Bernie VS Hillary Tickets

The 2016 Democratic presidential primary race between Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton was a historic event for many reasons. The candidates’ views on various issues, such as healthcare, education, and income inequality, were widely covered by the media and debated among voters throughout the country. However, one crucial aspect of this election that is often overlooked is how both candidates have been portrayed in the world of comedy.

Bernie Sanders, the self-proclaimed democratic socialist from Vermont, quickly became a target for comedians due to his gruff demeanor, wild hair, and Brooklyn accent. Late-night talk show hosts like Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, and Stephen Colbert poked fun at Sanders’ age, likening him to everyone from Larry David to your “grandpa who just learned how to use email.” Some comedians even embraced Sanders as a kind of meme-worthy oddball, creating popular parody videos and social media accounts based on his image.

However, despite his ripe potential for comedy fodder, Sanders was also known for being one of the most consistent and genuine candidates in the race. His earnestness and unwavering stance on important issues like universal healthcare and tuition-free college earned him a dedicated base of supporters who respected his sincerity. Even comedians who made fun of Sanders couldn't help but admire his authenticity, with longtime Daily Show host Jon Stewart praising him for never taking a single corporate donation during his campaign.

In contrast, Hillary Clinton’s public persona presented comedy writers with different material to work with. While she was often seen as a more polished and calculated candidate compared to Sanders, Clinton's perceived “coldness” and lack of relatability made her an easy target for jokes. Sketches on shows like Saturday Night Live frequently skewered Clinton for her political flip-flopping, perceived inauthenticity, and her high-handed personality.

Despite the sometimes-unflattering portrayals, Clinton maintained a strong presence in the comedy community thanks to her own sense of humor. She frequently appeared on late-night talk shows and even made cameo appearances in sketches, allowing her to poke fun at herself while also demonstrating her relatability.

Ultimately, both Bernie Sanders and Hillary Clinton may have been the butt of jokes throughout their campaigns, but they each provided plenty of comedic material for writers and performers. Whether it was Sanders’ curmudgeonly charm or Clinton’s tendency towards political doublespeak, these two candidates had a significant impact on the world of comedy during one of the most tumultuous primary races in history.