There is evidence that political humor was part of the Ancient Greek political culture. The work of the Ancient Grecian Playwright, Aristophanes was clearly labeled as political satire or humor.  There were commentaries and satire about the political leaders of the time, this practice of poking at the leadership has continued throughout history in nearly every country that permits the freedom to do so.  

The root of the humor is to create a foil to show the folly, foibles and fallacies of the political candidates and leaders.  For the opposing side, the satire and humor is a great way to weaken the position of the incumbent or leading candidate.  Often using satire, distinct forms of humor designed to both make people laugh, but also to make them think.  

There have been strong political humorist that have withstood the test of time, such as Mark Twain and will Rogers who both left legacies of quips, quotes and political commentary that has lost neither its zing or its relevance decades later.  Twain’s comments that fleas can be trained to do all the things senators can do, and Roger’s folksy declaration that he doesn’t make jokes; he just looks at politicians and reports what he sees; have provided chuckles and contemplation for generations.  

Modern comedians have often used politics as the font of all great material.  Some, such as Bill Maher and Dennis Miller have built their careers on political humor.  In many administrations, the material seemed to have no end making the comedians even more popular.  Famous political skits have become a staple of the skit comedy shows such as Saturday Night Live.  Every President seems to have been the center of skits and the “butt” of the joke or the thrust of the satire.  Legendary examples would be Dana Carvey as George H. Bush and Tina Fey as Sarah Palin.  The “thinking” comedians such as George Carlin, Dennis Miller, Dennis Leary and Bill Maher have certainly used humor to deflect the sting of the questioning of the candidates and leaders, and allowed us to consider the truth of the humor.  

TV shows like Jon Stewart’s Daily Show and the Steven Colbert’s Colbert Report have risen to the top from the political satire and humor mixed liberally with political news and campaign activity.  The lines blur with the Daily Show’s popularity as a source of “news” and political commentary.  

Political cartoons have been popular throughout history as well.  The political cartoon has been a combination of art and social commentary since the late 1800s.  The New York Political scandal of William Tweed’s confiscation of more than $200 million in 1870 was immortalized in the political cartoons of Thomas Nast.  This series of cartoons followed both the scandal and the anger of the New Yorkers, and the social commentary and satire of the cartoons kept the scandal in the limelight.  The political cartoon has been both instrumental and a documentary of the political movement such as the Woman’s Suffrage Movement throughout history.  It has given a voice to the social commentary with humor and art.