The editor of The New Yorker Magazine which specializes in satirical cartoons is asking his readers and the public to believe that he is too stupid to know what is and is not satirical; he is asking his readers and the public to believe that he is too stupid to anticipate the reactions of his readers and the public to the cover he has chosen for his magazine.
The editor of The New Yorker Magazine which specializes in satirical cartoons is asking his readers and the public to agree with him that anyone who doesn't see the obvious satirical intent is stupid and anyone who anticipates reactions from his readers or the public that fail to appreciate the obvious satirical intent is an elitist.
He takes pride in this Gordian Knot of bullshit logic.
The cover of this magazine is not a satirical cartoon; it's part of a political smear campaign.
Expect more of this as we get closer to Election Day. Expect it on the Eve of Election Day.
Expect it on the front page of the least likely newspaper. Expect it in a News Bulletin or Special Broadcast from the least likely television or radio source. Expect it in an email from the least likely source. Expect it on a website where you never thought you would see it. Expect the Department of Homeland Security to hold another phony press conference to announce it and take questions from more phony reporters about it.
Expect it to play on people's fears, angers, confusions and prejudices.