There are 17 articles on this title. You are reading the article ranked and rated #12 by Helium's members.
Political humor has been around for years. People love to laugh and politicians have to learn to roll with the punches. Does anyone truly love listening to a boring speech, even worse when the speaker shows even less of his own personality? No, politicians are very well aware of the consequences revolving around their career choice.
Bill Clinton showed an astoundingly clever sense of humor, during his election campaigns. Maybe it was unintentional, but it worked. Come on, the famous "I never inhaled" line was one of the most brilliant lines ever.
I believe this is one of the primary differences between Bill Clinton and George Bush. Even Ronald Reagan showed an endearing sense of humor, which is why the elder Bush had to wait his turn. He knew there was no way he would be able to win versus Reagan. The same could be said between Clinton and George Bush Jr.
While Al Gore seemed to be a stick in the mud, recently he has shown signs of brilliance. I truly believe Al Gore would become president if he were to throw his hat in the ring.
Humor simply brings people together. Any politician with a great sense of humor has a legitimate shot at winning his election. It shows themselves in a very humble light, which people can generally relate to.
People hate monotony, it bores us to tears. So, if we can find something to relate to with a nominee, we would show our support for them.
When a party starts becoming the butt of all jokes, then they are not doing something right in office. There's a huge difference between humor and stupidity. We, as a fickle nation, do not like the idea of stupidity ruling in office. Someone that does or says something idiotic all the time is definitively going to receive a bashing like no other.
Thus, when Dick Cheney decided to go duck or pheasant hunting...whatever, and mistook his hunting partner as that duck or pheasant, he finds himself being ridiculed for this outlandish moment. How many times did we hear about Dan Quayle's "potatoe" error, while he was our vice president? World leaders have to realize certain actions will remain in the public's minds forever.
Remember, laughter makes the world go round.
Learn more about this author, Ron Lester.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.
Below are the top articles rated and ranked by Helium members on:
by Stephen Pate
It is interesting to note that, in the 2008 primary, every single primary candidate has appeared on Saturday Night Live.
by Tali
Laughter is Your Voting Ballot
Sometimes political humor is tasteless, but that's because it isn't really political. Poking
Humor can be a powerful tool for the savvy politician. Elections are long and brutal; the papers are filled with unkind,
This past October, Vice Presidential candidate Sarah Palin was featured in a Saturday Night Live skit that definitely left
by Will Kester
Political humor comes in many varieties. There is the political cartoon on the editorial pages, which shapes the public's
View All Articles on:
The effect of political humor on US elections
Add your voice
Know something about The effect of political humor on US elections?
We want to hear your view.
Write now!
Featured Partner
Society of Professional Journalists
Helium is proud to announce its partnership with the Society of Professional Journalists. Its members (almost 10,000 ...more
hide