Humor as a Political Arm
October 4, 2024
I am not alone in thinking humor is a highly effective political tool. When used well, humor can sway public opinion, shape narratives, and dismantle opponents in ways that facts and logic alone cannot. Nicolaas Veul, in his column for Vrij Nederland, titled "Trumps Lulletje," (Trump a little dick), touches on a phenomenon that is not just limited to the U.S. but resonates across the globe: the political right seems to wield humor with ease, while the left often resorts to moralizing, which is far less effective.
Veul highlights an interesting dynamic—humor as a vehicle for expressing extreme viewpoints, particularly on issues like sexism, discrimination, and misinformation. In many instances, right-wing politicians use humor to legitimize outrageous or offensive ideas, turning ridicule into a shield. Meanwhile, the left, often attempting to correct these perspectives with serious rebuttals, ends up playing the unwanted role of the humorless scold.
However, Veul also points to an example where the left has successfully turned the tables. U.S. Vice Presidential candidate Waltz framed both Trump and JD Vance as 'weird,' using humor to diminish their stature. It is a simple yet potent tactic. Similarly, former President Obama famously joked about Trump’s obsession with the size of his crowds, even humorously alluding to Trump’s private parts. These moments weren’t just lighthearted jabs; they undercut Trump’s image and resonated with the audience, defining who had the upper hand in the room.
Humor in politics works because no one wants to be the person standing at a comedy show who becomes the butt of the joke. As Veul notes, humor puts people in a position where they either laugh at the joke or risk being the target of it. In today's political landscape, where sound bites, memes, and viral moments dominate, humor is an essential weapon. It can cut through the noise, make complex ideas digestible, and, perhaps most importantly, humanize or diminish a political figure in a way that facts and figures rarely can.
There’s much more to be said on this topic, but one thing is clear: humor is no laughing matter in politics—it is a strategic arm. And those who master it often end up with the upper hand.
Miguel Goede
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