Is humour a viable political tool?

Does political satire/humour have an effect on political change in the United States of America, and if so, how?

I don't think so. I occassionally see one where I might say...."Ain't that the truth." And then others I might think are too hateful and mean-spirited when they are blasting something or someone I support. Not always, sometimes it is funny...even in that case. But bottom line, I don't think they bring about any change in people's political opinions. I look at them as nothing but someone else's opinion.

I think humor, especially satire, can be a very effective political tool. Just watch Carville on Crossfire. Half the stuff that comes out of his mouth makes no logical sense, while the other half makes no sense at all.But that doesn't matter, he's very effective at pumping up the audience and belittling conservatives, all through humor.

I think Chris Rock is one of the funniest and best political commedians. Rock unflinchingly examines issues from every point of view to throw light on the hypocracies of idiots both on the left and right.

A prime example is the Daily Show. It's hilarious and Jon Stewart actually asks tough questions and actually airs stories not discussed on "real" news shows.

The question was....does it have any effect on political change?

Tell me one humorist, comedian, or cartoonist who has brought about any political change through their humor? I can't think of any.

It depends on the situation, and the "kernal of truth" to what is being said. For example, comedy would not have been the most effective tool against someone like Newt Gingrich, but it worked extremely well against Dan Quayle.

To me, asking whether comedy has any effect on political change is like asking whether making fun of kids in high school can have any effect on their popularity. Yes, but it depends on who you're picking on.

That should be kernel not kernal

I still can't remember any time where political humor has effected change in poltiical policy.....OR in anyone's existing opinion. Look at all the jokes told about Clinton during the Lewinsky thing...and during impeachment. I don't think the jokes changed anyone's mind about the situation.