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Impact of Campaign Humor on Our Democracy

By Mark Scott

http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-699023.mp3

Buffalo, NY – The late night comics are relentless when it comes to making fun of the presidential candidates. But is this constant ribbing tainting the way Americans view their politicians.

You remember the "Saturday Night Live" parody of Gerald Ford. Actor Chevy Chase, portraying Ford, would trip and stumble. Before long, many people perceived Ford as a bumbler even though he was, perhaps, the nation's most athletic president.

Now, 30 years later, shows like the "Daily Show" and "Colbert Report" lampoon the candidates nightly. Is this good for our democracy? To help answer this question, we're joined by Bruce Bryski, an associate professor of Communications at Buffalo State.

Click the "listen" icon above to hear Mark Scott's interview now or use your podcasting software to download it to your computer or iPod.