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

The Clowns to the Left of Me, Jokers to the Right by Michael Smerconish is a collection of 100 memorable columns that reflect on American political life with characteristic feistiness.

This book provides updates on both facts and feelings, indicating how the author has evolved over the years, moving from a reliable Republican voter to a political Independent.

The book covers the post-9/11 years, Barack Obama's ascension, and the rise of Donald Trump.

Smerconish shares personal experiences such as meeting Ronald Reagan, having dinner with Fidel Castro, barbequing with the band YES in his backyard, spending the same night with Pete Rose and Ted Nugent, drinking champagne from the Stanley Cup, and conducting Bill Cosby's only pretrial interview.

The book also explores local Philadelphia culture, from Sid Mark to the Rizzo statue.

Smerconish's outlook as expressed in these impassioned opinion pieces goes beyond "liberal" or "conservative." His thought process continues to evolve and change, and as it does, he aims to provoke readers to do the same.

All author proceeds benefit the Children’s Crisis Treatment Center, a Philadelphia-based, private, nonprofit agency that provides behavioral health services to children and their families.