Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Pundits and Comedians - Louis CK, Jackie Mason and Eugene Mirman

Punditry and Comedy go hand in hand. Comedians have traditionally been society's most incisive, outspoken and accessible voices. Comedy historically providing refuge and relief for the masses in times of prosperity or peril. You could argue that Comedy illuminates issues whilst making people laugh. Whereas Punditry illuminates whilst making people angry. Perverse entertainment.

A considerable number of the APF roster is made up of comedians: Marc Maron, Sam Seder, Janeane Garofalo, Al Franken, Pete Dominick, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, Stephanie Miller and Bill Maher. Some independents but the majority left leaning. You can read a full accounting of past professions for today's pundits here - The road to punditry (Part 1 of 2)

So far the APF doesn't have any Conservative comedian pundits (that will soon change). Though people will argue that Rush Limbaugh and Ann Coulter are comedians . The most prominent comedian conservative is likely Dennis Miller, most notable for his regular 'Miller Time' segments with Bill O'Reilly.

Another prominent conservative comedian is Jackie Mason. Though not officially a pundit, he has reinvented himself as a political commentator. Releasing a political book in 2008, crisply titled 'Schmucks!: Our Favorite Fakes, Frauds, Lowlifes, Liars, the Armed and Dangerous, and Good Guys Gone Bad'. Jackie appeared with numerous radio talkers to promote it, including Mark Levin and liberal Cenk Uygur of the 'Young Turks'.

Mason expresses his political opinion via his blog and YouTube channel.
VIDEO: Jackie Mason - Obama wants to Stimulate Everything but the economy

Mark Levin to start his February 13th show, recently featured a funny clip between comedian Louis CK and Conan O'Brien to kick off the show. Mark Levin used the bit the segue into how the left dwell in misery and take what liberty has given them for granted.
Mark Levin on Louis CK's bit
There was a great segment on the Conan O'Brien show back in December. Our hat tip to the National Review's The Corner... We've talked about this before, the wonderful things we have access to that makes our lives better... and yet we complain about it all the time... one of the reasons is the left wants you unhappy all the time... While what he's saying is very funny. It's very true...

This comedian said it very, very well. We have to cut through the non stop negative attacks on this society that we hear from the liberal media and the liberal politician. We have to cherish our freedom and all that it provides us. Because if we didn't have it what a disaster that would be.
- Listen to the February 13th Mark Levin show

Watch video of the comedy routine Mark Levin was referencing,
VIDEO: Louis C.K with Conan O'Brien on modern life

For those interested in Comedy, Sam Seder and Marc Marc Maron's show 'Break Room Live' has been featuring comedic guests and friends this past week. Notably Eugene Mirman and of Kristen Schaal, best known for starring in HBO's Flight of the Conchords.
- Listen to the 'Eugene Mirman' episode (Feb 11)
- Listen to the 'Kristen Schaal' episode (Feb 13)

Hosts Marc Maron and Sam Seder are comedians themselves with many comedian friends. Their programming is a reliable source for comedic guests. Previous guests have included Sarah Silverman, David Cross, Louis CK, Dave Chappelle and Sam's old co-host Janeane Garofalo.

- Read Dennis Miller's bio
- Read Jackie Mason's bio
- Read Louis CK's bio
- Read Eugene Mirman's bio
- Go to Kristen Schaal's myspace page

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Also, RooftopComedy has a video interview with Eugene Mirman on their site:

http://www.rooftopcomedy.com/watch/Tight5iveEugeneMirmanInterview

I can't wait to check out his new book.