I think that in 2021 your last paragraph is true. Comedians are part of the political discourse and a major force at that.
Comedy has always weighed in on politics and for good reason, such a great way to deliver a viewpoint (as you do so well) that otherwise might not get heard or immediately dismissed. Back in 2004 though when Jon Stewart made that comment I always interpreted that as a challenge to the mainstream news sources to do a better job. Cable news in particular (which The Daily Show in it’s early years was especially critical of) was the epicenter of a fragmented and oversimplified sensational style that didn’t do much to serve the public discourse. Shows like Crossfire were the worst with to predetermined viewpoints with zero probability of considering the other.
Later on he couldn’t really have to both ways but I thought that was a key moment in the repudiation of the state of news in 2004.
Woah, a whole big thing in response to my comment! Let's see what else I can stir up on substack. Maybe I can convince Glenn Greenwald to start a sports column?
Hey Jeff,
I think that in 2021 your last paragraph is true. Comedians are part of the political discourse and a major force at that.
Comedy has always weighed in on politics and for good reason, such a great way to deliver a viewpoint (as you do so well) that otherwise might not get heard or immediately dismissed. Back in 2004 though when Jon Stewart made that comment I always interpreted that as a challenge to the mainstream news sources to do a better job. Cable news in particular (which The Daily Show in it’s early years was especially critical of) was the epicenter of a fragmented and oversimplified sensational style that didn’t do much to serve the public discourse. Shows like Crossfire were the worst with to predetermined viewpoints with zero probability of considering the other.
Later on he couldn’t really have to both ways but I thought that was a key moment in the repudiation of the state of news in 2004.
Cooters!!! *That’s* where I know you from!
Perhaps a guiding principle of comedic political commentary might be, don’t make the joke if you don’t stand behind the sentiment.
I’m a big fan of yours. I feel like so far you’re handling it well.
Woah, a whole big thing in response to my comment! Let's see what else I can stir up on substack. Maybe I can convince Glenn Greenwald to start a sports column?
Kröd Mändoon was underrated. And it's not available for free streaming, so no one can prove me wrong without liking it enough to buy a DVD. QED.