Political Satire

With the elections right around the corner, political satire has become common in various media outlets including newspapers, magazines, and television shows like "Saturday Night Live". As we read about political and persuasive speech, I think that the recent popularity of such satire is very much political persuasive speech because it defends or makes fun of one side of the election. As we see on SNL skits about Sarah Palin, the intention is to make her look ridiculous to the United States. As a mode of persuasive speech we can infer that they are attempting to slander her character and persuade people that she really is unfit for the job. On the same note, these media outlets are really showing their political choices by not equally spoofing both parties but rather just one. This to me makes an more powerful persuasive statement.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdDqSvJ6aHc

The reading I found regarding politics and comedy looks closer into the life of Al Franken, a comedian turn politician, and the relationship of politics and comedy. This article dissects the effects of comedy on politics and questions the role each plays. Is it okay for politicians to be funny? Is there a line that must be drawn. Is comedy a type of persuasive speech? We can think about these things as we examine what the article has to say.

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