Interview · moment 8 of 16
Comedy's Political Importance and Trump's Transgression Appeal
from An Exotic Beast · #131
Audio-only archive episode — no video to seek.
4 minGuest
They debate whether comedy meaningfully shapes political discourse post-9/11 Letterman and Jon Stewart, whether Hollywood telling people not to vote for Trump backfired, and how Trump's appeal is tied to the same transgressive comedic instinct comedians rely on.
- 22:45Comedy has done more to change the national conversation than any other art form.
- 23:02The Daily Show became a primary news source for many people.
- 23:32Letterman's post-9/11 monologue established a precedent for late-night hosts to be emotionally engaged.
- 23:56Every major comedian and celebrity told people not to vote for Trump, creating backlash from voters who feel patronized by entertainers.
- 24:41Trump talks about political correctness, the same notes club comedians have been hitting for years.
- 25:13Trump's appeal is built largely on transgression, the same appeal that has driven comedy for decades.
- 25:32George Carlin said the comedian's job is to find the line and cross it; now the job seems to be finding the line and staying far away from it.
- 25:55There's still plenty of comedians pushing boundaries, but they face higher risk of backlash now.
- 26:14The cultural response to entertainers lecturing people politically hasn't been successful and never has been.
- 26:43Trump has actually reenergized many failing shows and comedians who might not otherwise be thriving.
Donald TrumpGeorge CarlinDavid LettermanThe Daily ShowJimmy KimmelJon Stewart