through the reforms of the Progressive era (because there's nothing that can't be worsened by reform) to the present. He takes us through the debates and key primaries and analyzes everything from the campaign platforms (or lack thereof) to presidential style ("Trump's appearance--indeed, Trump's existence--is a little guy's idea of living large. A private plane A swell joint in Florida Gold-plated toilet handles "). And he rises from the depths of despair to come up with a better way to choose a president. Following his come-to-Satan moment with Hillary and the Beginning of End Times in November, P.J. reckons with a 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."

Binding Type: Hardcover
Publisher: Atlantic Monthly Press
Published: 03/07/2017
ISBN: 9780802126191
Pages: 256
Weight: 0.85lbs
Size: 8.30h x 5.60w x 1.00d

Review Citations: Library Journal Prepub Alert 10/01/2016 pg. 60
Kirkus Reviews 02/01/2017
Publishers Weekly 01/30/2017
Library Journal 10/01/2016
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SKU: 22062000220

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BOGDAN
Cuba, US
★★★★★ 5
Excellent
I will buy again this products!
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Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2025
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Elizabeth
Lowell, US
★★★★★ 4
They are literally not heavy
They are narrow for my face
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Reviewed in the United States on May 6, 2025
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Sam Beckett
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
Tropical Fringe Fun for My Summer Outfits
Color: Natural, Color: Natural
I am absolutely obsessed with this straw purse because it feels like a vacation in my hand. The first thing I noticed is how the raffia fringe has this playful half moon shape that looks like a little lion mane but in a very high fashion way. My daughter even joked that it looks like a giant fancy taco which makes it such a fun and unique piece to carry around. It is incredibly lightweight which is a huge relief because I do not want to carry a heavy bag when the weather is hot. Even though it looks compact on my mannequin, it is surprisingly roomy inside and fits my phone and all my daily essentials without feeling stuffed. The magnetic closure is quite strong so I do not have to worry about my things falling out while I am walking around a summer party or a night out. The neutral tan and cream colors in the fringe make it very easy to match with almost any outfit I own. I really appreciate the small metal brand patch on the front because it gives the bag a more polished and expensive look than a typical straw tote you might find at a souvenir shop. One thing to keep in mind is that the raffia is very textured so you should probably be careful with delicate silk fabrics so it does not snag. It feels very sturdy and well made for something that is woven from grass and I love how the fringe adds so much movement when I am moving around. This bag is definitely going to be my go to accessory for the rest of the season because it is both stylish and very practical for my needs.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2026
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Queen Of Nightlife
Bozeman, US
★★★★★ 5
👜 Effortless Spring-to-Summer Clutch That Feels One-of-a-Kind
Color: Natural
👜 Effortless Spring-to-Summer Clutch That Feels One-of-a-Kind I’ve been a longtime fan of Sam Edelman, especially because they actually make stylish pieces that work for real life. So when I saw this clutch, I had a feeling it would be good… but I didn’t expect it to hit *this* level. This bag is a vibe. The raffia texture and that half-moon fringe give it such a unique, standout look without trying too hard. It feels like the perfect piece to roll right into spring and carry straight through summer. Think beach days, dinners out, travel nights, all of it. What I love most is that it doesn’t look like everything else out there. It feels original, like you found something special instead of just grabbing another basic clutch. It’s lightweight, easy to carry, and the magnetic closure keeps things simple and secure. It also pairs effortlessly with different outfits. You can dress it up or keep it casual and it still works. Now let’s be real, it’s a designer piece, so it’s not cheap. But for the style, quality, and uniqueness, I do think it delivers strong value for money. Five stars from me. This one’s coming with me everywhere this season ☀️
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Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2026
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Hidd
Alexandria, US
★★★★★ 5
Super cute clutch!
Color: Natural
This is a beautiful clutch. I got the “Natural” color, and the tones are definitely subtle. I am already eyeing the Spicy one too, but for me, the natural color is just easier to match with outfits. I did laugh though because my nephew said it looks like a taco, but honestly that just makes me love it even more! The material is extremely nice, it feels very premium and well made. I was a bit nervous because I have had cheaper bags with that shredded-style material that flakes and falls apart, but that is not the case here. It feels really well made. I cannot speak for long-term durability yet, but so far there is no shedding or anything like that. I also did not notice any loose stitching or threads at all, it just feels like a high-quality bag. It has small magnets to keep it closed, which work nicely. There is not a ton of space since it is a clutch, but there is still enough room for my phone and a few small items, so it works well. Overall, it is just a really gorgeous, well made bag, and I really do not have anything to complain about.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 2, 2026

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