Guess who’s still #1?
posted at 10:33 am on August 16, 2009 by Ed Morrissey
Do you think that the person who compiles the best-seller lists in hardcover nonfiction at the New York Times might just need a hug these days, preferably from someone wearing an organic-hemp shirt with an aroma of patchouli? For the second week in a row, in the season of Hope and Change, Michelle Malkin tops the list with Culture of Corruption. In fact, the book is selling so well that it’s already in its third printing, and Amazon can barely keep it in stock. Michelle did a book-signing at the Right Online conference yesterday, among those who might have been expected to already have bought a copy of the book outlining the shady characters populating the Obama administration, and ran through the hundreds of books the publisher brought to the conference.
Afterwards, I remarked to Michelle that the media hadn’t really noted the fact that a conservative author was having this much success in Obama’s first year, which of course made Michelle laugh out loud. But perhaps it’s not so singular after all. Take a look at positions three, four, and five on the same list:
- In the President’s Secret Service – A look at the relationship between agents and Presidents by conservative journalist Ron Kessler (who spoke at Right Online)
- Catastrophe – Dick Morris and Eileen McGann warn about the advent of socialism and the destruction of the health-care system
- Liberty and Tyranny – Mark Levin’s book continues to sell like hotcakes.
Bill O’Reilly’s memoirs comes in at #7, too. There isn’t one liberal manifesto on the top 15 bestsellers. There are two books on Michael Jackson, two on business success and one on the collapse of Lehman Brothers, and another on Teddy Roosevelt as the “wilderness warrior,” but not a hint of interest in anything the liberals are selling these days.
I wonder why?
Update: I didn’t even look at the paperback best-seller list until it got mentioned in the comments, but guess who’s #1 there?
Blowback
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This is all the more great news considering the fact that (according to Rush) the powers that be in the publishing industry are liberals.
jgapinoy on August 16, 2009 at 10:36 AM
There is a conservative resergence happening. I am loving being a part of it.
TXMomof3 on August 16, 2009 at 10:45 AM
We want the bumper stickers: The Noted oriental rocks!
Ropera on August 16, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Congrats Michelle!
dmnari on August 16, 2009 at 10:47 AM
Ummm, because liberals haven’t figured out a way to illustrate how life is better in Cuba and North Korea.
perroviejo on August 16, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Rhetorical question I hope. I hope the self-proclaimed elites of the publishing world are choking right now.
TooTall on August 16, 2009 at 10:48 AM
Whatever. Obama can just buy up millions of his memoirs and liberal slanted books to bump them up to the top of the list, just like Scientology does.
Riposte on August 16, 2009 at 10:48 AM
What’s important is Capitalism.
gh on August 16, 2009 at 10:48 AM
I’ve posted twice and nothing happened … I expect the posts to show up later … sorry for the double posting. Shoot Allah and Ed for their ridiculous link policy.
gh on August 16, 2009 at 10:49 AM
errrrr ahhhhhh emmmmmmmmmmm
Didn’t Babs Boxer just put out a new book? Not on the list Babs? Hmmmmmmmm
Ed, maybe the liberals have their own list somewhere. I think Pelosi sold 25 copies of her groundbreaking book.
iam7545 on August 16, 2009 at 10:50 AM
And yet my local Borders still has the Obama shrine front and center when I walk into the store. Audacity indeed.
patriette on August 16, 2009 at 10:53 AM
At some point soon, the media folks are going to have to admit in public, the nightmare they’ve been whispering about among themselves: American public opinion is shifting beneath their feet at an alarming rate.
The one effect that Obama and his minions are going to leave as a legacy however, is going to be a real surprise to everybody, and that is the validation of radicalism itself. Obama has brought to the center of debate the most fundamental questions of American life and the result is going to be a serious review of what exactly our core beliefs really are. What kind of a country do we really want to be? Do we want to be free or do we want to be taken care of?
In the end, Barack Obama is going to prove to be the best friend imaginable for none other than – Ron Paul!
