Will we see an end to political satire?

[anotheoldgit]

When the honeymoon period for Obama is over, will he be eligible to also receive all the brickbat that is periodically hurled at all other politicians and celebrities?

Due to his colour would lampooning him and his family, be classed as bad taste if not even racial?

Will we see an end to political satire in this case?

Could one imagine his wife being ridiculed as much as Mrs Blair has been in the past?

On LBC radio this morning the presenter was compairing Gordon Brown to Barack Obama, whereas he was making fun of Brown's features ie he said one eye looks west and one eye looks east, and he holds his jaw like he has lockjaw. While on the other hand he heaped nothing but praise on Obama.

He even said how beautiful Mrs Obama was, how stunning the French President's wife was, and then said but look at Sarah.............he cut short of saying her full name.

How stomach churning the media are being over the Obama's, it is so patronizing.

[Gromit]

Rest assured AOG, you can safely ridicule and lambast and take the Michael out of Obama for being a bad President as much as you like without it being racist.

But if you were to assert that he was no good because he was black (or part black or part white or whatever) then you will be in trouble.

As you say, he is now enjoying an honeymoon period. The jokes and barbs will come, there is no doubt about that.

[Kromovaracun]

As I recall, he was quite often taken the mick of in the primary season. Particularly when the Democratic nomination turned into a bitchfight.

[Hammer-Head]

Mrs. Blair came in for stick because she chose to place herself in a public position. The same cannot be said of Mrs. Brown who doesn't take any public role. It would be wrong for anyone to lampoon her. Similarly if Mrs. Obama places herself in a public position then she is fair game but not if she wishes to stay out of the limelight.

[Quinlad]

"making fun of Brown's features ie he said one eye looks west and one eye looks east, and he holds his jaw like he has lockjaw"

I'm not being funny, but is this what you mean when you say political satire?

[Quinlad]

Actually, this very topic was discussed at the opening of the New York Comedy Festival.

http://www.watoday.com.au/world/us-comedians-s harpen-claws-for-obama-presidency-20081106-5j7 u.html

[Oneeyedvic]

Mrs. Blair came in for stick because she chose to place herself in a public position. The same cannot be said of Mrs. Brown who doesn't take any public role. It would be wrong for anyone to lampoon her.

Someone didn't watch the last Labour party conference

[sp1814]

AOG

Not sure if you've seen Obama's wife...but she's absolutely beautiful.

Barack is, unfortunately for the lampooners, a ridiculously handsome man himself and the pair of them have very beautiful daughters.

They're just lucky to be sitting in a very fortunate gene pool.

However, you shouldn't be worried about the policial satirists sheathing their swords...they were pretty merciless with Jesse Jackson 15 years ago, so I doubt whether they will hold back on The Obamas.

[sp1814]

By the way...Michelle Obama looks amazing for 44. She must have a painting in the attic aging like crazy somewhere.

Great looking, great looking kids, handsome Presiden husband, intelligence...

...don't it just make yer wanna vom?

[Gromit]

Jon Stewart on the Daily Show (I doubt you watch it AOG) did an Obama joke tonight. Apparently, no one laughed, but it does prove that Barack is not immune from the pen of the satirists.

[sp1814]

Also, remember that politicians get a honeymoon period where everything is all rosy...John Major, Tony Blair, Gordon Brown, George W Bush...all enjoyed a degree of public affection...then it was back to normal.

[Quinlad]

http://www.theonion.com/content/index

[Octavius]

I guess when he has to start bending over backwards to appease and satisfy in congress, all those people who helped finance his extortionately expensive campaign, the knives will come out.

[anotheoldgit]

Gromit

Would it be quite in order for an impersonator such as Rory Bremner to black-up if he took off Obama?

[littleoldme]

I'm sure he'll be fair game for the satirists as soon as he makes a gaffe (and he will, nobody's perfect). As others have said, it's the reason for the satire that's important. Mocking his race would rightly be abhorred by decent minded people everywhere, mocking his deeds, should he foul up, would be absolutely fine. Mind you, after 8 years of the most disaster-prone president in my memory, he's got a tough act to follow. ;-)

[anotheoldgit]

Mocking his race would rightly be abhorred by decent minded people everywhere.

I cannot see why his race should be exempt from a certain amount of mockery, after all the white races are not exempt in any way whatsoever.

Only last night a certain late night radio chat show host said George Bush was a Banana eating Ape. Can you imagine if this had been said about anyone with a black skin? Bush has also been called a thick Texan cowboy.

[JockSporran]

sp1814 - what are you on about? I'm no oil painting myself, but I'm glad I don't look like Barak Obama. Handsome man, you say? He has ears like satellite dishes and plenty inspiration for caricaturists. Michelle Obama a stunningly beautiful woman, you think? I don't think so. I know a beautiful black woman when I see one, and I don't see one when I look at Meesh. By all means support Obama's policies but leave out the bullsh*t about looks, which have nothing to do with politics.

[Quinlad]

I think she's fit.

[DrFilth]

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=2Sbe73D9WnM


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[anotheoldgit]

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