As a seasoned writer and actor who has navigated the complex world of television for many years, I can wholeheartedly agree with the advice given here. Social media is indeed a powerful tool that reaches a vast audience, and it’s crucial to remember that every post we make is like a live microphone. We should always consider what we truly want to say, as our words will be read by many.
On July 21st, President Joe Biden decided not to run for re-election, allowing Vice President Kamala Harris to potentially take his place in the White House. If elected, Harris would break new ground as America’s first female president, a role she might step into against former President Donald Trump. This tale is so extraordinary that it seems more fitting for a screenplay — and indeed, Armando Iannucci brought it to life on film.
The Scottish author and TV creator is renowned as the ruler of political satire. Through the U.K. sitcom “The Thick of It“, which portrays an inept British ministerial Cabinet and the various characters that obstruct its triumph, he has perfected his craft in this genre.
A few years following his move across the Atlantic, Iannucci developed HBO’s show named “Veep“, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Selina Meyer, a fictional vice president of the United States. Meyer and her team find themselves in a series of political mishaps that Iannucci terms “cock-ups.” Despite this, they persist in their ambition to reach the Oval Office. Running from 2012-2019 with seven seasons, the show garnered 17 Emmys, two of which went to Iannucci, including one for exceptional writing in a comedy series. He departed after season four, handing over control to David Mandel (who recently spoke about “Veep“‘s sudden rise in popularity with The Hollywood Reporter).
When Harris announced her presidential campaign, the number of viewers for the TV show “Veep” increased by an astonishing 350 percent, as reported by Luminate, a company that specializes in entertainment data. This surge was followed by a flood of memes featuring Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ character, who dramatically stated, “I’m not leaving. POTUS is leaving. He’s not going to run for a second term. I’m gonna run. I’m gonna run for president!” The meme was strikingly similar to the actual political situation at that time.
Well, it seems the limelight has found me once again! In a thought-provoking piece for The New York Times, I voiced my concerns about oversimplifying a U.S. election into a mere meme. Moreover, I’ve been sharing my thoughts on various topics, even though I admit I’ve never felt entirely at ease in the digital realm – these days, my social media feed feels more like an oddity show than a meaningful conversation space.
Currently, Iannucci shares insights with THR regarding why it’s unlikely for Veep to be produced today, advice he would offer Harris during her groundbreaking election campaign, and his interest in retrieving unseen Veep episodes – a small comfort amidst shared political struggles.
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As a dedicated political enthusiast and meme connoisseur, I can tell you that the Veep memes have truly taken the internet by storm. Among them, the one where Selina Meyer announces the president is taking his name off the ticket stands out as a clear favorite. When I was creating that particular meme, there was certainly an electric atmosphere in the air. I could feel the excitement and anticipation building up as the political landscape shifted and changed. It was a thrilling moment to capture and immortalize in the form of a meme.
At the close of each season, we’d often find ourselves in a conundrum by devising an intriguing finale – leaving us uncertain about our plans for the following season. The final episode was always left somewhat unresolved as a challenging task to conclude with, rather than having it all planned out.
During filming the series, unexpected details often emerge. I recall this happening during season two when I suggested to Julia, “What if her character has to run for election? What if the president decides not to?” The excitement in her eyes sparked, and we both thought it would be amusing. Since she’s the vice president already, running a primary while fulfilling her duties as vice president seemed intriguing. We decided to introduce an unexpected twist and observe how the storyline unfolded.
And you then, two seasons later, left the show on the plot of an electoral tie. Why?
As someone who has spent a significant part of my life immersed in the intricacies of politics, I must say that witnessing the current state of our political landscape leaves me feeling disheartened and frustrated. The polarization between parties, which was already pronounced when I made my final episode, has only intensified since then.
As someone who has spent years immersed in the world of television writing and production, I have a strong opinion on how a series like Veep should conclude. If I were to write the ending for it now, I would focus on Selina’s evolution as a character.
As someone who has been out of the writing game for nearly a decade, I can say with certainty that any potential continuation of the story would feature a fresh cast of characters. Selina, my beloved protagonist, would take a backseat in this new tale. The ending, however, remains elusive to me at this moment. Ideally, I’d like to craft an ending where democracy survives and thrives, offering hope for the future. My life experiences have shown me that change is constant, and so must be our stories.
What scares you the most about these Veep plots and memes that have resonated?
I’m not intimidated by it. We thoroughly research and strive for accuracy. However, we aim to take the narrative as far as possible into the realm of the absurd without losing credibility. It’s unsettling that some of our most implausible storylines are mirroring real-life events.
