Project President: Bad Hair and Botox on the Road to the White House

By Ben Shapiro

Book Overview

Project President is a hilarious romp through American electoral history.

From short, fat, bald John Adams' wig-throwing tantrums during the 1800 election to Abraham Lincoln's decision to grow a beard in 1860; from John F. Kennedy's choice to forgo the fedora at his inauguration to John Kerry's decision to get Botoxed for the 2004 race; from the Golden Age of Facial Hair (1860-1912) to the Age of the Banker (1912-1960); from Washington's false teeth to George W. Bush's workout regimen, Project President tells the story of America's love affair with presidential looks and appearance, why that often matters more than a politico's positions on the issues, and what might well be coming next.

"I'm constantly citing the power of dress. It's semiology: our clothes send a message about how we want to be perceived, and where is this more powerful and evident than in elected offices. In Project President, Ben Shapiro captures presidential semiotics with a potent narrative and deft analysis. It's simultaneously fascinating and hilarious!"
-Tim Gunn
Project Runway, Liz Claiborne, Inc.

"Ben Shapiro takes a romp through American history and shows how personality--and even haircuts--have elected or defeated presidential candidates. It's a tour through history that fans of both parties will enjoy-and can learn from."
-Michael Barone
Resident scholar, American Enterprise Institute
Senior Writer, U.S. News & World Report
Co-author, The Almanac of American Politics

"Presidential politics has always been more superficial than we'd like to admit. With a stylish and likeable touch befitting a strong candidate, Ben Shapiro takes us deep into the shallowness that has shaped American history."
-Jonathan Alter
Newsweek

"Shapiro deftly explains how height, hair and handsomeness can affect a candidate's campaign as much as issues. A fun, informative read."
-Glenn Beck
Nationally syndicated talk show host
Host of CNN's The Glenn Beck Show

"A hilarious and illuminating journey through America's centuries-long fascination with presidential image-making. Whether you're left, right, moderate or apathetic, this lively book will get you ready for the packaging of the '08 races."
-Jim Hightower

"This is a perceptive, witty-sometimes hilarious-look at the realities behind the faces and the facades, the slogans and the character assassinations, of each presidential campaign from George Washington to today - with much for us to ponder for tomorrow."
-Sir Martin Gilbert
Official biographer of Winston Churchill

"An entertaining and illuminating romp through the politics of symbolism and personality in our presidential politics. If you're thinking of running for president, read this book before you spend a dime on a political consultant."
-Rich Lowry
National Review

COLMES: Who do you want [for the Supreme Court]?

ANN COULTER: Thank you for asking. I want Ben Shapiro.

COLMES: Ben Shapiro.

ANN COULTER: Yes. He just finished his first year at Harvard Law, 21 years old.

COLMES: You mean for a date or for the court?

ANN COULTER: No, for the court. He's my candidate. He's very bright. He's already written one best-selling book.
(CROSSTALK)

COLMES: You want to put a 21-year-old guy on the court?

ANN COULTER: Twenty-one, and he's just finished first year of Harvard Law.

COLMES: So you want someone who's going to be on the court for 50, 60 years? Is that - is that the whole idea?

ANN COULTER: No, I just happen to like Ben Shapiro.

Hannity and Colmes
Fox News Channel
July 8, 2005

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1595553479
• ISBN13: 9781595553478
• Release Date: February 2010
• Publisher: Thomas Nelson Publishers
• Length: 306 Pages
• Weight: 0.76 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 5.2" x 7.8"

Customer Reviews

Alternative Look at Why A Man Became President

Tall men have a much better chance of becoming president, especially when running against a shorter man! Military service used to be an important aspect of a candidates qualifications; not so anymore. This is a light, entertaining look at why our past presidents won their elections. It brings political history alive.

Another must have for anyones political library

Ben Shapiro writes excellently on excellent subject matter. He has yet to produce a mediocre or sub par piece of printed literature. Project President is an interesting take on a not so interesting subject. Don't be fooled by the latter, as Shapiro has fact-mined some really fascinating items and put them together in a delightfully entertaining and educational book. Recommended for any politico or anyone with even the slightest of historical interest. You don't need to be a politics junkie to enjoy Bens work in general and this book is no exception.

Engaging, with a lot of interesting and generally unknown tidbits.

This book is great read. The analysis is flawless and the book is filled with numerous facts and pieces of information that will delight the reader.

Go for it

I bought this book on a whim at the airport, and I gotta say that I was pleasantly surprised. It's a fun overview of our presidents from a unique perspective.