Trump Was a Joke: How Satire Made Sense of a President Who Didn't Sophia A Mcclennen 9781032278018

* Trump Was a Joke offers the best, most-comprehensive guide yet to the power of political satire in shaping public opinion during turbulent political times. This exploration in satire and trump includes a foreword by American documentary filmmaker, author, and left-wing activist Michael Moore.

* Would be recommended reading in for any undergraduate or master's level students studying communications, comedy studies, media studies, political science, rhetoric, and American studies (particularly in the US)

* The closest competitors have studied the connection between satire and politics, but so far none have focused on how political comedy has taken on rising significance as an influencer in public perception and political action during the Trump era. This book is unique in that it offers a wide audience a sharp, witty, yet academically-grounded, inside guide to the role that satire has played in shaping public debate and political action.

Sophia A. McClennen is Director of the Center for Global Studies and Professor of International Affairs and Comparative Literature at Pennsylvania State University, State College, PA.

"This book explains the various ways that satire stepped up and helped us make sense of the most confounding and catastrophic president of all time. It shows us how satire builds communities, keeps us from falling into a catatonic state of depression, and helps us think in more advanced ways about how to handle crises. It even shows us how satire can work to defend democracy when politicians and the media don't. I've learned a lot from this book and hope you will too." - Michael Moore, award-winning filmmaker, author, and activist

''Sophia McClennen's new book is a fantastically readable analysis of why ironic comedy has become so important in politics today. It confirms what I witnessed myself as a political comedian in Egypt during the Arab Spring: The crazier the politicians get; the more valuable political comedy becomes for the public. As I learned myself and as this book proves, when absurd politicians take power, it is hard to use reason against them, but it can be easy to use satire. McClennen convincingly shows how satirical comedy helps reason triumph over political repression. Even better, Trump Was a Joke reminds us that when you're laughing, you can't be afraid.'' Bassem Youssef, the "Jon Stewart of Egypt" and author of Revolution for Dummies: Laughing Through the Arab Spring

''Trump Was a Joke offers the best, most-comprehensive guide yet to the power of political satire in shaping public opinion during turbulent political times. It is a must-read account of how political satire has come to play such a dominant role in contemporary politics, especially in the era of populist leaders and the global war on truth. It does an excellent job of explaining how being seriously funny can have serious impact on keeping us sane and it shows us how satire can work as a powerful political tactic.'' Srdja Popovic, author of Blueprint for Revolution: How to Use Rice Pudding, Lego Men, and Other Nonviolent Techniques to Galvanize Communities, Overthrow Dictators, or Simply Change the World