Much has happened to the political landscape in recent weeks, including the No Kings protests on October 18, which drew several million people into city streets all over America. It was thought to be the largest day of protest in U.S. history and sent a strong voice of opposition to Trump’s most recent propaganda efforts to declare all dissent illegal. The finale of the Right’s rhetoric culminated in an AI-generated video on social media depicting Trump piloting a fighter jet, while wearing a crown, dumping feces on protesters from the air. Is this all just good “clean” fun? Were the protests just a feel-good exercise for liberals that won't actually change a thing?

In an age of memes, late-night talk shows, and viral video takedowns, satire has become a serious weapon – as witnessed by what happened to Stephen Colbert and Jimmy Kimmel. But what happens when humor masks deeper political truths? Cambridge Forum explores how we navigate this new world of clownish propaganda; do we dare ignore Trump’s silliness and buffoonery, risking its veracity at our peril? Two guests with different areas of expertise will discuss the power behind the politics of ridicule. Different formats are used by both the Right and Left not just to entertain, but to demonize, distract and derail debate. What does this humor reveal about the state of our democracy – and is laughter our last best defense?

Join the conversation with historian Thomas Zimmer, professor of communication and psychology Karen North, and comedian Jimmy Tingle.