Having a wonderful time

the long version

In this sly memoir, Arthur Hoppe, syndicated columnist for the San Francisco Chronicle, reveals the stories behind the stories he has been writing for almost fifty years. Renowned for his biting satires of politics, government, money, and other chimeras, Hoppe here takes a fresh stab at world events while bringing a skewering wit to his own life in journalism. With his usual combination of charm and provocation, he describes his plans for the "Nobody for President" campaign, writes about "Private Oliver Drab" in Vietnam, and reveals the foibles of presidents "Elbie Jay," Nixon, and Clinton (Hillary is a cross between Eleanor Roosevelt and Eva Peron). From the back of the newsroom to the heights of Air Force One, Hoppe is careful never to let the facts get in the way of a good story.