Governor Greg Abbott of Texas addresses the crowd before President Donald Trump took the stage for a rally in support of Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Texas) on October 22, 2018 at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas.
I'm a Professional Comedy Writer — The GOP Has a 'Punching Down' Problem
When I envision the people I want leading this country, it’s people who have a baseline for decency.
There’s one rule in comedy so universal that it connects comics of every background, genre, and skill level: never punch down.
These three simple words can be the difference between being a headliner or being hated.
“Punching down” is more than being mean, rude, or vulgar. It’s the intentional act of attacking those in powerless positions. Going after the people who are most vulnerable. A specific type of cruelty and cowardice.
I’ve been a professional comedy writer for more than a decade, writing films, TV, standup, speeches, and more. I’ve performed in small towns and big cities, in countless rooms in front of every crowd. I’ve written jokes on behalf of celebrities and politicians alike. I’ve collaborated with hundreds of comedians and writers. For many years, I lived just steps away from The White House (an experience in its own right).
Right now, one party is objectively more cruel than the other.
I’ve seen a lot of things throughout my comedy career. Still, I’ve never seen anyone master punching down quite like the GOP.
From banning abortion to downplaying the need for gun control to championing the wealthy to ignoring climate change to dehumanizing immigrants and every issue in between, ‘cruelty’ isn’t some side plot for Republicans — it’s the star of their act. It’s what keeps them booked each night. It’s what keeps their names on the marquee.
And while Trump may have been the opener (and a cruel one), there is no shortage of other performers involved.
Take the most recent example: Greg Abbott, Republican Texas Governor. In April, Abbott began sending migrants who arrived at the Texas-Mexico border to other sanctuary cities via bus as a way to antagonize the Biden administration.
This past Christmas Eve, right on cue, Gov. Abbott sent busloads of migrants from Texas to Vice President Kamala Harris' residence in Washington, D.C., leaving them stranded on the road in freezing temperatures.
"Governor Abbott abandoned children on the side of the road in below-freezing temperatures on Christmas Eve without coordinating with any Federal or local authorities," said White House representative, Abdullah Hasan, "This was a cruel, dangerous, and shameful stunt."
It’s not the first time a Republican official has pulled this kind of humorless stunt.
To be fair: comedians and politicians are not one in the same, but they do have similar jobs. Both need to understand their audience, develop fresh ideas, connect on an authentic level, build an enthusiastic base, get their message out, and now, make TikToks.
Like good comedy, good policy requires both empathy and awareness. Politicians can use their powers for good or for evil. With a captive audience and a built-in platform, they can either protect the powerful or hold them accountable. They can either speak truth or sell out. They can create a brighter world or create a bigger wallet.
In other words: we don’t like when our comedians punch down, so why should it be any different for our politicians?
I’m not naive. I’m not suggesting that the Democratic Party is perfect by any stretch of the imagination. But when I envision the people I want leading this country, it’s people who have a baseline for decency. People who don’t take cheap shots. People who want to serve others, not serve themselves. People who are compassionate, not cruel. Right now, one party is objectively more cruel than the other.
The question isn’t whether or not the GOP has a punching down problem, it’s whether their audience will continue to pay for the same old show or realize that there are candidates out there actually worth cheering for.
Until then, they will continue to treat their constituents more like punchlines than people. And as long as they keep getting elected, the joke will be on hard-working Americans.
We are at a crossroads
This country and this world are at a monumental crossroads. US voters have an opportunity to beat back the forces of fascism and confront the billionaires who are rigging the economy, our media system, and our democracy, making it increasingly impossible for ordinary people to get by. We’re not just talking about the election. We’re talking about what must be done once these fascist elements are vanquished from power. We need a bolder set of solutions than what either major party has so far been willing to offer and a working-class movement ready to fight like hell for it. Trump didn't emerge from nowhere. The conditions that fueled MAGA authoritarianism were created by decades of radical neoliberal economic policies and a corrupt political system dominated by corporate interests. They slashed taxes on the super-rich, promising that the benefits would trickle down. They said giveaways to the corporate titans would make life more affordable for the rest of us. It was all bullshit. And when a bitter, betrayed populace searches for someone to blame, right-wing demagogues have little trouble finding scapegoats. People know when they're being lied to, but you won't hear any of this from the corporate media. Only independent journalism—powered and funded by people who believe in building a better world—can deliver truly trustworthy daily news. Our Fall Campaign is underway, and we need your help. To power our newsroom through the rest of the year, we need to raise $125,000 by midnight on October 31. So if you share our vision, please contribute whatever you can to sustain our work. |
There’s one rule in comedy so universal that it connects comics of every background, genre, and skill level: never punch down.
These three simple words can be the difference between being a headliner or being hated.
“Punching down” is more than being mean, rude, or vulgar. It’s the intentional act of attacking those in powerless positions. Going after the people who are most vulnerable. A specific type of cruelty and cowardice.
I’ve been a professional comedy writer for more than a decade, writing films, TV, standup, speeches, and more. I’ve performed in small towns and big cities, in countless rooms in front of every crowd. I’ve written jokes on behalf of celebrities and politicians alike. I’ve collaborated with hundreds of comedians and writers. For many years, I lived just steps away from The White House (an experience in its own right).
Right now, one party is objectively more cruel than the other.
I’ve seen a lot of things throughout my comedy career. Still, I’ve never seen anyone master punching down quite like the GOP.
From banning abortion to downplaying the need for gun control to championing the wealthy to ignoring climate change to dehumanizing immigrants and every issue in between, ‘cruelty’ isn’t some side plot for Republicans — it’s the star of their act. It’s what keeps them booked each night. It’s what keeps their names on the marquee.
