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What me worry?: Bring back MAD magazine to cover the 2024 election

 

MAD Magazine's departure from the regular publication landscape in 2018 marked the end of an era in satire. It is not on newstands or in bookstores, but it is available online.  There is presently only a summer 2024 edition: https://subscriptions.dccomics.com/mad . It is no longer published monthly.

 

For decades, MAD was not just a humor magazine but a cultural institution that influenced multiple generations. Its sharp satire, coupled with its distinctive and often surreal artwork, set it apart from other publications.

MAD's unique approach was its ability to poke fun at all sides of the political spectrum, never aligning itself with any particular ideology. This balanced critique made it both beloved and feared, as it spared no one from its sharp wit. The magazine's irreverence was reflected in its recurring features like "Spy vs. Spy," "The Lighter Side," and the iconic fold-in back covers.

The acquisition by DC Comics and the subsequent republishing of past issues keep MAD's legacy alive, but the void it left as a source of fresh, contemporary satire is palpable. In today's polarized media landscape, where many outlets are often perceived as leaning one way or another, the loss of a publication like MAD, which consistently skewered both sides with equal zeal, is deeply felt by those who valued its unique brand of humor.

The 2024 election indeed has a cast of characters that seem tailor-made for satire, especially in the vein of MAD magazine. Trump's comment about supporting Electric Vehicles due to Elon Musk's campaign contributions, whether serious or tongue-in-cheek, is a prime example of the absurdity that often accompanies his rhetoric. Biden's sometimes meandering statements can be a challenge to follow, providing ample material for humorists. Vice President Harris's biracial identity, although a sensitive subject in political discourse, could be satirically explored, especially in the way politicians and the media address identity politics. Meanwhile, J.D. Vance, with his views on women, provides a stark contrast to modern feminist perspectives, making his positions ripe for parody.  Once you add Trump’s sullen wife and his family, you have the recipe for a MAD issue.

The political landscape is full of contradictions, exaggerations, and oddities that MAD magazine thrived on, and the current election cycle is no exception.

 If there is a god of humor, I would plead with him or her to resurrect MAD magazine and bring a new issue of sublime satire on this phase of the election cycle.  I imagine the god of humor as Madeline Kahn, Mel Brooks or Bob Newhart.  Lord knows we need some humor in these strange times.

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