Lew on August 16, 2009 at 10:53 AM
The people that buy these books work and pay for everything and want to know who is stealing the money.They will not read a liberal book because they have had enough of that shoved down their throats.You would have to give the books to the ones on the dole since that is what they expect.They are not going to waste their booze and drug money on books.Even if they read a book like Michelle’s do you think they would agree with it or even comprehend it?
docflash on August 16, 2009 at 10:53 AM
Ah but Meagan McCain says Twitter’s where it’s really at! Of course I’ve never heard of anyone making money off Twitter, but she must be right……………
katablog.com on August 16, 2009 at 10:54 AM
But remember, Meghan McCain has TWICE as many twitterers as Michelle, so na na na na na…
Fuzzlenutter on August 16, 2009 at 10:54 AM
Former Speaker of the House Jim Wright did that. Newt Gingrich jumped on him and didn’t let go until he was forced to resign from congress.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jim_Wright
Of course the Dems had to pay Newt back for that…
perroviejo on August 16, 2009 at 10:54 AM
NYT website in Book Review section doesn’t even acknowledge her. You have to go 3 pages in to see the rankings. Transparency ? NOT.
Jeff2161 on August 16, 2009 at 10:56 AM
The heartbeat of America beats on. Congrats, Michelle!
Red Cloud on August 16, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Conservatives should raise money to buy copies of Michelle’s book and to have them delivered to many of our favorite liberal talking heads and columnists.
BuckeyeSam on August 16, 2009 at 10:57 AM
Make sure your local library gets copies for under-unemployed americans too…
Jeff2161 on August 16, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Personally I do not like Glenn Beck’s schtick. However, the fact that he has the #1 non-fiction paperback, doesn’t merit a mention or plug?
In the hotair comments the other day, I asked why Hannity studiously avoids mentioning Glenn Beck when he talks about books etc. I got interesting responses: Hannity like Levin and Levin doesn’t like Beck; ergo, Hannity does not like Beck. I also think there is some professional jealousy at play with Hannity. Is there a clique of cool conservatives we should know about?
casel21 on August 16, 2009 at 10:59 AM
Michelle-leader and thinker of the conservatives. Keep up the great work dear leader.
mobydutch on August 16, 2009 at 10:59 AM
From the NYT:
“For all the scare tactics out there, what is truly scary is if we do nothing,” he said. Obama also addressed a few sharply-worded questions on the public option, though the crowd seemed largely supportive of the president.
Surprise, surprise…
Jeff2161 on August 16, 2009 at 11:01 AM
and the cool part is, I haven’t even bought my copy yet !
moc23 on August 16, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Fairness doctrine for books incoming…
the_nile on August 16, 2009 at 11:01 AM
Hopefully this means that people outside the conservative conclave are educating themselves.
Hopefully.
Mommynator on August 16, 2009 at 11:02 AM
Yep, To buy Michelle’s book will have to buy Obamas.
Jeff2161 on August 16, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Ugly Nancy and Dirty Harry are surely burning up the phone lines at the NYT trying to get that list of popular mob hate media taken down. Sorry Nancy, Michelle doesn’t dance.
PunditPawn
Punditpawn on August 16, 2009 at 11:03 AM
I already got “Liberty and Tyranny” a great book, Glenn Beck’s book is great too (Listening to Glenn on audio is best) and just received Michelle’s book which I am sure is going to be fantastic.
cubachi on August 16, 2009 at 11:03 AM
Congratulations, Michelle, and I loved your speech at RightOnline – I forwarded the link to several people! Very inspiring.
As a librarian, I’m committed to freedom of information and the representing of all points of view. Much as I have to grind my teeth, I do order lefty as well as righty stuff for our collection (people do need to know what “the enemy” is saying too!). And I’ve had a lot more trouble finding “worthwhile” liberal titles lately. (We’re an academic library so I buy scholarly titles for the most part.) One possibility: liberals don’t actually have that much scholarship on their side!
Rosmerta on August 16, 2009 at 11:03 AM
I am thinking the same thing. I will lose a lot of respect for Hannity if he does not back up Glenn in the fight against the left. Jealousy is one thing, but they have to stand together or they will all go down. Sean never mentions Glenn.
TXMomof3 on August 16, 2009 at 11:05 AM
good for her
rob verdi on August 16, 2009 at 11:05 AM
I already have mine – read it. GREAT!!!!
I’ll be buying a few more copies for my family and friends.
BobK on August 16, 2009 at 11:07 AM
I don’t think I’ll ever understand the interest in Michelle Malkin. I feel like her book selling just shows the ignorance in America. Culture of corruption? Yeah no kidding. It’s like beating a dead horse isn’t it? Don’t these people have the internet?