And while Trump may have been the opener (and a cruel one), there is no shortage of other performers involved.
Take the most recent example: Greg Abbott, Republican Texas Governor. In April, Abbott began sending migrants who arrived at the Texas-Mexico border to other sanctuary cities via bus as a way to antagonize the Biden administration.
This past Christmas Eve, right on cue, Gov. Abbott sent busloads of migrants from Texas to Vice President Kamala Harris' residence in Washington, D.C., leaving them stranded on the road in freezing temperatures.
"Governor Abbott abandoned children on the side of the road in below-freezing temperatures on Christmas Eve without coordinating with any Federal or local authorities," said White House representative, Abdullah Hasan, "This was a cruel, dangerous, and shameful stunt."
It’s not the first time a Republican official has pulled this kind of humorless stunt.
To be fair: comedians and politicians are not one in the same, but they do have similar jobs. Both need to understand their audience, develop fresh ideas, connect on an authentic level, build an enthusiastic base, get their message out, and now, make TikToks.
Like good comedy, good policy requires both empathy and awareness. Politicians can use their powers for good or for evil. With a captive audience and a built-in platform, they can either protect the powerful or hold them accountable. They can either speak truth or sell out. They can create a brighter world or create a bigger wallet.
In other words: we don’t like when our comedians punch down, so why should it be any different for our politicians?
I’m not naive. I’m not suggesting that the Democratic Party is perfect by any stretch of the imagination. But when I envision the people I want leading this country, it’s people who have a baseline for decency. People who don’t take cheap shots. People who want to serve others, not serve themselves. People who are compassionate, not cruel. Right now, one party is objectively more cruel than the other.
The question isn’t whether or not the GOP has a punching down problem, it’s whether their audience will continue to pay for the same old show or realize that there are candidates out there actually worth cheering for.
Until then, they will continue to treat their constituents more like punchlines than people. And as long as they keep getting elected, the joke will be on hard-working Americans.
- Dems Say GOP Rep-Elect George Santos Should Face Expulsion as He Admits to Lying About His Background ›
- If They Retake Congress, Republicans Plan to Make Trump Tax Cuts for Rich Permanent ›
- It Is Bizarre--and Very Alarming--That the GOP Could Win This Thing ›
There’s one rule in comedy so universal that it connects comics of every background, genre, and skill level: never punch down.
These three simple words can be the difference between being a headliner or being hated.
“Punching down” is more than being mean, rude, or vulgar. It’s the intentional act of attacking those in powerless positions. Going after the people who are most vulnerable. A specific type of cruelty and cowardice.
I’ve been a professional comedy writer for more than a decade, writing films, TV, standup, speeches, and more. I’ve performed in small towns and big cities, in countless rooms in front of every crowd. I’ve written jokes on behalf of celebrities and politicians alike. I’ve collaborated with hundreds of comedians and writers. For many years, I lived just steps away from The White House (an experience in its own right).
Right now, one party is objectively more cruel than the other.
I’ve seen a lot of things throughout my comedy career. Still, I’ve never seen anyone master punching down quite like the GOP.
From banning abortion to downplaying the need for gun control to championing the wealthy to ignoring climate change to dehumanizing immigrants and every issue in between, ‘cruelty’ isn’t some side plot for Republicans — it’s the star of their act. It’s what keeps them booked each night. It’s what keeps their names on the marquee.
And while Trump may have been the opener (and a cruel one), there is no shortage of other performers involved.
Take the most recent example: Greg Abbott, Republican Texas Governor. In April, Abbott began sending migrants who arrived at the Texas-Mexico border to other sanctuary cities via bus as a way to antagonize the Biden administration.
This past Christmas Eve, right on cue, Gov. Abbott sent busloads of migrants from Texas to Vice President Kamala Harris' residence in Washington, D.C., leaving them stranded on the road in freezing temperatures.
"Governor Abbott abandoned children on the side of the road in below-freezing temperatures on Christmas Eve without coordinating with any Federal or local authorities," said White House representative, Abdullah Hasan, "This was a cruel, dangerous, and shameful stunt."
It’s not the first time a Republican official has pulled this kind of humorless stunt.
To be fair: comedians and politicians are not one in the same, but they do have similar jobs. Both need to understand their audience, develop fresh ideas, connect on an authentic level, build an enthusiastic base, get their message out, and now, make TikToks.
Like good comedy, good policy requires both empathy and awareness. Politicians can use their powers for good or for evil. With a captive audience and a built-in platform, they can either protect the powerful or hold them accountable. They can either speak truth or sell out. They can create a brighter world or create a bigger wallet.
In other words: we don’t like when our comedians punch down, so why should it be any different for our politicians?
I’m not naive. I’m not suggesting that the Democratic Party is perfect by any stretch of the imagination. But when I envision the people I want leading this country, it’s people who have a baseline for decency. People who don’t take cheap shots. People who want to serve others, not serve themselves. People who are compassionate, not cruel. Right now, one party is objectively more cruel than the other.
The question isn’t whether or not the GOP has a punching down problem, it’s whether their audience will continue to pay for the same old show or realize that there are candidates out there actually worth cheering for.
Until then, they will continue to treat their constituents more like punchlines than people. And as long as they keep getting elected, the joke will be on hard-working Americans.
- Dems Say GOP Rep-Elect George Santos Should Face Expulsion as He Admits to Lying About His Background ›
- If They Retake Congress, Republicans Plan to Make Trump Tax Cuts for Rich Permanent ›
- It Is Bizarre--and Very Alarming--That the GOP Could Win This Thing ›