Ever since November, writers and pundits have endlessly scrutinized the results of the historic 2016 election, citing racial tension, working-class economic anxiety, sexism, poor campaign strategy, and the alleged involvement of foreign powers. However, one factor that continues to be overlooked is the effect of political satire; despite seeming harmless and amusing, political satire has played a major role in fostering complacency, arrogance, and close-mindedness among liberals, undermining the Democratic party and contributing to devastating defeats in dozens of elections nationwide. The months leading up to election day saw an unprecedented barrage of left-leaning political satire in TV, newspapers, and social media. Whether it was Saturday Night Live’s Alec Baldwin, the Late Show’s Stephen Colbert, Last Week Tonight’s John Oliver, or the New Yorker’s Andy Borowitz, Trump’s erratic style and controversial views provided a seemingly limitless source of humor. Yet, while such commentary delighted Democratic audiences, it had an insidious effect on the party. First, satirist’s incessant bashing of Trump magnified a stereotype of arrogance and elitism among liberals. Second, because humor and sarcasm were often centered around Trump’s extreme views on immigration and foreign policy, Democrats failed to pay attention to many of the more moderate policies and ideas--such as trade protectionism, infrastructure spending, and corporate tax cuts--that were attracting considerable numbers of moderate voters. Similarly, while satirists portrayed Trump as a highly polarizing figure supported mainly by far-right white men, he actually received votes from a diverse cross section of americans--according to exit polls, 40% of his voters were ideologically moderate, just under 10% of his voters were people of color, 15% identified as LGBT, and around 10% voted for President Obama in the last election. Lastly, the obsession with anti-Trump satire obscured the Democrat’s own platform; rather than espousing the promise of their own policies and vision, their main message essentially became, “Trump is a joke.” Of course, political satire isn’t showing any signs of going away during the Trump Administration. And there’s nothing wrong with occasionally poking a little fun at politicians. But it is important that liberal audiences (and the Democratic party as a whole) not let themselves be swayed by late night comedians, whose exag-
Volume II • Edition II
gerated viewpoints and aloof attitudes drown out more constructive, nuanced political discourse. Instead, Democrats must strengthen and clarify their own vision for the country, especially with regards to reducing inequality, improving healthcare, expanding college affordability, supporting government social programs in a fiscally responsible manner, and fighting climate change while creating jobs and modernizing industry. With the important 2018 midterms looming on the horizon, now is the time for the left to stop making jokes and start delivering a serious message to the American people.
Competition 3 (Apr. 2017), Winner September 2017
The Podium | Opinion Pieces
Author-Jack Daley ‘17 Section-Opinion Pieces
3
Not a Laughing Matter
