Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in the process of checking the boxes on all the steps one takes before running for president.

Trips to early primary states? Check

Endorsements to build support among the rank and file? Check

Television appearances? Check

Working on his physical appearance? Check

And then there’s his latest item crossed off the list — publishing a book.

These types of books usually have two goals — to lay out the general political philosophy of the potential candidate and to drum up publicity.

Pompeo’s book has certainly drummed up publicity. Aside from winning him appearances on major television networks, it drew criticism from a number of news outlets — particularly for his portrayal of Saudi Arabian crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, who was likely complicit in the murder of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, according to U.S. intelligence.

In its review of the book, the Washington Post called Pompeo a “mean son of a bitch.” Its editorial about Pompeo accused him of not respecting free speech. On top of that, Mexican Foreign Affairs Minister Marcelo Ebrard wrote a letter criticizing Pompeo’s book and saying it’s part of an “anti-Mexican campaign.”

Pompeo desperately needs attention if he decides to jump into the Republican primary. While former President Donald Trump, Pompeo’s former boss, is the only major Republican who has officially announced a campaign, in very early polling, Pompeo is averaging around 1% of the vote….