How to Test Negative for Stupid: And Why Washington Never Will is a sharp, humorous, and unapologetically satirical look at American politics from Senator John Kennedy. Released in October 2025, the book dives headfirst into the absurdities of Washington, D.C., offering both laughter and frustration for readers who have long suspected that common sense is the rarest commodity in government.
John Kennedy, known for his quick wit and homespun humor, uses this book to channel his reputation as one of the most quotable figures in modern American politics. His style mixes sharp criticism with country-style wisdom, creating a book that feels part comedy routine, part memoir, and part political roast.
The Book’s Premise
The title itself sets the tone: testing negative for stupidity is a tongue-in-cheek metaphor for keeping your wits about you in a world where irrationality seems to rule. Kennedy opens with a straightforward observation—Washington is broken—and then spends the book explaining why it will likely stay that way. His thesis is that the capital is filled with people who are smart in appearance but foolish in practice, and the system itself rewards that kind of dysfunction.
From there, the book unfolds in a series of essays and vignettes. Each section is short, snappy, and loaded with one-liners that make it easy to pick up and read in small bursts. Kennedy doesn’t bog the reader down in policy jargon or statistics. Instead, he uses humor and anecdote to point out the hypocrisy and illogic that define much of modern politics.
Style and Tone
Kennedy’s writing is exactly what one would expect if they’ve ever heard him speak. His trademark wit, country charm, and deliberate delivery translate seamlessly to the page. Nearly every page features a memorable line or humorous observation, such as:
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“Always be yourself… unless you suck.”
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“I say this gently: this is why the aliens won’t talk to us.”
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“If you trust government, you obviously failed history class.”
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“Our country was founded by geniuses but is being run by idiots.”
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“Always follow your heart, but take your brain with you.”
These lines give the book an energy that keeps the reader smiling even when the subject matter—government failure and incompetence—could easily become depressing. The humor works as a release valve for the frustration so many Americans feel toward politics.
Content and Themes
The core theme of the book is that common sense is nearly extinct in Washington. Kennedy argues that the federal government’s dysfunction is not merely a product of bad leadership, but of a culture that rewards appearances over results. Bureaucrats, lobbyists, and politicians alike are trapped in a system that values clever soundbites more than real solutions.
Each essay seems to circle back to a few recurring ideas:
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The arrogance of elites – Kennedy takes aim at the professional political class, accusing them of losing touch with ordinary Americans.
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The triumph of image over substance – In a media-saturated environment, performance matters more than progress.
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The wisdom of everyday people – Kennedy continually reminds the reader that ordinary citizens often possess more practical sense than those running the country.
His tone is cynical but not hopeless. While he doesn’t pretend that Washington can be easily fixed, he suggests that staying informed, skeptical, and grounded in common sense is the best way for citizens to “test negative for stupid” themselves.
Humor with an Edge
One of the greatest strengths of this book is its humor. Kennedy’s style of comedy is not slapstick or mean-spirited; it’s observational, dry, and grounded in truth. He draws comparisons between Washington and dysfunctional workplaces, between politicians and bad actors in a comedy of errors. His metaphors often borrow from rural life—pigs in creeks, broken fences, and leaky barns—making his critiques both vivid and relatable.
This approach gives the book a unique balance. Readers laugh even as they wince in recognition of the truths he points out. It’s a reminder that humor can often convey political insight more effectively than anger.
The Author’s Perspective
As a sitting senator, Kennedy writes from an insider’s vantage point. He’s not merely mocking the system from the outside; he’s been part of it long enough to understand its inner workings. He shares anecdotes from his experiences in Congress and from Louisiana politics, often highlighting moments that reveal the absurd logic behind political decision-making.
This insider perspective makes the satire bite a little harder. It’s one thing to hear a journalist or commentator complain about Washington; it’s another to hear a senator describe how the sausage really gets made. At the same time, Kennedy’s participation in the system opens him to criticism—some readers may question whether a politician can truly lampoon Washington without implicating himself.
Strengths of the Book
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Readable and entertaining: The conversational tone makes the book enjoyable even for readers who don’t usually read political commentary.
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Witty and quotable: Kennedy’s one-liners are memorable and perfectly crafted for repetition.
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Insider authenticity: The author’s first-hand experience lends credibility to his observations.
Weaknesses of the Book
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Limited depth: The book prioritizes humor over analysis. Readers seeking detailed policy discussion may find it too light.
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Repetition of ideas: Some jokes and themes reappear throughout, giving parts of the book a recycled feel.
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Lack of solutions: Kennedy is far better at diagnosing the problem than prescribing fixes.
Audience and Appeal
This book will likely resonate most with readers who are already disillusioned with Washington and enjoy political humor that calls out hypocrisy across the spectrum. It’s written for those who want to laugh at the madness of politics rather than drown in frustration over it.
Casual readers will enjoy its easy readability, while politically engaged audiences will appreciate its sharpness and wit. Those seeking academic or policy-heavy insights, however, might prefer a different kind of book.
Final Thoughts
How to Test Negative for Stupid: And Why Washington Never Will succeeds as a funny, biting commentary on the state of American politics. It’s part satire, part memoir, and entirely entertaining. John Kennedy’s folksy humor and blunt delivery make the book a refreshing break from dry political prose.
While it may not change minds or solve problems, it does what good satire should—it makes readers think while they laugh. Kennedy reminds us that the best defense against political nonsense is a good sense of humor and the ability to recognize stupidity when we see it.
Overall Rating: 4 out of 5.
A witty, irreverent, and thoroughly enjoyable look at Washington’s never-ending circus, written by one of its most colorful ringmasters.
