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How to Test Negative for Stupid

And Why Washington Never Will
By John Kennedy
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Brief Description
#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER One of the most distinctive and funny politicians, Senator John Kennedy (the one from Louisiana)—hailed by Politico as "America's most quotable Senator"—offers his perceptive (and hilarious) takes on the ridiculousness of political life in this scathingly witty takedown of Washington and... Read More
Format: Hardback
$7100

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#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

One of the most distinctive and funny politicians, Senator John Kennedy (the one from Louisiana)—hailed by Politico as "America's most quotable Senator"—offers his perceptive (and hilarious) takes on the ridiculousness of political life in this scathingly witty takedown of Washington and its elite denizens.

How to Test Negative for Stupid offers the Senator's tongue-in-cheek guidebook through Washington, punctuated by his thoughts on various issues and humorous stories about life from Louisiana politics and inside the Senate.

From the mind—and mouth—of "America's Most Quotable Senator":

  • "Always be yourself . . . unless you suck."
  • "I say this gently: This is why the aliens won't talk to us."
  • "If you trust government, you obviously failed history class."
  • "I believe that our country was founded by geniuses, but it's being run by idiots."
  • "Always follow your heart . . . but take your brain with you."
  • "I'm not going to Bubble Wrap it: The water in Washington, D.C., won't clear up until you get the pigs out of the creek."
  • "I have the right to remain silent but not the ability."
  • "Common sense is illegal in Washington, D.C., I know. I've seen it firsthand."
  • "I believe that we are going to have to get some new conspiracy theories. All the old ones turned out to be true."

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780063428164

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Inc

Format: Hardback

Date Published: 07 October 2025

Country: United States

Imprint: Collins

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 231.0mm

Weight: 340g

Pages: 224

Collections

Biography & Memoir Education & Reference Humour John Kennedy Non-Fiction Political Biographies Politics & Current Affairs

About the Author

John Kennedy has served as the junior U.S. Senator from Louisiana since 2017. He previously held the position of Louisiana State Treasurer from 2000 to 2017. Kennedy graduated from Vanderbilt University, the University of Virginia, and Oxford University. He lives in Madisonville, LA and was raised in Zachary, LA.

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