Intelligence Squared Comedy in Dark Times, with Armando Iannucci and Helen Lewis, Part One
Mar 31, 2024
Join Armando Iannucci, a maestro of political satire known for hits like The Thick Of It, as he chats with journalist Helen Lewis. They dive into the absurdities of political leadership, focusing on Liz Truss and the blending of politics with entertainment. Iannucci shares hilarious encounters with figures like Tony Blair, exploring how humor shapes political discourse. They also discuss the role of comedy in dark times, questioning whether it can help us process crises like war and instability.
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Feelpolitik vs. Realpolitik
- Realpolitik has been replaced by "feelpolitik," where politicians prioritize image over substance.
- They focus on appearing to deal with issues rather than actual problem-solving.
Truss's Photo Op
- Liz Truss, as Foreign Secretary, prioritized a photo op with a bicycle and Union Jack in Australia over substantive policy discussions.
- This exemplifies the "feelpolitik" phenomenon Iannucci describes.
Politicians as Entertainers
- Modern politicians often self-ironize and engage in self-mockery, becoming entertainers rather than traditional figures of authority.
- This makes them difficult to parody as they preemptively embody their own caricature.
