The former senator and presidential candidate collects bipartisan presidential humor from famous, and not-so-famous, chief executives, from Washington to Clinton.

“I heard one [presidential] candidate say that what this country needed was a president for the ‘90s,” Ronald Reagan once said. “I was set to run again. I thought he said a president in his 90s.” Abraham Lincoln, in one instance, was able to put a serious injury in a humorous light; in response to a young woman’s question about where a soldier was wounded, Lincoln replied, “Ma’am, the bullet that wounded him would not have wounded you.” Presidents often bring a sense of humor to the White House with them, allowing the American public to catch a glimpse of their not-so-serious sides. This book examines how five of the nation's funniest chief executives—Abraham Lincoln, Calvin Coolidge, Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Ronald Reagan—used wit and humor to their advantage during their terms as president, and how their management of the Executive Branch was thereby enhanced. As a bonus, the effective use of humor by several unsuccessful presidential candidates is surveyed.

Over 400 memorable quotes: Coolidge's "The chief business of America is business," Carter's "Whatever starts in California unfortunately has an inclination to spread," Bush's "Read my lips: no new taxes," many more.

Famous for his deadpan humor, New York Times bestselling author Senator Bob Dole here brings us his favorite witticisms and hilarious remarks of this country's commanders in chief. Great Presidential Wit collects the former senator's favorite funny stories and remarks by and about American presidents -- from George Washington to George W. Bush. Senator Dole tackles the assignment of ranking the presidents from the funniest (Abraham Lincoln) to the least funny (Millard Fillmore), and everyone in between. With chapters cleverly organized according to the senator's own opinions -- from "A Class by Themselves" (Lincoln, Reagan, the Roosevelts) and "Yankee Wits" (Coolidge, Kennedy) to "The Joke's on Them" (Taylor, Harding, Van Buren, Buchanan, the Harrisons, Pierce, Fillmore) -- Great Presidential Wit is the perfect antidote to the long political season and a patriotic reminder that our leaders are human and often witty and amusing.

Presents a collection of the funniest remarks and observations made by and about twentieth century politicians

Famous for his deadpan humor, Senator Bob Dole, the longest-serving Republican leader in Senate history, here brings us his favorite witticisms & hilarious remarks of this country's commanders in chief. This delightful book is chock-full of presidential quips & humor collected by Senator Dole -- one of the country's most recognizable political figures & commentator for Comedy Central's Indecision 2000.Ó The book collects the former senator's favorite funny stories & remarks by & about American presidents -- from George Washington to the first president elected in the 21st century. With chapters cleverly organized according to Senator Dole's own opinions, the book is the perfect antidote to the long political season.

Legendary for his clever gibes, bits of wisdom, and ability to laugh at himself, Ronald Reagan endeared himself to the public from the moment he entered the political arena. Few presidents have been so frequently quoted for their one-liners or quick comebacks. Now, for the first time, The Reagan Wit offers the Reagan humor in hundreds of quotations, both famous and unfamiliar, from every phase of his life, all in his own words. Following Reagan through his youth, college years, military service, acting career, two terms as governor of California, presidency, and post-presidency, The Reagan Wit takes a look at endless priceless moments. Included here are well-known gems like Honey, I forgot to duck (after the assassination attempt on him) as well as lesser-known but equally entertaining statements such as, Im not worried about the deficit: its big enough to take care of itself, capturing the charm that has made Reagan a revered figure. Whether hes playing a mischievous college prank, cajoling his staff members, or jousting with the press, The Reagan Wit gives an all-encompassing and hilarious portrait of Reagans remarkable comic timing.