The Daily Beast Podcast How Trump Made This Liberal Comedian Conservative
Jul 4, 2025
Michael Ian Black, a comedian and Daily Beast columnist, humorously shares his surprising shift towards conservatism influenced by Donald Trump. He recounts how defending public services at a dinner with Trump supporters made him feel like 'the man.' Black argues that empathy and public service shouldn't be seen as radical, and he critiques Trump's impact on comedy and American values. His transformation from punk rocker to champion of bureaucracy sparks a light-hearted yet thoughtful discussion on political identity and the absurdities of modern politics.
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Comedian's Dinner Epiphany
- Michael Ian Black found himself defending American institutions like the IRS over dinner with a Trump voter.
- This surprising defense made him realize he had become, in a way, a conservative.
Trial Move to France
- Michael Ian Black and his wife considered moving to France amid Trump’s election but ultimately decided against it.
- Their month-long trial in France led them to stay back in Savannah, Georgia.
Helping People Is Conservative
- Conserving public service and the common good is inherently a conservative act despite traditional political labels.
- Helping others and supporting inclusive institutions reflect both punk ethos and conservative values to Michael Ian Black.