They seem to regard the opposition party, not simply as people with a different opinion, but as the evil enemy who must be destroyed at all costs. This consuming hatred, which entertainment folk apparently feel totally justified spewing out at the top of their voices, is something that, I believe, is relatively new. During the early years of the 20th Century, Will Rogers won acclaim as the nation s foremost political wit on stage, in movies, on radio and in his newspaper column. Throughout the 20 s and into the 30 s, Americans found wisdom as well as humor in his words. The Democrats take the whole thing as a joke.
Republicans take it serious, but run it like a joke.
The first time I heard stars taking potshots at politicians was in old movies and television. As a kid listening to Bob Hope and other early television comedians doing political humor, I knew it was all just harmless kidding. There may have been elements of truth in the gags, but nothing intended to produce any real damage to anyone. Hope road pictures were full of good-natured ribbing at both the Democrats and Republicans. They did equal opportunity jokes aimed at both parties.