Jordan Klepper thinks we’re living through ‘dumb McCarthyism’—here’s why
A conversation about Red Flags
Klepper joined Mark Stetson, an executive producer at Mashable, for an episode of Say More. They discussed Klepper’s new special, Red Flags, and the work of political comedy.
The show’s conversations bring guests together to talk about careers, projects and subjects gaining attention online. In this episode, Klepper offered a behind-the-scenes perspective on his satire.
Improvising at Trump rallies
Klepper described using improv techniques when speaking with people attending Trump rallies. He said those methods help him disarm participants. The conversation also considered the political themes running through his work. Klepper discussed what he sees as the right’s fixation on communism as a threat.
Satire in a post-truth world
Klepper reflected on his earlier character-based work on The Opposition and compared it with his present approach. He spoke about the importance of comedy feeling authentic. He also described the strain and absurdity of political satire today, using the phrase “dumb McCarthyism” for what he sees around him. The discussion examined the frustrations involved in making comedy amid competing claims about truth.
Key points
- Jordan Klepper discussed his special Red Flags with Mark Stetson on Say More.
- Klepper described using improv to disarm people at Trump rallies.
- He discussed the right’s focus on communism and what he calls “dumb McCarthyism.”
- Klepper reflected on authenticity and political satire in a post-truth world.