Modern Political Caricatures

Political humor has an extensive record in the United States, replete with examples of humorists and satirists lampooning political leaders, institutions, ideas and more. Dating back to at least before the beginning of the republic, satirists often ridiculed often ridiculed British leaders and policies as well colonial leaders. Thomas Nast’s cartoons about Boss Tweed are credited with helping bring down the infamous Tammany Ring. Mark Twain never tired of making jokes about Congress and its members. And contemporary late night talk show hosts of regularly lampoon political figures.

This book examines humorous depictions of political leaders in the television era. The book is divided into two parts, the first focusing on presidents, the second on vice presidents, presidential, and vice-presidential candidates. The book highlights the comedic and satirical characterizations of these political leaders presented on Saturday Night Live, various late night talk shows, other television programs (e.g., the HBO series Veep), The Onion, YouTube videos, editorial cartoons, and more. Both humorous and informative, this book allows readers to learn more about the leaders examined within and how they acquired their popular reputations and how their careers were impacted. It also sheds light on how political humor, both political comedy and political satire, function in the modern era.

Jody Baumgartner is Thomas Harriot College of Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor in the Department of Political Science, East Carolina University, USA.