It's a valid question, even in light of the specter of Satanism rearing its seven heads over Delaware last week. Actually, maybe that's the quick and dirty answer to my question: The reality of the Tea Party is funnier than any airplane food joke Christine O'Donnell could tell at the Improv.
The operative word here, of course, is "good." One article addressed this very issue last year, showcasing -- along with the likes of Colin Quinn and Nick DiPaolo -- several comics you'd never heard of (and still haven't). The money quote comes from one of them:
Between liberals and conservatives, liberals always support the arts more.
Yes, I can see how that would be a problem.
But in all...comedic seriousness, when one considers those comics at the top of their game right now, the majority are of a decidedly leftist or (increasingly) libertarian bent. I'm thinking specifically of people like Chris Rock, Lewis Black, and Patton Oswalt. Even those without overt leanings one way or the other hold pretty liberal views on most issues (Louis CK on gay marriage, for example).
Again, this isn't to say there isn't anybody working in stand-up at the other end of the political spectrum...just that none of them are very funny. Today I want to look at a few common examples of right-wing comics that are often thrown out there, examine their actual conservative bona fides, and determine just how humorous they really are. For purposes of this exercise, we're going to stick with living people the average person is likely to know.
Dane Cook Conservative Credentials: Bits include wishing an atheist gets reincarnated as a Bible and going to great lengths to make fun of guys who defend their racism by saying they've "got a black friend" by talking about his black friend. Bleeding Heart Factors: Constantly referring to everyone as "bro" bespeaks a certain universalism. And "SuFi" could be a veiled reference to that mystical branch of Islam. Is He Funny? How you answer this depends on your tolerance for the use of "sangwich" as a punchline.
Drew Carey Conservative Credentials: A supporter of fiscal conservatism, he distances himself from the right on social issues and is a significant contributor to reason.tv, a Libertarian web site; hosts The Price Is Right, the most overtly capitalist show on television. Bleeding Heart Factors: Criticized Bush over Iraq war...pro-medical marijuana...once had nipples pierced. Is He Funny? Dirty Jokes and Beer had its moments, especially the "My Dick Is So Big..." chapter.
