He’s been derided as just another celebrity politician and even called a clown by a fellow Senator – which was meant as an insult. However, despite his recent denials on the Today Show, Senator Franken is a Comedian. And that makes him historic. The court jester has always existed, occasionally losing their heads, but never taking the reigns of power for themselves. Senator Franken has crossed a line.
"Anyone can withstand criticism, no one withstands ridicule."
The above quote was attributed to Moliere, by a theater teacher of mine many years ago. I have occasionally looked, but never found a confirming source as to its authenticity. The story relayed to me was that Moliere was approached by a group of fellow playwrights, theater critics, and others offended by his often raunchy comedic decapitations of business and political leaders of the day. The group’s argument was that if Moliere had an issue with these individuals and the institutions they represent then he should write a proper drama criticizing their shortcomings. Moliere’s response:
"Anyone can withstand criticism, no one withstands ridicule."
Stephen Colbert displayed Moliere’s retort in action at the infamous Press Association Dinner. Mr. Colbert new exactly what he was doing with his modern rendition of ‘The Emperor Has No Clothes.’ The media elite never deferred to Bush in quite the same way again. They had been more than shamed. They were ridiculed, and it worked.
Jon Stewart mocked Crossfire, and the show was canceled. Jim Kramer learned a lesson from that particular broadcast – don’t let Jon Stewart come on your show. Better to go where your audience doesn’t watch.
But Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are commentators, throwing their whipped cream pies from the wings of power. The jester has always played this role, done so faithfully, and stayed put. But Senator Franken has crossed a line.
You can't really effectively fake a laugh. All art seeks truth, but only Comedy always knows definitively when truth has been found. It is either funny, or not. We're conditioned to think that Drama holds greater sway over our collective consciousness, but that's simply not true. The Oscars were created as a marketing device, and Comedy simply doesn't need the help. Comedy can do everything that Drama does, and more. Comedy inspires passion, invokes action, and holds a mirror to both the best and worst transgressions of humanity. Yet Comedy does one thing more. Comedy cuts. A good joke can inspire joy from a general audience while bringing nothing but pain from its intended target. A well placed barb is supposed to sting.
The pen is mightier than the sword only when sharpened by a piercing wit. The Right can criticize Senator Franken all it wants. That can be withstood. They should know that Senator Franken comes to this fight ridiculously well armed. Best not to cross the Comedian with power.