Not all liberal comics are created equal.
Some, like Stephen Colbert, spew propaganda, lies, and "clapter." Others, think Rosie O'Donnell and Kathy Griffin, allow President Donald Trump to live rent-free in their heads.
And, boy, does it show.
Laughter isn't their prime directive. It's the ideological message, first and foremost. It helps explain why Colbert will be on the unemployment line next month after "The Late Show" shuts down on May 21.
And then there's Mark Normand. He's not a household name yet, but he just landed a new Netflix special, "None Too Pleased," in addition to his podcast work on "We Might Be Drunk" and "All Over the Road."
The special finds Normand embracing and, later, defanging cultural stereotypes. Some could find it offensive, but his cherubic face and innocent approach mean he has yet to be canceled, even during the Peak Woke era.
It helps that he's relentlessly clever and funny. Yeah, laughs still matter in stand-up circles.
One extended bit in his Netflix special is noteworthy. The comedian admits he's a Democrat, but not to set up any Orange Man Bad cracks. He's noticed a change within his party. And, at 42, he's old enough to remember how differently Democrats once approached free speech.
Warning: Adult language in full clip:
"I've been a Democrat my whole life, but Democrats used to be a lot cooler. We were listening to rock 'n' roll and doing drugs, and we used to laugh at the Right," Normand said mid-special.
"Look at these stiffs, going to church and burning rap records," he said. "Then, a little time went by, and liberals got pretty qu***y. They were like the free speech people. Now, they're like, 'don't joke about this, don't say that word.' Then, you look at the Right, and they're saying, 'we're saying the word 'retard' here.''
"What happened to the Left? The Left feels like a girl you met in college. She was wild. She would do Molly and [sexual act] you at a concert. Everything was great. Then, you got married, and it got a little stale, got a little tense. Can't bring up anything. Have to agree on everything. You have to sleep on the couch."
"The Right's like that girl with a thong coming out of her jeans and a tongue ring ... I'm not gonna marry her, but it would be fun to dabble," he said.
It's funny because it's true.
Normand joins a short list of left-leaning comedians, like Bill Maher, who are willing to call out their own side. It likely explains why several apolitical podcasters, including Andrew Schulz, Theo Von, Joe Rogan and Tim Dillon, invited either President Donald Trump or future Vice President J.D. Vance on their shows during the 2024 election cycle.
Free speech is everything to them, and they knew that one party was plotting ways to squelch it. Rebel comic Tony Hinchcliffe even stumped for Trump via that infamous 2024 Madison Square Garden rally.
They may not agree on all of Trump's policies, and some have issues with his recent immigration moves. They still saw the looming free speech threat, and they acted accordingly.
Normand's bit wasn't overtly political, but his response might be the best of the comedica bunch. He called out the Democrats' free speech problem while making us laugh. Now, imagine if Colbert and co. could do anything like that.
