Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right: American Life in Columns

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Opinionated talk show host and columnist Michael Smerconish has spent over 15 years chronicling events for the Philadelphia Daily News and the Philadelphia Inquirer. In this collection of 100 memorable columns, he reflects on American political life with his characteristic feistiness, covering topics from the hunt for Osama bin Laden to the significance of Christmas light colors. Each column features a new Afterword that updates facts and feelings, showcasing Smerconish's evolution from a reliable Republican voter to a political Independent. The collection spans the post-9/11 years, Barack Obama’s rise, and Donald Trump’s emergence. Smerconish shares anecdotes from his life, including meetings with Ronald Reagan, dinner with Fidel Castro, and barbecuing with the band YES. He also touches on local Philadelphia culture, referencing figures like Sid Mark and the Rizzo statue. His opinion pieces transcend traditional political labels, illustrating a thought process that continues to evolve. Through his writing, he aims to provoke readers to reflect on their own beliefs. All proceeds from the book benefit the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit providing behavioral health services to children and families.