The 'So What' Christmas List

Ho. Ho. Ho.

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Christmas is less than a week away. If you are, like me, a last-minute shopper, I am here for you!

Below are my recommendations of great books, paraphernalia and other stuff to buy the political junkie in your life.

I am putting a few of my favorites in front of the paywall but for the whole list, you need to become a paid subscriber!

By the way, if you are ALREADY a paid subscriber, why not spread the holiday cheer by giving “So What” as a gift!

I mean, who wouldn’t that under their tree?!?!

And, because everyone (big guys — coming up to me with tears in their eyes and saying “Sir”…) is asking — if you want to buy ME a gift, the best thing to do is to subscribe to this newsletter. The second best thing is to buy me an old Almanac of American Politics; I am trying to collect the full set from 1972-2024!

Ok, to the list!

“What It Takes” by Richard Ben Cramer

If I had to recommend ONE book to help someone a) understand and b) fall in love with politics, this would be it. The book details the 1988 presidential election and, even though it’s now more than 35 years old, the lessons in it about politics and political journalism are absolutely timeless. I wrote about the book — and Richard — when he passed in 2013.

Damon Linker’s Substack

Yes, Damon and I are friendly. I even did a Substack Live with him a few weeks back. But that has nothing to do with why I recommend

Notes from the Middleground

. I simply think that the breath of Damon’s knowledge about the historical touch points of how we got here is unrivaled. An added bonus: Damon isn’t afraid to speak truth — even when it’s unpopular. He tells it how it is — on BOTH sides. We all need more of that in our lives.

American President Socks

Let’s be clear here: I am a dad. And this is a VERY dad gift. But, I will admit that I found myself actually asking for socks this year. And I am not alone! There are dozens of us! If someone in your life is in need of some foot coverage, these are terrific — featuring images of our greatest presidents on them!