In the realm of late-night television, suspicions arose that the Democratic National Convention was nothing more than a sour experience for Joe Biden.
In the world of comedic commentary, Biden’s appearance – a whole 45 minutes – at the Convention that began Monday evening was highlighted, with analysts noting this must have been an all too bitter reminder of his unsuccessful campaign, following his earlier exit from the race.
Humourist Jimmy Fallon wittily pointed out the irony of Biden’s situation. He suggested that this was yet another pill for the 81-year-old Biden to swallow, a pill that simply mingles indistinguishably with the many others in his daily cocktail.
Adding to the ridicule, Desi Lydic likened the situation to the paradox of Nancy Pelosi, who was instrumental in Biden’s political downfall, wishing him well. Here, Pelosi stands, jubilantly chanting ‘We love Joe!’, her cheerfulness juxtaposed with the reality of his withdrawal from the presidential race.
The incident was somewhat reminiscent of a tragic comedy. As Lydic highlights – it mirrors the iceberg waving cheerfully at the sinking Titanic, a bleak yet farcical image.
Late-night luminaries picked apart Biden’s speech, one that lasted a drawn-out 45 minutes. Seth Meyers analogized Biden’s speech to an awkward encounter with an ex-lover who appears to be flourishing post-breakup.
Meyers also articulated the irony and contradiction in timing. Purely because something airs during the late hours doesn’t make it unimportant. People will make the effort to stay up late if they’re really interested – or they’ll just catch it on YouTube the following day.
In the middle of these satirical jabs and punchlines being thrown Biden’s way, Adam Sandler surfaced in a conversation with Jimmy Fallon during Tuesday’s ‘Tonight Show’. The discussion revolved around the long-anticipated sequel to Sandler’s ‘Happy Gilmore’.
While Biden’s speech ended up as fodder for late-night comic commentary, interestingly the anticipation was building for Chance the Rapper’s performance at Wednesday’s ‘Late Show’.
In a shift from the political arena to the artistic one, Max Keller, a cellist-turned-music critic, began their vocal training tale to the public. Amusingly enough, Keller entered into the world of testosterone therapy a year into their voice lessons.
To sum up the unfolding scenario of late-night television satire: Biden, once again the subject of laughter, becomes a nightly punchline. His role in the Convention summed up by the fact that he was the subject in focus pretty late into the night, only to be ridiculed by the very audience he intended to captivate.
The public seemed more keen on discussing the unexpected sequel of the ‘Happy Gilmore’ film and Chance the Rapper’s upcoming performance than dwelling too much longer on Biden’s rambunctious speech or his role in the Convention.
The chronicle doesn’t end with Biden’s unfortunate evening, but continues with more amusements – like entertaining chats with Adam Sandler and the surprising career and life transitions of Max Keller.
The events of the night, tend to suggest a public’s interest keenly tuned into late-night entertainment, satirical commentary, music, and arts rather than worn-out political speeches.
In all, Biden’s appearance and speech at the Convention were approached more as specimens of comedic relief rather than profound political demonstration. Regrettably for Biden, his role became just another bitter pill to swallow in a series of distasteful experiences.