Political Comedy, Then and Now

President Obama goes on Comedy Central. Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart march on Washington. We look at political humor.

American political humor has a big, long history. You can take it right back to the Civil War and beyond. And it’s sure big now.

The president last night - days before a big election - on Comedy Central. Comedians, this weekend, leading a march or two on Washington, to “restore sanity,” says Jon Stewart. To “keep fear alive,” says Stephen Colbert.

Comics have skewered presidents and puffed-up politicians forever, but many Americans now say they go to comedians for their news – for a more honest, probing take on what’s going on.

We look at political humor, in the heart of politics.
-Tom Ashbrook
Guests:

Danna Young, professor of communication at the University of Delaware. She focuses her research on political satire and the psychology of political humor.

Scott Scantis, editorial cartoonist for the Chicago Tribune. See some of his recent cartoons here.

Jack Beatty, On Point news analyst.