10/5/2008, 1:36 pm
Because of these and other performances, most identify Republicans and especially Republican Presidents as idiots. So it's troubling that many influential writers and entertainers are forgetting this successful tradition when it comes to John McCain. For more often than not, McCain's advanced age is highlighted and not that he is an idiot.Yes, painting McCain as old, very old, is definitely hip, edgy, and effortless, but its a idea that hasn't been properly vetted, and this election is far to important to risk with new cutting edge comic material. And make no mistake straying away from the grand tradition that Republicans are stupid is a risky move.
The list of entertainers and writers that have made very successful careers on the Republicans are Idiots concept is quite long and impressive. David Letterman, John Stewart and Steven Colbert, just to name a few. SNL wouldn't even exist if not for this concept. Furthermore it makes one's job so much easier when the theme and often the punchline is already written, no real creativity or talent is required e.g. Al Franken.
As the political cartoons in this column illustrate (pardon the pun) Republicans are Idiots is as old as the Republican Party itself. This point is further strengthened by the following recently discovered film from the Lincoln era. A time when moving picture technology, until now was thought not to exist.
Creator of Lincoln film.
"When lampooning Republicans it is paramount to depict them as idiots. Although I'm quite fond of more expansive name calling such as big fat idiots. Actual humor is of much less importance".Our liberal progressive comic history makes it quite clear that McCain should be portrayed as an idiot. If they are those that still wish to push the creative envelope; Old Idiot McCain might be a concept worth looking at. However it really should be left to highly paid professionals.
One bright note is that Tina Fey and her writers have not forgotten their roots; her Hottie Idiot Palin is a perfect example of forgetting about creativity and just sticking with tradition.