The Calibur on August 16, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Glenn Beck’s Commonsense is #1 on the NYT non-fiction paperback best seller list. I’ll bet it would have broken the top five in hard cover if it had been published as such.
Deanna on August 16, 2009 at 11:07 AM
Now there’s a movie title, or at least a Shanklin parody :-)
Oldnuke on August 16, 2009 at 11:08 AM
Michelle needs to get to Seattle. Even better, come to Everett, we’re a bit more friendly to the conservative ilk up here.
Rode Werk on August 16, 2009 at 11:10 AM
This is simply not fair. Why are liberal thoughts not being allowed to be heard? Who’s holding these writers down? Where’s my literary Czar????
/
Rovin on August 16, 2009 at 11:12 AM
All I have to say is…
Bwahahahahaha!!!
It was great running into you and the boss again. One of these days we’ll have to drag AP along :-)
steveegg on August 16, 2009 at 11:14 AM
How soon before the publishing industry is taken over by the government?
sherry on August 16, 2009 at 11:15 AM
By my count Beck has Michelle on the most often and goes deeper into discussion with her. I know he puts some people off by his theatrics but that is who he is.
On the other hand Hannity comes across as a party line guy who will never listen or agree with points of view from the opposition. To each his own I guess.
BTW DC update:Did you hear Glen on Friday change his mind again and he WILL be in DC. Will not speak but will be covering it from there not NY
HoustonRight on August 16, 2009 at 11:15 AM
I got Beck’s book for my birthday – looks like a one day read. Can’t wait to start and finish it.
gophergirl on August 16, 2009 at 11:15 AM
Ann Coulter also has been on the NYT bestseller list. Much like Fox news’ ratings, mass consumption isn’t an automatic indicator of quality. It is an indication of exposure, Malkin’s been on TV for years and self-promotion. None of which are sins, but none of which really are evidence of a well researched-written piece of writing.
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:16 AM
Sure, but most people won’t take the time, or don’t know how to find these things, or don’t even realize this information is out there. It really helps to have a good researcher & author put it all together. And much as I love the Web, I’d rather read anything in-depth on paper. Hard to curl up in bed with my laptop…
Rosmerta on August 16, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Exactly. These books are infotainment. “Page turners” not the kind of stuff that forces you to think, digest, contemplate. I doubt Buckley or Friedman would approve.
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Hard bound books are normally bought by people who have paid employment.
katiejane on August 16, 2009 at 11:17 AM
Actually I meant exactly the opposite but thank you for putting words in my mouth.
gophergirl on August 16, 2009 at 11:19 AM
Its not surprising that conservatives are more apt to want to read a book than smoke a doobie.
tx2654 on August 16, 2009 at 11:20 AM
There’s a place for lighter writing too, though. It draws in people who may not be ready for, or capable of dealing with, Buckley-level stuff.
Rosmerta on August 16, 2009 at 11:22 AM
whatEVAR! MeghanMac still has like, a bazillion moar twitter followers!!1!
Rusty Shackleford on August 16, 2009 at 11:22 AM
Why would you buy a book that tells you the same junk that’s being shoved down your throat everytime you turn on the TV, read a newspaper, leave your damn house…
Jim Treacher on August 16, 2009 at 11:23 AM
I guess the buying public didn’t get the memo- conservatism is dead.
I’m currently reading Culture of Corruption and I’m getting a crick in my neck from shaking it so much!
alwaysright43 on August 16, 2009 at 11:23 AM
Hey the libs do both. They just get paranoid that they’re reading too fast and when their finished they can’t remember what they read.
HoustonRight on August 16, 2009 at 11:24 AM
Exactly which is also why, back in the day, Michael Moore had a NYT bestseller. But I wouldn’t call that book or these book as evidence of people really understanding progressive or conservative principles. I’d call it trendmaking at best.
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Hey, the Democrats don’t read the bills they sign. How in the world would they have time to read a book?
mobydutch on August 16, 2009 at 11:25 AM
Cranky? I’d say you’re downright ignorant. Levin’s book is a manifesto.
John the Libertarian on August 16, 2009 at 11:26 AM
The liberals are foaming at the mouth watching conservatism grow as they watch helplessly from the peanut gallery. Obama’s use of intimidation, the race cards and branding Ameicans as Nazis for disageeing with him relects the playground mentality shared by leftwing lemmings everywhere.
volsense on August 16, 2009 at 11:26 AM
Yeah, because lord knows liberals have so much trouble getting “exposure”. Sell it somewhere else.
