Bad News for ‘Trump-Adjacent Weirdos’ Delights Seth Meyers
Late-night talk show host Seth Meyers has found a new source of material in the form of “Trump-adjacent weirdos” [4]. These individuals are those who have been associated with former President Donald Trump in some way, whether through their work in his administration or their support of his policies. Meyers recently enjoyed seeing one of these individuals, MyPillow CEO Mike Lindell, get word on camera that a defamation suit against him over his claims of election fraud would proceed [1].
Meyers’ delight in the bad news for Lindell and other Trump-adjacent weirdos is not surprising given his vocal opposition to the former president and his administration. However, it raises questions about the role of late-night talk shows in political discourse and the impact they have on public opinion.
The Power of Late-Night Talk Shows
Late-night talk shows have long been a staple of American television, providing a mix of comedy, celebrity interviews, and political commentary. In recent years, however, they have become increasingly politicized, with hosts like Meyers, Stephen Colbert, and Jimmy Kimmel using their platforms to criticize the Trump administration and its policies.
This trend has been particularly pronounced since Trump took office in 2017. Late-night hosts have been some of the most vocal critics of the former president, with Meyers famously calling him a “racist” and a “liar” [4]. This has led to accusations that these shows are biased and that they are contributing to the polarization of American politics.
However, defenders of late-night talk shows argue that they are simply reflecting the views of their audience. According to a survey conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2017, 60% of Americans said they got their news from late-night talk shows [3]. This suggests that these shows have a significant influence on public opinion, particularly among younger viewers.
The Role of Late-Night Talk Shows in Political Discourse
The question of whether late-night talk shows have a responsibility to be impartial is a contentious one. On the one hand, they are entertainment shows, and their primary goal is to entertain their audience. On the other hand, they are also political shows, and they have a responsibility to inform their audience about important issues.
Some argue that late-night hosts have a duty to be impartial and to present both sides of an issue. Others argue that they have a right to express their opinions and that their audiences are smart enough to make up their own minds.
Regardless of where one stands on this issue, it is clear that late-night talk shows have become an important part of the political discourse in America. They provide a platform for comedians and commentators to express their views on important issues, and they have a significant influence on public opinion.
The Impact of Late-Night Talk Shows on Public Opinion
The impact of late-night talk shows on public opinion is difficult to measure. However, there is some evidence to suggest that they do have an effect on how people think about politics.
A study conducted by the University of Delaware in 2018 found that exposure to late-night talk shows increased viewers’ knowledge of political issues and made them more likely to engage in political discussions [2]. This suggests that these shows can play an important role in educating the public about politics.
However, there is also evidence to suggest that these shows can contribute to the polarization of American politics. A study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2018 found that Democrats were more likely than Republicans to say that they got their news from late-night talk shows [3]. This suggests that these shows may be reinforcing existing political biases rather than challenging them.
Conclusion
Late-night talk shows like Seth Meyers’ have become an important part of the political discourse in America. They provide a platform for comedians and commentators to express their views on important issues, and they have a significant influence on public opinion. However, there are concerns about the role of these shows in political polarization and the impact they have on public opinion.
Regardless of where one stands on these issues, it is clear that late-night talk shows are here to stay. They provide a valuable service to their audiences, and they will continue to shape the way Americans think about politics for years to come.
