The Election Night Showdown: Why Comedy Has Been a Key Player in This Year’s Presidential Race
As Americans prepare to head to the polls on November 3, tensions are running high. The coronavirus pandemic has upended the traditional campaign trail, with limited rallies and in-person events replaced by virtual town hall meetings and zoom calls. With so much at stake in this year’s presidential race, it’s no wonder that people are taking the election seriously.
But amidst the anxiety and uncertainty, one thing has remained constant: the role of comedy in American politics.
For decades, comedians have been using humor to comment on the state of the nation, poke fun at politicians, and provide a much-needed escape from the daily grind. From Jon Stewart’s The Daily Show to Trevor Noah’s The Daily Show, Late Night TV show hosts have offered their own take on politics by providing satirical mockery of all sides...
And in this year’s presidential race, comedy has emerged as a key player.
From viral skits on Saturday Night Live to biting commentary on late-night talk shows, comedians have been ruthlessly scrutinizing both candidates in the lead-up to Election Day. Donald Trump, in particular, has been a frequent target of comedic dissection. Late-night hosts like Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel have regularly mocked the President for his Twitter rants, outrageous statements, and general behavior. Meanwhile, Joe Biden has not escaped criticism either, with Saturday Night Live casting him as a reluctant old man incapable of rousing enthusiasm among voters.
Yet even more important than simply skewering the candidates, comedians have used their platforms to call out political issues that deserve greater attention. In recent years, shows like Last Week Tonight and Full Frontal With Samantha Bee have tackled pressing topics such as immigration, climate change, and gun control with both humor and insight. By finding the absurdity in even the most serious political matters, these shows remind viewers that laughter can be a powerful tool for both opposition and progress.
All of this points to the importance of comedy in American politics. In a year when emotions are running high, satire provides an important release valve for those struggling with anxiety and uncertainty. But even beyond simply providing entertainment, comedy has the power to inform, enlighten, and mobilize people to action. And as Americans watch the Election Night showdown unfold in real-time, they can turn to humor as a means of coping with whatever outcome transpires.
Whether you’re a die-hard Democrat or a Donald Trump supporter, there’s no denying that comedy plays an integral role in American politics. So as we approach November 3, don’t be surprised if the most memorable moments of the election season come from viral sketches, biting monologues, and irreverent commentary. Laughter may just be the best medicine for what ails us.