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"How to Test Negative for Stupid"

And Why Washington Never Will

By Senator John Kennedy | Published: October 7, 2025

AMAC'S ANALYSIS

How to Test Negative for Stupid: And Why Washington Never Will is a witty, no-nonsense critique of modern American politics by U.S. Senator John Kennedy. Blending humor, personal anecdotes, and sharp observations from his time in public service, Kennedy takes aim at bureaucratic excess, political doublespeak, and the loss of common sense in Washington. With his trademark plainspoken style and Southern charm, he argues for honesty, accountability, and practical thinking in government. The book is both entertaining and provocative, offering readers an insider’s look at how Washington works—and why it so often doesn’t.

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MEET THE AUTHOR

Senator John Kennedy

John Kennedy is an American attorney and Republican politician serving as the U.S. Senator from Louisiana since 2017. Before his election to the Senate, he was Louisiana’s State Treasurer for five terms and held posts including Secretary of the Department of Revenue and special counsel to Governor Buddy Roemer, reflecting decades of public service. Known for his conservative principles and distinctive Southern style, Kennedy focuses on fiscal responsibility, national security, and supporting Louisiana’s economy. A graduate of Vanderbilt, the University of Virginia School of Law, and Oxford, he lives in Madisonville with his wife, Becky, and their son.

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DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
  • 1. What does the title How to Test Negative for Stupid suggest about the author’s view of Washington politics? How does Kennedy use humor and satire to make his point?
  • 2. Which quotes or anecdotes in the book stood out to you most? How do they reflect Kennedy’s style and political perspective?
  • 3. How effective is humor as a tool for political critique in this book? Can satire both entertain and provoke meaningful reflection on real issues?
  • 4. Kennedy frequently criticizes common sense being absent in Washington. What examples from the book illustrate this theme, and do you agree with his characterization of political life?
  • 5. How does Kennedy balance personal stories (e.g., life in Louisiana politics) with broader critiques of national politics? Did the memoir elements make the political commentary more relatable?
  • 6. Discuss Kennedy’s view of government transparency and candor. What does he believe is lost when politicians stop speaking plainly? How would this affect public trust?
  • 7. Did the book change your perspective on how Washington operates? Why or why not? Provide specific examples from the text that influenced your view.
  • 8. Some readers feel the book prioritizes sharp critique over detailed solutions. Do you think that’s a strength or weakness? How might the book be different if it offered more policy recommendations?
  • 9. How does Kennedy’s Southern background and personality shape the tone and content of the book? In what ways does regional identity matter to his political voice?
  • 10. If you could ask the author one question about the book or his experience in Washington, what would it be and why? What insight do you hope to gain from that answer?
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Edie Faylor
Edie Faylor
5 months ago

I bought the book, loved it and passed it on to friends. Love the guy and his sense of humor!

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Angela
Angela
4 months ago
  • 9. How does Kennedy’s Southern background and personality shape the tone and content of the book? In what ways does regional identity matter to his political voice?

I have lived in the Midwest most of my life, but have lived in the South, and have family there. For me, it is still relatable, and I do love the way he turns a phrase. That is not common here, where I live. I don’t know if people used to it crack up as much as I do with his humor, but to me, the humor does help him to be relatable and get his point across. He does come across as very authentic and trustworthy. I wish the Senators in my state were as transparent as he is.

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Angela
Angela
4 months ago
  • 6. Discuss Kennedy’s view of government transparency and candor. What does he believe is lost when politicians stop speaking plainly? How would this affect public trust?

He believes that speaking plainly is necessary to create good policies and to change bad ones. The American people need to have policies explained to them in a way they can understand. We didn’t go to law school, and we are not familiar with all of their ways of operating, so it is helpful when someone is honest with us and tells us what the policies really are, including hidden agendas, or qualifications of people in charge of the implementations.

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