Dead Fish: Humor and Satire in Political Advertising

Humor and satire are powerful weapons in political advertising. In my ads and videos, I’ve used a dead fish as a prop and a 2,000 pound Brahman bull as an actor. I’ve also used chickens, pigs, horses, goats, a camel, a 1949 Mercury, a kazoo band, women on drugs, professional wrestlers, floating hamburgers, a funeral hearse, scantily clad showgirls – whatever it took to get people’s attention, amuse them, inform them and get them to vote for my candidate or against the opponent.

Psychologist Carol Moog offered this theory to the New York Times: “Humor gives people a way to vicariously express their aggression. It appeals to their intellect and makes them feel bright.” Hopefully, you’ll feel bright (and amused) after reading this book.