Satire & The State focuses on performance-based satire most often seen in sketch comedy from 1960 to the present and explores how sketch comedy has shaped the way Americans view the president and themselves. Numerous sketch comedy portrayals of presidents that have seeped into the American consciousness â Chevy Chaseâs Gerald Ford Dana Carveyâs George H. W. Bush and Will Ferrellâs George W. Bush all worked to shape the actual politicianâs public persona. The book analyzes these sketches and many others illustrating how comedy is at the heart of the health and function of American democracy. At its best satire aimed at the presidency can work as a populist check on executive power becoming one of the most important weapons for everyday Americans against tyranny and political corruption. At its worst satire can reflect and promote racism misogyny and homophobia in America. Written for students of Theatre Performance Political Science and Media Studies courses as well as readers with an interest in political comedy Satire & The State offers a deeper understanding of the relationship between comedy and the presidency and the ways in which satire becomes a window into the culture principles and beliefs of a country. . Language: English