This caused a drastically different approach to covering one of the most fascinating moments in political journalism. Thompson’s coverage went on to be compiled in the book, “Fear and Loathing: on the Campaign Trail ‘72” and Crouse’s articles inspired his book, “The Boys on the Bus.” Both Thompson and Crouse’s books documenting their coverage have become journalism classics, but how exactly do the two compare?
What Are The Books About?
Crouse’s book is a critique on “pack journalism.” He believed that the journalists riding on the campaign busses were being fed the same information and, were then writing similar stories throughout the entire trip. In “The Boys on the Bus” he writes about where this writing mentality came from and covers how “the pack” evolves and covers during the entire election.
“Campaign journalism is, by definition, pack journalism; to follow a candidate, you must join a pack of other reporters; even the most independent journalist cannot completely escape the pressures of the pack,” writes Crouse1.
“Crouse doesn't write in a snide, condescending or superior manner,” writes Jonathan Yardley. “He liked most of the people he wrote about, found much that interested and impressed him in the people he didn't like, and sympathized with all of them as they tried to do good work under difficult, draining circumstances,” 3
Thompson provided a very different look at the trail. He covered the event as an observer more than a reporter. He wanted to state what he saw instead of what other people were doing. This, combined with his gonzo-writing style, created articles that Frank Mankiewicz, George McGovern’s campaign manager called the least factual, most accurate account”2 of the campaign.
“Unlike his more conventional colleagues, he feels free to denounce hypocritical political maneuvering when he spots it,” writes Tom Seligson for the New York Times4.
Both books took different approaches to the campaign, but they both served to critique the mentality and approach journalists were using to cover the campaign. Their contrasts, when read today, strengthen their argument. It also helps that Crouse and Thompson were friends. Crouse thanked Thompson in his acknowledgement section and Thompson wrote the introduction to the latest version of “The Boys on the Bus.”
Overall, Fear and Loathing: On the Campaign Trail ’72 and “The Boys on the Bus” are a critique on journalism habits. Both recognize why these things happen. For instance, Crouse notes that unique coverage often isn’t printed because it’s not being confirmed by larger publications. Thompson realizes that it’s hard to provide unique coverage against the status quo when you’re trying to be objective.
“Objective journalism is a hard thing to come by these days,” he writes. “We all yearn for it, but who can point the way?"5
The author’s legacy
Hunter S. Thompson, already famous for his previous books, became significantly more famous after his coverage. He’d later comment about how he’d cover Jimmy Carter and Thompson would be signing more autographs than him as if he were an astronaut.
Crouse never wrote another book. Instead, he decided to do the same thing his father, Robert Crouse did, revise Cole Porter’s musical “Anything Goes.” Still, his book is used in journalism classes as it shows how journalists work and what poor habits can be avoided.
