Author quietly supports John McCain: Jen Lancaster explains

Jen Lancaster's third book, "Such a Pretty Fat: One Narcissist's Quest to Discover if Her Life Makes Her Ass Look Big, or Why Pie Is Not the Answer" hit the NY Times  and USA Today bestseller lists this summer. She writes sassy, funny memoirs -- she's also the author of "Bitter Is the New Black" and "Bright Lights, Big Ass." Lancaster, who lives in Chicago, wrote to tell Jacket Copy that she supports John McCain and that she's "a staunch Rush Limbaugh-listening, Ann Coulter-reading, Sean Hannity-watching, National Review-loving Republican," whose "one regret is that I was never old enough to cast my own vote for the Gipper." So I wanted to know more.

Jacket Copy: Many of the authors who have come out for Obama write fiction; you write memoir. Do you think that writing fiction insulates authors from being judged on their political views? In other words, if your creative work wasn't connected to your personal life, would you feel freer about expressing your political ideas?

Jen Lancaster: Expressing political opinion can be a powerful way to establish a character's voice when writing fiction. For example, in "Bridget Jones's Diary," there's a scene where Bridget argues pro-Labour politics with her conservative dining companions. I can't imagine any British reader, regardless of party affiliation, who didn't find what Helen Fielding wrote utterly charming. And Jennifer Weiner, one of my favorite American writers, seems to infuse her characters with a left-leaning bent. Her viewpoint subtly defines her characters, and her skill in quietly advancing this philosophy makes me feel like I'm getting valuable insight into the other side. In short? Including bits of her worldview works.

As a reader, I notice political views regardless of whether or not the book is fiction. What annoys me is when said views do nothing to advance the narrative. For example, I read a celebrity diet memoir recently, and I found myself identifying with the author. That is, until apropos of nothing the author went off about the evils of conservatism. All I could think was, Honey, unless the president himself forced you to eat all that fried chicken, I don't want to hear it.

For me, my party views don't advance my narrative. Until I can find a way to write political satire like my idols Christopher Buckley or P.J. O'Rourke, I'll simply say what team I play for and leave it at that.

JC: If you were asked to join a group of authors speaking out in support of McCain, would you? You wrote in an e-mail that you admire Reagan -- if he were back and running in this election, would you help fund-raise or organize in support of him?

Jen Lancaster: I've done what I can as a private individual to help McCain's campaign; I've donated money, put up yard signs, coordinated with others on Facebook etc. However, I'm not sure my public support of McCain would be helpful. I'm a humor writer, so I don't always present myself in the best light. The person who accidentally gets high on Ambien and then orders Barbie heads off the Internet may not be who McCain wants as an ad hoc campaign mouthpiece.

However, if Ronald Reagan were alive and running, that's another story. I'd put my career on hold to work for him. It's a question of passion -– I like McCain, but I loved Reagan.

JC: Do you think your readers would judge you differently if you were more vocal about your political views?

Jen Lancaster: I guarantee being more vocal would have an impact. I started blogging about politics in the last election cycle (before I was published), and according to my stat counter, I lost half my audience. I'm noticing a lot of the big bloggers who've posted about politics are experiencing an ugly backlash. Readers are angry because they went to the bloggers' sites for a laugh, not a lecture. Again, it's a question of being appropriate for the audience.

Now that fans have read my books, maybe they'd have a better understanding of who I am and they'd be OK with some political dogma. Maybe they even want me to weigh in with my opinions; maybe they wouldn't. Regardless, I have too much at stake to find out.

I've never been shy about expressing my views, but if I'm going to inadvertently alienate fans, I'd prefer to lose them over causes I'm really passionate about, such as pit-bull rescue and not a pit bull wearing lipstick.

Jen Lancaster writes more about keeping politics and writing separate at her blog, Jennsylvania, where she calls herself the governor.

--Carolyn Kellogg

Photo credit: John Fletcher

Comments

[Katya Viar]

Marie S needs to get a life. It is sad that you judge a person entirely because of their politics..... it shows you are shallow and intolerant. And your sense of entitlement is priceless, particularly in reference a book you didn't buy... I can easily insert a million liberal jokes here. Jen, you rock and people who don't understand you and your sense of humor are rather unfortunate. Great interview!

[Liz]

I love Jen and am an avid reader of her books and blogs. I'm glad she leaves politics out of it for the most part. It does say something about the universality of her experiences that I find her so entertaining even though I whole-heartedly disagree with her politics. Keep up the good work Jen!

[Allison]

I adore Jen's books...in fact, she is the hands-down best author I've read in a LONG time, and I read quite a bit.

I don't agree with her politics, but that's ok! I will still religiously read everything that she writes, knowing that she is entitled to her own opinion just as I am entitled to mine. Everyones differences are what make us interesting.

[Karen]

I have read all of Jen's books, and think she is hysterical. I completely disagree with her political views, but that's not going to stop me from reading her books or her blog. This is America, and we all have a right to support whomever we want. However, if she did spout off on her love of Republicans and McCain on her blog, I would probably stop reading, so I think she made a good decision by keeping quiet on the subject.

[Fan in AK]

You look pretty, Jen.

[Hugh D'Amato]

She looks pretty?? Mhmmm. All I can say is I can tell why she would be a Republican just by looking at her. It's like Peggy Noonan meets Carnie Wilson during a binge period. Not good.

[LJ]

Much love to Jen, even though to echo others I am so anti-McCain. Definitely like the separation of authors from the soapbox role on this one.

[Nancy]

Jen Lancaster's books are wickedly delicious. Thank God for her books...a great reprieve from all that liberal drivel pervading every form of media out there. Oh and this is for poster Hugh - you really fit your party, being a complete ASS. Like she really gives a sh!t about what you have to say...she's laughing her big FAT self all the way to the bank.

