CAVEAT LECTOR:

Although humor is the mechanism of satire, you may find yourself agreeing or disagreeing with some themes concerning this post?  Where do you stand on your political beliefs?

Political satire is a type of satire that specializes in gaining entertainment from politics. Political satire can also act as a tool for advancing political arguments in conditions where political speech and dissent are banned.

Political satire has played a role in American Politics since the 1700s. Under King George’s rule, the colonies used political cartoons to criticize the parliament and fight for independence. Founding father Benjamin Franklin was a notable political satirist. He employed satire in several essays, including Rules by Which a Great Empire May Be Reduced to a Small One and A Witch Trial at Mount Holly.

Cartoons continued to provide commentary on American politics. In the late 1800s, editorial cartoonist Thomas Nast employed political satire to tackle issues like corruption. Amongst other notable political satirists is well-known author Mark Twain, who used satire to criticize and comment on slavery.

See how political satire still exists in today’s political environment.  Are you able to recognize the intent and purpose of the following videos?

Vice Presidential candidate Gov. Sarah Palin (Tina Fey) fields questions about running alongside Sen. John McCain while the real Gov. Palin confronts Lorne Michaels about the impression, but is mistaken for Tina Fey by Alec Baldwin. [Season 34, 2008]

Republican Governor Sarah Palin (Tina Fey) and Democratic Senator Hillary Clinton (Amy Poehler) address the American public about sexism, the 2008 presidential election, global warming and their inability to agree on anything. Aired 09/13/08

Posted Apr 17, 2016

Posted October 13, 2016

Posted Nov 22, 2024

Posted Jan 20, 2019

Posted Feb 17, 2019

Posted Nov 22, 2024 – After the 2024 elections!

Posted Dec 12, 2024

sat·ire (noun)