Staff Reports
In a recent article by Politico, the reasons behind liberal late-night hosts’ reluctance to poke fun at President Joe Biden were unveiled. Despite ample material to work with, comedians are choosing to steer clear of ridiculing Biden, according to the publication’s report. Biden’s rejuvenating approach from liberal comics has been emphasized, as they engage in “ultra-friendly exchanges” with the 81-year-old president.
The article pointed out Biden’s susceptibility as a source of comedic material, given his reputation for gaffes and mishaps. However, despite his ripe potential as a comic target, Biden has largely evaded the level of mockery that past presidents have experienced. The article highlighted a speech by “The Late Show’s” Stephen Colbert at a Hollywood fundraiser for Biden, during which Colbert heavily criticized former President Donald Trump while praising Biden for his “decency.”
NOT BREAKING: @StephenAtHome and his fellow late-night Nazis are retarded and they hate America. This isn't news. But now the Propaganda Ministry is just admitting it is true that they are ALL complete shit. BTW, fuck you, Colbert. You're vermin. https://t.co/PKAjckCAjF
— Rex_Tudor_Coup (@iamgnurr) May 6, 2024
Politico acknowledged the one-sided and cautious approach late-night hosts take in their criticisms of Biden, attributing this shift in comedic style to the Trump era. The article suggested that late-night hosts now see themselves as barriers against Trump and are careful not to let their humor be perceived as furthering his interests. In contrast, Trump has been an easy target for late-night hosts and writers in the past, as evidenced by the lighthearted treatment he received on a 2016 Jimmy Fallon episode.
A Media Research Center study revealed that 81 percent of political jokes made by mainstream late-night hosts targeted conservatives. This data supports the observation that late-night comedy has shifted towards a more cautious and one-sided approach, particularly when it comes to mocking Biden.
