Today, Explained

The parody-proof president

Oct 19, 2020
Emily VanDerWerff, Vox's critic-at-large, brings her sharp insights on political satire, while comedian Kylie Brakeman shares her experiences creating viral political comedy. They discuss the struggle of late-night shows to effectively satirize Trump and how social media offers fresh comedic angles. The conversation dives into the evolution of political humor, the challenges of parody in today's climate, and the important balance between critique and entertainment. Expect laughs and thought-provoking commentary on the absurdities of modern politics.
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ANECDOTE

SNL's Dueling Town Halls

  • Saturday Night Live satirized the dueling town halls held by Biden and Trump.
  • The show's comedic attempts felt flat, reflecting a broader struggle to satirize the Trump presidency.
ANECDOTE

The Onion Predicts Trump

  • The Onion published a satirical article about Trump announcing a coronavirus cure.
  • Trump later suggested injecting disinfectant, blurring the lines between satire and reality.
INSIGHT

Trump's Disruptive Effect on Comedy

  • American comedy often assumes a stable status quo, which Trump disrupts.
  • Trump's presidency exposes flaws in the comedic approach of 'both sides' arguments.
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