Chuck asks three comedians/satirists if their form of political comedy is increasing American's cynicism, while admitting his own refusal to ask tough questions.
December 28, 2014

No one ever accused Chuck Todd of being too smart, especially when he surrounds himself with a few quick-witted satirists. They might call him a softball interviewer, but never too cerebral.

Lewis Black, W. Kamau Bell and Laura Krafft joined Chuck at the round table. Chuckie asked if the Daily Show has outlived its relevance, based on this article by Salon.com. The article asserts that Jon Stewart far too often takes the position that, yes, both sides do it.

But coming as it did from a guy who mocks activists, ridicules earnestness and downplays the sincerity of the left and right’s political differences, it was annoying as well as hypocritical. If liberals want to see more of the kind of direct action that’s characterized the Occupy Wall Street and #blacklivesmatter movements — if they really want to comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable — they’re going to have to embrace a political vision that has grown beyond the idiosyncratic limitations of Jon Stewart.

Todd seems to think all left-leaning political comedy can be lumped into the format of The Daily Show. When asked if comedians are contributing to the cynicism, Lewis Black argued that no, comedians are not responsible. They are simply a measure of the collective rage that plagues the electorate.

Krafft explained that comedians have a heightened sense of truth, so you feel as if you trust a comedian more. They are not tainted by corporate donations, although the three joked that they'd accept donations if any corporation is willing.

Black thought that his style of comedy would be too angry. Turns out, it's just the opposite, he found that people were even angrier than he was --which is saying a lot. It's the "bubble" of Washington that makes people uneasy. He says

there's a sense of disenfranchisement now that I think that is seen in the number of people who went and voted. I have just never experienced this in my lifetime. What you and everybody else, when these people come on, you just sit there, and I, uh, I'd be barking at them (guests).

Todd replies,

The first time we bark is the last time they do your show.

What I don't understand is why Chuck needs the exact same Republican mouthpieces to come on the show. Surely there are enough guests to go around, no?

Kamau Bell made the best point.

Essentially, he said comedians are allowed to bark, but then again, so does Fox News. The left-leaning media is afraid of barking.

So it's settled. Comedians and far right wing lunatics on Fox News all have the right to be open and honest while self-proclaimed mainstream media guy Chuck Todd, has to sugarcoat everything so his guests return.

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