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This test consists of 15 multiple choice questions and 5 short answer questions.

Multiple Choice Questions

1. While traveling on airplanes, what does the author break?
(a) Seats.
(b) Typewriters.
(c) The passenger rules.
(d) Glasses.

2. Fill in the blanks: According to Thompson, American politics have changed from being based on "charisma" to "_______ and ________."
(a) Truth and lies.
(b) Perception and reality.
(c) Ink and blood.
(d) Smoke and mirrors.

3. How did the passengers of Thompson's plane react to others trying to join them on their flight?
(a) The journalists refuse entry to everyone else.
(b) The journalists only allow other politicians on board if McGovern joins them.
(c) The journalists welcome everyone on board.
(d) The journalists force the newcomers to get high before getting on the plane.

4. According to Thompson, who fails to capture the public's attention because the people perceive a discrepancy between his perception and his reality?
(a) George Wallace.
(b) George McGovern.
(c) Frank Mankowiecz.
(d) Richard Nixon.

5. Why must Thompson strictly adhere to the schedule set forth by the Rolling Stone?
(a) He will be blacklisted if he does not.
(b) His contractual agreements.
(c) He owes the editors of Rolling Stone many favors.
(d) He has a book coming out from their press.

6. Whom did Bobby Kennedy refer to as "the most decent man in the Senate?"
(a) McGovern
(b) Nixon.
(c) Wallace.
(d) Muskie.

7. What level of recognition is finally granted to Thompson during "September?"
(a) He is given an interview with McGovern.
(b) He is allowed to travel with the politicians themselves.
(c) He is given an award for his campaign coverage.
(d) He is finally made a member of the Presidential Press Corps.

8. In general, who flies on Thompson's preferred plane?
(a) Reserve personnel.
(b) Press.
(c) Constituents.
(d) Politicians.

9. Why is McGovern not able to recover from Eagleton's omissions and lies?
(a) Nixon undermined McGovern's efforts to save face.
(b) McGovern's next vice-presidential candidate was too divisive.
(c) Eagleton should have revealed his medical history sooner.
(d) McGovern did nothing for the public to put faith in him.

10. What revelation does Thompson make to the readers about his intoxication on the airplane?
(a) The liquor on the plane is superior to his own.
(b) The atmospheric change sobers him up.
(c) The other journalists are only pretending to be stoned.
(d) The other journalists are similarly high.

11. Despite medical issues, what is Thompson's main concern during November?
(a) He needs to finish his work.
(b) He needs to vote.
(c) He needs to go home.
(d) He needs to have a meeting with McGovern.

12. Above all else, why does the public lose its trust in Eagleton (and by extension, McGovern)?
(a) Eagleton was meant to be a rock for the public to lean on.
(b) Eagleton lied.
(c) McGovern acted too harshly against Eagleton.
(d) McGovern did not act quickly enough in removing Eagleton.

13. In the author's discussion of the ethos of American politics, what is perception?
(a) The way a person will emulate another.
(b) The way a person tries to behave.
(c) The way a person appears to be.
(d) The way a person actually is.

14. What does Thompson suggest would have helped McGovern push ahead in the polls during September 1972?
(a) No speechwriters.
(b) A stronger stance on drug policies.
(c) A better speechwriter.
(d) A one-on-one interview with Thompson.

15. During the campaign Thomas reminisces about in "August," what did the police use to control the crowd?
(a) Guns.
(b) Nightsticks.
(c) Riot shields.
(d) Noxious gasses.

Short Answer Questions

1. In a tongue-in-cheek reference to his employment by the "Rolling Stone," how does Thompson refer to his position as a political writer?

2. In Miami in 1972, how do the sit-ins and protests compare to Thompson's experiences on other campaign trails?

3. What is the name of the airplane which carries the reserve personnel during the campaign of 1972?

4. At the writing of this book, what do Americans realize about politics?

5. As a result of what happened between Mankiewicz and Thompson in "August," what do Thompson and his friend suspect Mankiewicz will do in the near-future?

(see the answer keys)

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