It’s that time of the year again where Americans will be heading to the polls once more. The Presidential election is always an exciting time, and 2020 has been no exception. With a global pandemic, economic turmoil, and racial tensions at an all-time high, there’s no shortage of things to talk about this election cycle. But let’s not forget what makes America great: political satire.
Yes, you read that right. Political satire has played a significant role in American politics for centuries. From Benjamin Franklin’s “Join or Die” cartoons to Jon Stewart tearing apart politicians on The Daily Show, satire has been used to poke fun at those in power and hold them accountable for their actions (or lack thereof).
So with that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the highlights (and lowlights) of this year’s Presidential race.
First up: the debates. Or should I say, the circus? We had two debates between Donald Trump and Joe Biden before Trump contracted COVID-19 and had to sit out the final debate. And boy were those first two debates something else.
The first one was characterized by interruptions from both candidates, with moderator Chris Wallace struggling to keep control of the proceedings. At one point, Wallace even had to scold Trump like he was a kindergarten student who wouldn’t stop talking out of turn.
Then came the second debate with new rules in place – including cutting off microphones during certain segments – but it still felt like watching two toddlers fighting over a toy instead of two adults vying for control over our country.
But perhaps my favorite part of these debates was when fly-gate happened during Vice President Pence’s debate against Kamala Harris. For those who missed it (how could you?), a fly landed on Pence’s head and stayed there for what felt like an eternity while he continued speaking about… something? Honestly couldn’t tell you because all I could focus on was that fly.
Moving on to the candidates themselves. Joe Biden has been in politics for over 40 years, and yet somehow he still manages to come across as a fresh face on the scene. Perhaps it’s because he’s spent most of his career as a sidekick rather than the main event. Or maybe it’s because he has a folksy charm that makes him seem relatable.
Then there’s Donald Trump, who needs no introduction (but let’s do one anyway). He’s the reality TV star turned President who tweets like a teenager and speaks like… well, like nobody else in politics ever has before. He’s got more scandals under his belt than I have dirty dishes in my sink (and trust me when I say that is A LOT).
But perhaps what’s most interesting about these two men is how they represent such different visions of America. Biden is seen as a unifying figure who will bring back decency and normalcy to our government after four years of chaos under Trump.
Meanwhile, Trump represents something different entirely – depending on whom you ask. To some, he’s an outsider who’s shaking up Washington and putting America first. To others, he’s an authoritarian wannabe with no respect for democratic norms or basic human decency.
And then there are the supporters – oh boy, where do we even begin? It seems like both sides have taken things to extremes this election cycle.
On one hand, you’ve got diehard Trump supporters who will defend him no matter what crazy thing comes out of his mouth next – from injecting bleach to stop COVID-19 to suggesting people vote twice (which is illegal, by the way).
On the other hand, you’ve got “woke” liberals who spend more time virtue signaling on social media than actually doing anything constructive to bring about change in their communities. They’re quick to point out any perceived slight against marginalized groups but often lack nuance or understanding when it comes to complex issues.
But hey, at least we can all agree on one thing: the memes have been top-notch this election cycle. From “Will you shut up, man?” to “I am once again asking for your financial support,” there’s no shortage of material for internet comedians to work with.
So what does all of this mean for America? Who knows, really. At the end of the day, politics is a messy business filled with imperfect people trying to do their best (or not) in a system that often seems rigged against them.
But one thing is for sure: political satire will always have a place in American culture. Whether it’s making fun of politicians or holding them accountable for their actions, satire has the power to cut through the noise and get straight to the heart of what’s really going on in our country.
And who knows – maybe someday we’ll even be able to look back on this election cycle and laugh instead of cringing. But until then, let’s keep poking fun at those in power and never forget that laughter truly is the best medicine.