LibTired on August 16, 2009 at 11:26 AM
The liberals come out with a book and, before you can blink and eye, they’re on all the alphabet morning shows. Depending on the book, they may even appear on Fox News. Then they sell 100,000 copies of it and we listen for weeks about how brilliant they are.
Come the conservatives, they’re seldom invited to the alphabet morning shows, although I do believe Michelle was, and there’s little said about their books by any of the cable operations, yet they become #1 on the NY Times List. How is that?
Liberals try to paint conservatives as unable to read and stupid, perhaps they should read the books and learn how to debate rather than just demogogue.
bflat879 on August 16, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Moore jumped the shark after his short-lived tv show TV Nation…IMO
Jeff2161 on August 16, 2009 at 11:28 AM
Tell us again why CNN is so much superior to Faux News.
Del Dolemonte on August 16, 2009 at 11:29 AM
Either I missed your “sarc” tag OR you’re totally unaware that Michelle owns this site. If you are sincere in your above quote, I suggest you use your internet prowess to read some of the greatest exposures our current liberal government IS contemplating to regulate your life, AND the corruption being used to implement it.
Rovin on August 16, 2009 at 11:29 AM
CNN is like a quart of crap and Fox is like 1.5 quarts of crap. Do I have to really figure why one is “better” than the other?
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:30 AM
In-depth? What analysis is needed? Left or right, Republican or Democrat, the government is corrupt. No analysis necessary. The horse is beaten. All this book does is help republicans lie to themselves about how non-corrupt their side is. Give me a break.
The Calibur on August 16, 2009 at 11:31 AM
Troll alert !
Jeff2161 on August 16, 2009 at 11:31 AM
I’m halfway through Liberty and Tyranny and loving it. Looking forward to Michelle’s book! But, for my money, no one beats Ann Coulter for wit and wisdom. Love that lady!
IamKurtacus on August 16, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Michelle,You are a breath of fresh air in the Conservative Party.
I plan on reading your book this next weekend and just for the record “I love your Confidence when talking to the MoonBats”
Your Presence on the View was strong and you outshined the leftys 100 fold!
Good Luck and you will always have my support.
Roadking85 on August 16, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Yeah, that show was decent for a few episodes, but he ran out of ideas way too quickly. I remember when I thought his documentaries were all the rage in college, but looking at them again now they are just leftwing versions of what Limbaugh/Coulter do. Demonization, mischaracterization etc.
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:32 AM
Really? I have not watched the Friday episode yet. That is wonderful! I love Glenn! Of course, that make me a dangerous, right-wing fear-monger. I enjoy his comedic presentation. I am looking forward to our DC adventure!
TXMomof3 on August 16, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Bingo.
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:33 AM
Well, considering her in-depth reportage, and well-documented facts…It will make trials against corruptocrats easier for the prosecution.
Jeff2161 on August 16, 2009 at 11:33 AM
She also 2 to 3 times the waist size also.
RobertInLexington on August 16, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Rhis new breed of troll is no fun. They don’t have any depth. They just throw out contratictory remarks and see how many people respond to them. Post and run tactics.
I say no respones to trolls for a week and I’ll bet only the quality trolls will remain.
HoustonRight on August 16, 2009 at 11:34 AM
Actually I meant exactly the opposite, but thank you for putting words in my mouth.
gophergirl on August 16 at 11:19 AM
Liberals are great at “words”. Its constructive actions that totally confuse them. Just try to keep it as simple as possibe when discussing real life situations that they can’t seem to comprehend.
volsense on August 16, 2009 at 11:35 AM
that’s true…They don’t make good trolls like they used to…
LOL
Jeff2161 on August 16, 2009 at 11:36 AM
If anyone think that corruption in government is partisan just spend a day at opensecrets.org. We don’t have representatives, we have corporate lobbyists and that’s it.
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Us too
HoustonRight on August 16, 2009 at 11:37 AM
You really should drop the Independent part of your name. It really seems dishonest.
TXMomof3 on August 16, 2009 at 11:37 AM
They never are when they are on the defensive.
RobertInLexington on August 16, 2009 at 11:37 AM
I cannot believe libs are reading all of these best sellers. We know the cons do not read.
