Spin This!: All the Ways We Don't Tell the Truth

By Bill Press

Book Overview

Spin -- intentional manipulation of the truth -- is everywhere. It's in the White House, in the courtrooms, in headlines and advertising slogans. Even couples on dates -- not to mention book blurbs -- are guilty of spin. Here, colorful news analyst Bill Press freeze-frames the culture of spin to investigate what exactly spin is, who does it and why, and its impact on American society. Using examples drawn from recent history -- the Clinton presidency, the Florida recount, and the Bush White House -- Press first probes spin's favorite haunt: politics. He then surveys incarnations of spin in journalism, law, and advertising, and chews on the spin of sex and "dating," a word that has become the very embodiment of spin. Perhaps surprisingly, however, Press argues that spin isn't all bad, and that without it the harsh truths of our times might be unbearable.
With a keen sense of humor, Spin This! turns the tables on the prime purveyors of spin by highlighting some of their biggest blunders. Looking to the future, Press notes that the twenty-first century, beginning as it has with a president who was "spun into office," will be a fertile stomping ground for spin. Don't say you weren't warned.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0743442687
• ISBN13: 9780743442688
• Release Date: November 2002
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 0.74 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.4" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

Bill Press, Spinmeister Par Excellence

A delicious romp through the world of spin!!!As Bill Press's self-appointed "#1 Fan", I awaited release of this book with great anticipation; and, characteristic of his television personna, the book is intelligent, enlightening, and entertaining throughout. His sense of humor enables him to write without offending, even as one recognizes one's self in certain of his examples of spin.I hastily read the book as soon as I received it and enjoyed every page; however, just as one gobbles down a favorite food of which one has long been deprived, without really adequately tasting it, a subsequent reading, savoring every delicious morsel, provides even greater delight.Press's ability to totally enjoy himself, while providing truths, gift-wrapped in his wonderful sense of humor, provides the reader a delicious romp through the world of spin.

Fun, hilarious, solid and actually bipartisan!!!!

OK, so Bill Press lost his dayjob, as co-host of CNN's Crossfire (he is now a "contributor"). But not only will we likely still see him on the tube...but he has a great back-up day-job: as an author. Spin This! has to be one of the funniest, yet most painstakingly researched, books I have ever read. From "spins" dating back to Bibical times, to politics, to show biz, to male-female relationships, SPIN THIS laughingly explores (and exposes) it ALL. Whether you're a Democrat, Republican, Liberal, Conservative...or WHATEVER...you're going to find stuff that you'll LOVE in this book. Even if you don't know anything about politics it is not ALL about political spin. And there's this bonus: Bill Press is actually a screamingly funny and highly talented writer. And that ain't spin. If you think you're going to get a diatribe from him, think again. You really don't. And if you love Bill Press' views and expect him to let Democrats or liberals off the hook, think again, too. In reality, he sits back and explores SPECIFIC "spins" in all walks of life -- and comments on them with laugh-out-loud wisecracks. Still not convinced that this one-of-a-kind book (it is funny but it also can serve as a GREAT reference book due to the truly solid research reflected on each page)can appeal to EVERYONE? Then consider his Spin Hall of Fame where he lets famous commentators of all persuasions profile THEIR idea of the most outrageous spins. To name a few: Robert Novak (on Al Gore), Kate O'Beirne (Hillary Clinton), Cal Thomas (Satan), Al Franken (Karl Rove), and one of his CNN replacements, Paul Begala on GWB. Clearly his colleagues on the right and left had a lot of fun with this project, too. Painstakingly researched -- and painstakingly hilarious. Gift it to those who agree and disagree with you!

Makes you think

Bill Press has written a funny, insightful definition of 'spin.' When you read this, you will have an instant glimpse into the world of written and oral communications, along with what they really mean. For anyone who is tired of the media trying to interpret our thoughts, it's a real weapon.

A Spinning Review

Reading Spin This is like having a conversation with Bill Press. His humor flows page after page. I found myself laughing out loud while reading Spin This. This book is just a lot of fun.

Press really cuts through the bull

I love watching Bill Press fight the right on Crossfire every night and his book gave more of his sharp sense of humor and brought back of some of what I loved about The Spin Room. This fast read would make a great Christmas gift for anyone who loves politics and is looking for a pro to cut through the spin for you.