Conan O’Brien recently addressed the challenges faced by comedians tackling political topics, particularly in the context of Donald Trump’s influence on the comedy landscape. During an appearance at Oxford University, the six-time Emmy-winning comedian expressed his concerns about the trend among some anti-Trump comedians who may be prioritizing anger over humor.
O’Brien acknowledged that while there are “very gifted political comedians,” he believes that navigating such a tumultuous subject can be complex. He likened the difficulty of making jokes about an outrageous political figure to attempting to parody The National Enquirer. “It’s a very tricky thing,” he stated, noting that it is easy for comedians to lose their way when trying to convey a message through their work.
Reflecting on his own experience, O’Brien mentioned that during his time as a talk show host, he often targeted both sides of the political spectrum. He remarked on the current political environment, saying, “Comedy needs a straight line to go off of, and we don’t have a straight line right now.” Instead, he described the situation as having a “very bendy, rubbery line,” making it challenging for comedians to find clarity in their material.
O’Brien pointed out that some comedians resort to simply expressing their anger toward Trump with repetitive phrases, such as “F Trump.” He cautioned, “You’ve been lulled into just saying ‘F Trump. F Trump. F Trump. Screw this guy,’ and I think you’ve now put down your best weapon, which is being funny, and you’ve exchanged it for anger.” This approach, he suggested, risks diluting the effectiveness of their comedy.
He emphasized the importance of humor in political commentary, advising anti-Trump comedians to “find a way to channel that anger.” O’Brien believes that “good art will always be a perfect weapon against power,” but cautioned that if artists merely scream in anger, they lose their most effective tool.
O’Brien’s remarks came shortly after he received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in March 2023. He expressed his desire to bring a sense of optimism and humor to the event, highlighting the role of comedy in addressing serious societal issues.
As political climates shift and grow increasingly complex, O’Brien’s insights serve as a reminder for comedians to prioritize wit over outrage, ensuring that their performances remain both impactful and entertaining.
