Larry is joined by writer and comedian Andy Borowitz to discuss his new book 'Profiles in Ignorance" How America's Politicians Got Dumb and Dumber' which examines how the culture of anti-intellectualism in America has negatively shaped the modern political zeitgeist and some of its participants. Andy starts the conversation with some anecdotes from his time working on 'The Facts of Life' and 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air'.(4:02) They then pivot to a discussion about the three-part structure of the book beginning with the opening section 'Ridicule' which serves as a brief history of how the modern conservative movement has propped up uneducated candidates like Ronald Reagan to contrast with the 'egg-head' characteristics often sought after by the left.(19:41) Next, they talk about the 'Acceptance' phase which breaks down how raw charisma and mass media savvy propelled politicians like Sarah Palin, Bill Clinton and Donald Trump to mass popularity and positions of power.(40:03) After the break they get to the 'Celebration' chapter which examines how Trumpist firebrands like Ron DeSantis have became the face of the current GOP.(51:21) Larry and Andy end the pod by pondering if it's the politicians making the voters stupid or if the stupidity lies within the voters themselves?(1:09:52)
Host: Larry Wilmore
Guest: Andy Borowitz
Producer: Chris Sutton
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