The truth with jokes is an american book of political satire and humor by al franken released in october 2005 the books main focus is on the 2004 presidential election and frankens research into the republicans strategy in their victory as well as examples of subsequent political overreach which he predicts will be their downfall. Written in the deep dark days after george w bushs first election victory 2004 al frankens the truth with jokes must have been therapeutic for those in the united states who were horrified at the results of his first term and were counting on a democratic victory to put things right. About the truth with jokes the 1 new york times bestseller by senator al franken author of giant of the senate senator al frankens landmark bestseller lies and the lying liars who tell them a fair and balanced look at the right was praised as a bitterly funny assault the new york times that rang with the moral clarity of an angels trumpet the associated press . Written in the deep dark days after george w bushs first election victory 2004 al frankens the truth with jokes must have been therapeutic for those in the united states who were horrified at the results of his first term and were counting on a democratic victory to put things right