/sarc
CWforFreedom on August 16, 2009 at 11:37 AM
Is Michelle Malkin the “real” Leader of the Republican Party?
RudeMechanic on August 16, 2009 at 11:38 AM
I’m not partisan, it doesn’t mean I don’t have a set of ideological beliefs. Independent still applies.
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:38 AM
Does Meg have a book out? She likely would sell a few thousand but mostly to RINOs and LIBs
CWforFreedom on August 16, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Levin is Co-Leader
CWforFreedom on August 16, 2009 at 11:39 AM
Good site, thanks…
Jeff2161 on August 16, 2009 at 11:40 AM
What are your ideological beliefs and how do they differ from the Democrat platform?
TXMomof3 on August 16, 2009 at 11:40 AM
No, McCain’s book is for the Paris Hilton crowd, for people obsessed with debutantes and who believe that having a rich and powerful daddy means you have a right to be heard…by everyone. The woman is a useless “liberal” in the sense that I don’t even think SHE knows what she beleives in.
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:41 AM
Must be liberals reading this book…After all, we are clinging to our guns and bibles…
Jeff2161 on August 16, 2009 at 11:41 AM
I don’t support corporate ownership of government. That alone means I can’t support Democrats. http://www.opensecrets.org. Check it out, there’s no difference between the parties.
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:41 AM
If people would just add the 5000 Year Leap to the books alrady mentioned here then there would be a complete understanding of just how far off the path we have gone.
HoustonRight on August 16, 2009 at 11:42 AM
I understand that completely. I come here for Ed and AP. If I wanted MM I wouldn’t be here would I? Yeah the liberals want to steal your wallet but the “conservatives” in our government don’t? Wake up before you get robbed my friend. Hardly anyone in elected office is looking out for you unfortunately.
The Calibur on August 16, 2009 at 11:43 AM
OT: Hannity Freedom Concert last night at Six Flags NJ.
I had the pleasure of attending Hannity’s concert again last night. Was there at the first one in 2003, but the one last night was the best one I attended so far. Place was packed with like-minded conservative patriots, wearing any article of clothing you could get a flag on, waving Old Glory and cheering for our troops who have served and are serving.
I was lucky enough to get about 15 feet from the stage, which made the night even more thrilling for me and Mrs. fogw. Hannity, Levin and Ollie all gave heartmoving speeches – Ollie in particular, who brought out 5-6 recipients of the funding these concerts raise for the children of soldiers killed or wounded in action – money allocated for their college tuition and expenses. The musical guests had the place rocking and thumping the entire evening.
If you have never attended one of these freedom concerts, you should make plans to visit one next year. Their is no higher high, no greater sense of pride, than standing shoulder to shoulder with thousands of patriotic Americans who love their country and honor their countrymen who laid down their lives for our freedom and liberty.
Michelle, congrats again on your great success.
fogw on August 16, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Yeah a friend tipped me off to that site during the last campaign and I learned that the biggest recipient of money from wall street in 2008 was, that’s right, Barack Obama. Is anyone suprised he continued Paulson’s TARP plan with no changes and no moves towards regulation despite talking a populist game? I wasn’t.
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:44 AM
Cranky, I have spent time on the site. I read something different from it. When you look at Obama’s contributors he was one big “special interest” baby. Different strokes for different folks, I guess.
TXMomof3 on August 16, 2009 at 11:44 AM
I have the 2 number 1′s in the mail, should be here Monday.
I think of it as the “Quickening” of “The Mob,” every liberal lie we slay, (expose) “The Mob” grows.
abinitioadinfinitum on August 16, 2009 at 11:45 AM
Yes he was. Did you also take a gander at all the leading Republicans? I can’t see how you could and not come to the conclusion that the only difference between them and Obama in fundraising is he was more effective at suckling at the corporate teat.
CrankyIndependent on August 16, 2009 at 11:46 AM
Upset about dissenting opinion while showing your own ignorance alert!
The Calibur on August 16, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Thanks for correcting my tortured spelling. I will never learn to preview.
TXMomof3 on August 16, 2009 at 11:48 AM
My Rep. Ed Pastor (d) AZ fundraising this cycle…Unions and lobbyists…No townhalls either…Must be hiding at a Union hall.
Jeff2161 on August 16, 2009 at 11:49 AM
Move over Coulter. Let Michelle through.
johnnyU on August 16, 2009 at 11:50 AM
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