On his deathbed, Edmund Gwenn quipped (allegedly): "Dying is easy. Comedy is hard."
For Jon Stewart over at The Daily Show, comedy is as easy as 1-2-3.
1. Start with an issue or circumstance that divides people, but few understand.
For example... Attempt to explain why Congress, the other big C, makes decisions that We the Taxpayers will pay dearly for. Meanwhile, We the Voters keep on paying them to make them.
2. Break it down in relative terms, via cultural references that people on both sides of the debate can relate to.
3. Know when to stop.
In this case, the second the British Colbert knockoff shows up.
A word of caution: If you're going to use a sight gag, don't use one that's been done by a rival talk show host recently - and better.
http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/tue-december-7-2010/supercuts
The Bottom Line: Today's youth may be bereft of a Dylan or Lennon, but at least satire is alive and well. You just have to know where to look.
Thanks Jon!
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