General Discussion

It isn't very effective, and the audience ends up consisting solely of people who already agree with them. There's no enlightenment, no persuasion, no conversion. It's choir preaching of the highest order.

Laughter breaks down barriers, provides for an opening in thinking, and allows people to let down their guard. It trades in common humanity.

The professional ranter comedians are so . . . unenjoyable. They have no joy, no happiness. The exude either deep sarcastic unhappiness or totally insufferable self-regard. It's unwatchable unless you're already on their team. And even then, as in my case, the insufferability undermines everything to the point of disinterest.

Conan's joyful. Give me that vibe every day of the week. That doesn't mean a rejection of politics. It means a rejection of bitterness.

Bitterness is unpleasant to be around for any extended period of time. When a comedian trades in endless bitterness, where's the fun? It's what killed Samantha Bee for me. I loved, loved, loved her on the Daily Show. Then she got her own show and screamed at people the entire time.

Tapped right on out of that one.