[KS]

I'm afraid that after Bitter Is the New Black, Lancaster didn't have much left to say, assuming you're not interested in her weight or random observations about things like her pets and shopping at Target and Trader Joe's. She seems to think that as long as she recognizes that she's immature and self-absorbed, it's okay. Still, I admire her for standing up for her political convictions. It's much easier to be a liberal Democrat in the media; just look at these comments.

[Rebecca]

Love the books, Jen, and the politics!

[MojitoMama]

Love your books!

Love your politics!

Love you!

And no I'm not a creepy stalker--just a fan!

If you ever come to FL I'll buy you a Mojito!

[Cheri]

Just finished "Such a Pretty Fat". LOVED it, just as much as I loved the first two. Jen is absolutely hilarious and easy to relate to. Anyone who doesn't agree is a f***tard. GO JEN!

P.S. Love your politics, too. :)

[nada d]

I have to say I agree with Amy in NYC. I love Jen as a writer and as a sassy woman whose funny stories I enjoy and relate to. I'm not big on politics, and while there are items Jen and I would certainly disagree on, I love her just the same. We are all grown ups and capable of making our own choices. For those of you who read Jen's blog, but yet felt compelled to come here and trash her b/c of her political views - get a freaking life! She's not telling you what to do, and even if she did, you are not required to oblige. I agree with Amy from NYC - if nothing else, learn something about yourself, and appreciate Jen for her talent and her humor. JEN, you are a rock star. Rock the pearls and keep making us laugh!

[Nancy Salisbury]

Hey! Somebody stole the McCain-Palin sign out of my front yard. Was that you, Marie S? I bet you're gonna sell it on Ebay to get your money back for buying Jen's hilarious book.

[Wisconsin gal for Obama]

Well, gee. Now that I know you're a McCain Palin backer, that's it for me. I won't be buying another one of your books and I'll be letting my friends know I was wrong to give Such a Pretty Fat a good review. Toodles, my Republican friend (NOT).

[Sunni]

Jen, you rock. Loved your book so of course I wasn't surprised that I also love you politics.

[Greta]

I don't judge authors, musicians, and (most) actors based on their political views. That's what makes this country great. I can go to a Springsteen show and listen to him go off on the death penalty, and it doesn't bother me. I feel the same about Jen Lancaster. She can talk about writing letters to Rush or about reading Coulter's book, but to each is own. That's her opinion, not mine, and she's not trying to push it on her readers. All three of her books made me laugh until I almost cried, especially about accidently ending up in the military recruiting office.

[Salena of The Daily Rant]

I LOVE Jen's books - read all three and can't wait for the next one.

I LOVE Jen's blog - check in often to see what's up in Jennsylvania.

But I absolutely DO NOT love her politics. It actually surprises me that she likes the Devil Coulter and Hannity and ugh, Rush. But, that's her thing. Whatever.

I still love her books and I'll still buy and read anything she writes.

Although, I really was not loving when she interjected her views into one of the books - I think it was the second one?

In this case, I'll let the Republican slide. She's very talented and extremely likeable. And looks FABULOUS in this (and most other) photos!!

Salena
The Daily Rant

Obama/Biden '08

[Chelsey]

I'm kinda sad to hear it, because I love Jen and her books. Maybe if I wasn't so completely obsessed with this election, it wouldn't matter to me. But I am glad she's not writing about her political views. I just read that she loves Hannity and Ann Coulter and considered deleting her blog from my favorites. But she is too too funny and I will not do it. Jen, you are entitled to your opinion. I just want you to keep kicking out great books and a great blog.

[Tamara B]

Jen - loved all three of your books, and your political views! And the photo is awesome!

To some of the posters here, all I can say is "WOW - really??" Girl from WI takes back a good review simply because you find Jen is a Republican? If Republicans stopped supporting all the liberals in the entertainment industry, Hollywood would be bankrupt.

[Jillian]

How ridiculous to love a book and an author, then later find out their personal politics and decide you no longer care for the books or the author. The books have nothing to do with politics, and the author rarely mentions her politics publicly. To dislike someone because they have conservative views shows ignorance and who needs fans like that anyway? Jen ROCKS! Keep up the good work. I can't wait for the next book!

Jillian in Cali FOR John McCain

[JustBeingHonest]

I figured out that Mrs. Lancaster was a Republican about 30 pages into her latest book, and the first of hers I've read, Such a Pretty Fat. I had to do a little online research to confirm my suspicion, but it didn't take long. A Republican, I can handle, but someone who actually celebrates hatemongers like Hannity and Ann Coulter? I will not read another page of her book. Just being honest. I thought it was silly anyhow.

[Annabelle22]

I had been eagerly devouring Jen's books since I disvoered "Such a Pretty Fat" at Costco(yay Costco!) a few month's ago. I was thoroughly enjoying"Bright Lights, Big Ass" on a recent flight when I encountered the whole "get over it" email to the American public after Bush's re-election in 2004. Wow. WTF? Get over it?! Hindsight is 20/20, I guess. I'm so glad I worked two crappy jobs to get my B.S. at night school and now can't find a job that pays over $10/hr. Thanks W! Also, her rah-rah obsessive cheerleading for Ronald Reagan also strikes a sour note for me. My father, who was not an executive like Jen's, but rather a college-education small business owner who was forced to go bankrupt after 20 years in business due to good old Reaganomics. Even after that, I could keep on reading until the whole Ann Coulter thing. I literally can't respect or purchase (which I did purchase, lest you righties want to spew your hatred toward me in case I borrowed from the library..God Forbid) someone's work who supports someone so utterly hateful. As a social worker and a decent person, I find no problems talking to anyone no matter "if I have to" or not.