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Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe resembles… the 2016 American Presidential Election

January 6, 2016 by Nathan Bransford 7 Comments

When I wrote Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe in 2009-2010, I definitely tried to weave in some political satire that would resonate with kids who have to listen when their parents watch the news, and who have probably experienced a school election or two themselves.

Little did I know this novel would start to resemble the present in some weird ways.

Quick plot summary for those who haven’t read it: the king of the universe has decided to abdicate the throne in favor of space’s first democratic election, and since no self-respecting space human wants to listen to an adult give speeches (shudder), it is up to Mick Cracken, space buccaneer extraordinaire, and Jacob Wonderbar, Earth-born prankster with a heart of gold, to vie for the presidency.

Jacob wants to do a good job as president of the universe. Mick? Not so much. He promises nothing but entertainment.

They visit the planet full of journalists (imagine CNN’s studios, but like, a whole planet), and Mick gives this speech:

Mick flashed his best cocky smile. “To the finest reporters and journalists in the universe, guardians of free speech and keepers of liberty. I bow down before your beauty and intelligence, you peerless scribes of truth and wisdom.” 

The reporters nodded to each other and smiled. There was a smattering of applause. Jacob didn’t know what to do and locked eyes with Sarah Daisy, who shook her head and shrugged. 

Mick paused for a moment, basking in the glow of attention. Finally he began to speak. 

“My administration will be full of corruption and scandal. There will be foul tricks and dirty deeds. I will disgrace the office, and my mistakes will force me to beg for mercy.” Mick looked up at the reporters. “There will probably be tears.” 

The reporters murmured to each other appreciatively. 

“As the universe’s most famous space buccaneer, I couldn’t be more unqualified for this office. I cannot promise you that I will be competent  or wise or good or even sort of good. You will often wonder how and why you elected me in the first place. That is, if I don’t steal votes outright.” Mick winked, and the reporters laughed. “There will always be a scandal to follow. Always a conspiracy to unravel. Constant speculation about whether I will be forced to resign. 

“Above all else, you will never be bored. I will break every single promise I make to you, except for this one, which I will hold dear: My speeches will be short.” 

The room grew quiet in excitement and anticipation. 

“And that is why it gives me great pleasure to announce my candidacy for president of the universe.” 

The reporters rose to their feet and cheered wildly. Mick raised his hands above his head and shook them in triumph.

Annnnd here we are. If you’d like to read more about the campaign antics, Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe is for sale on Amazon and B&N.

Filed Under: Nathan's Books Tagged With: Jacob Wonderbar

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Deborah Halverson says

    January 7, 2016 at 6:46 pm

    You made me chuckle, Nathan. Your comparison is a good one.

    Reply
  2. wendy says

    January 8, 2016 at 10:55 am

    Mick certainly has his own unique campaigning style. Not unlike Donald Trump.

    Reply
  3. Cinthia says

    January 9, 2016 at 5:56 am

    Oh, oh, oh, it sounds so familiar!

    Reply
  4. Rebecca Krusee says

    January 10, 2016 at 3:50 am

    Congratulations on making Top 100 Blogs! https://www.rebeccakrusee.com

    Reply
  5. Maya says

    January 14, 2016 at 3:15 am

    Cute!

    Reply
  6. JOHN T. SHEA says

    January 14, 2016 at 8:08 pm

    All hail King Barack The First! Unless Sarah Daisy is Bill Clinton…

    Reply
  7. ericaclayton says

    January 18, 2016 at 9:34 am

    Nice to read this blog, good ideas are represented, you can collect best resume from
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    Reply

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About Nathan

Hi, I’m Nathan. I’m the author of How to Write a Novel and the Jacob Wonderbar series, which was published by Penguin. I used to be a literary agent at Curtis Brown Ltd. and I’m dedicated to helping authors achieve their dreams. Let me help you with your book!

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How to Write A Novel
Cover of How to Publish a Book by Nathan Bransford
Jacob Wonderbar and the Cosmic Space Kapo
Jacob Wonderbar for President of the Universe
Jacob Wonderbar and the Interstellar Time Warp

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