Download - Politics & Late-Night TV
Dr. Kristen LandrevilleFri. 10/08, Mon. 10/11, & Wed. 10/13
Laughing Matters, Ch. 13-14
Politics & Late-Night TV
Ch. 13 – SNL DebatesCh. 13 is a rhetorical analysis of SNL debate spoofs
Review of how persuasion strategies impact public outcomes
Politics in Rhetorical TermsRhetorical genres: tragedy, comedy, satire, epic, grotesque,
etc.Politics is tragedyPublic wants comedy to relieve tragedy
Comedy eases tension, seeks exposure of criticism, and reconciliation of error
SNL Comedians play roles, rather than making direct
commentaryLess abrasive and more comic clown than Stewart, ColbertAppearances signal acceptance and redemption through
comic frame2000 – High impact2004 – Low impact
Debates in US HistoryDebates since 18th CenturyLincoln-Douglas 1858
First televised debate1960 Kennedy v. Nixon80% Viewershiphttp://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MmOlTR-yNf0&feature=related (start at 4:35)
ImpactImage-based decision-making Debate coachingNext debate, 1976No. 1 watched campaign event
Notable Debate MomentsThese moments impacted election
outcomes.1976: Carter v. Ford
Ford’s gaffe about Eastern Europe and Communism
1980: Carter v. Reaganhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=px7aRIhU
kHY1992: Bush v. Clinton v. Perot
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ffbFvKlWqE
2000 Presidential Debate Analysis1st Presidential Debate: Gore v. Bush
Focus on domestic issuesHighlight reel of notable momentshttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F9pqmW-
D14I&feature=related SNL Parody (go to 3:13 minutes in)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5BAx6Ib81Y4
Influence of SNLGore adapted his personalityGore called chameleonDip in Gore’s poll numbers
2004 Presidential Debate Analysis1st Presidential Debate: Bush v. Kerry
Focus on Iraq, Afghanistan, terrorism, security
SNL ParodyFocus on Kerry’s pandering and flip-floppingFocus on Bush’s “it’s hard” attitude and
annoyed demeanorInfluence of SNL
Parody not as strong
2008 VP Debate AnalysisVice-Presidential Debate: Palin v. Biden
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bOy7FQb2o6k&feature=fvw
SNL Parody (go to 9:45)http://vodpod.com/watch/1059829-snl-biden-palin-
debate
In-Class Assignment #10How does SNL parody Palin and Biden?What characteristics are exaggerated?How accurate is the parody of Palin and Biden?Do you think the SNL parody influenced anyone?
Ch. 14’s ArgumentStewart denies power, influence, agenda,
and platform.
Crossfire cancellation proof of influence
Daily Show rejects the 4 information biases
Daily Show is a new journalism
Exposing the Political SpectacleStewart’s description of news media
Political campaigns as “product launches”“Spectators at a sales pitch.”News as theater
Remedies1.Art: Works independent of symbiotic relationship
Daily Show beholden to no oneNot dependent on official or privileged access
2.Counterdiscourses: Challenge hegemony, undermine presuppositions, offer alternativesStewart’s alternative journalismAbandon normative assumptions
Questioning ObjectivityStewart’s Criticisms of ObjectivityTwo sides stick to talking pointsMaintains status quoMedia is the moderator only, not a judge of BSReasons: Want biggest audience as possible Stay neutral Take two sides’ arguments at face value Don’t challenge the BS
Daily Show example (start at 1:20)http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-
august-23-2004/kerry-controversy
Addressing Bennett’s 4 BiasesStewart’s AnalysisPartisan or political bias? No
“The bias of the media is not liberal—it’s lazy. It’s sensationalist. But, it’s not liberal.”
Bennett’s 4 biases YesDramatization and personalization (start at 5:05)http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/mon-october-18-2004/indecision-2004---they-kill--but-they-love
The Indexing HypothesisIndexing Hypothesis DefinitionThe journalistic practice of opening or closing the news gates to citizen activists and a broader range of views.News media index, or rely on, officials and elites.Pack mentality exacerbates this.ExampleDaily Show uses juxtaposition to reveal indexing hypothesisAl Sharpton’s Speech at 2004 Democratic National ConventionMedia criticizes, downplays, and marginalizes him
The New JournalismReveal the political spectacleAbandon objectivityShowcase the absurdity of the 4 biasesDemonstrate the symbiotic relationship
between news media and politics