Reflecting on my time working on “The Thick of It,” I recall countless times when politicians would defend their actions by saying, “You’re tarnishing politics with your portrayal, as there are many who serve honorably…” Then, we’d release something we created, and a government official would respond, “How did you discover that? We believed it was kept under wraps.” That moment always left me wondering, “Did that really transpire?” It’s a chilling realization, but I hope my role is to shed light on the intricacies of politics. To pull back the curtains and expose the human side behind the scenes. These individuals are not all monstrous or insane, though they do need a certain level of madness to believe they’re the best for the country. Ultimately, they’re just people, prone to errors.
Did you think that the show would have such a long-lasting cultural impact when you created it?
In our approach, we chose not to focus on recent events or political parties. Instead, we aimed to discuss timeless themes and recurring issues, the ones that continue to be relevant. I’m pleased that people are still finding it engaging. I’m happy it doesn’t feel outdated. I’m happy it feels contemporary, as we intentionally made it so. I’m glad we achieved that balance correctly.
The political landscape of the United States in 2024 appears significantly more unpredictable than it was when the TV show “Veep” premiered in 2012. If “Veep” were to start airing now, how much would it change? How can one create satire when the political world seems to be approaching the realm of absurdity itself?
As a devoted fan, I ponder if I’d dive into the world of Veep now, given that many episodes revolve around characters trying to cover up or spin a small mistake for fear of discovery. However, in today’s political climate, with statements like “I could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue…”, it seems rules no longer apply as people simply deny or rewrite reality when faced with accusations. In essence, it feels like anything goes, making it challenging to relate to the predicament of Veep’s characters and their attempts at damage control.
As someone who has spent a significant portion of my life immersed in both comedy and journalism, I can confidently say that comedians-turned-journalists like John Oliver and Jon Stewart have truly made their mark in the world of news and politics. With their extensive teams and resources at their disposal, they sift through hours of footage, conduct thorough research, and present the facts to us in a humorous yet informative manner.
In a sense, humor or satire seems to be an effective tool for navigating through all the political clamor. Some might argue that The Thick of It and Veep were pioneers in this area during our current political period. Are you concerned that turning Veep and the election into memes could potentially be harmful?
To begin with, it’s important to clarify that Selina Meyer, the character from the show “Veep”, isn’t modeled after Kamala Harris. When creating the series, we didn’t have any specific individual in mind. Instead, our goal was to avoid comparisons like, “Is this Dan Quayle? Is this Dick Cheney? Is this Al Gore?” for a male vice president. To accomplish this, we decided to have a female vice president, which felt more relevant to the direction society was heading, rather than replicating past figures. However, people still speculated about Sarah Palin and Hillary Clinton. The character is not based on any specific person; it’s simply our depiction of a vice president. Moreover, Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ exceptional comedy skills made her the ideal choice for the lead role, which is why she was at the center of the show. It’s enjoyable to see “Veep” being rewatched, but it’s crucial not to assume that Kamala Harris shares similarities with Selina Meyer.
Is it not a bit risky, that people are taking that comparison too seriously?
As someone who has worked in political campaigns for many years, I’ve seen firsthand how social media can play a role in shaping public opinion and influencing elections. However, as a pragmatist, I also understand that the average voter is primarily concerned with issues such as jobs, finances, and safety. While social media may reinforce existing perceptions or create new ones, I don’t believe it has the power to change minds or drive people to the polls.
As an avid follower, I’ve noticed some individuals who generate a lot of buzz, but that doesn’t always equate to a massive fanbase. It’s simply their knack for being vocal and attention-grabbing. We should be cautious not to be swayed by their loud presence alone. After all, volume isn’t always an indicator of influence or popularity.
Given the thorough investigation you conducted and the information you received about Vice President Kamala Harris’s office at that time, what is your forecast for her future? Additionally, should you find yourself in a position to offer guidance, what advice would you give her? If we were to imagine a conversation with her, what words of encouragement or suggestions might you share?
Although my prediction skills may not be exceptional, despite my past record, I’d advise against continuously focusing on the idea that “Trump is angry.” This sentiment is widely known, and most people have already formed their opinions about it, whether they find it acceptable or not. Instead, I recommend scrutinizing his policies because the ones the Trump team proposes are questionable. Many people might not be aware of these proposals, yet they could significantly impact various sectors.
As a passionate gamer and tech enthusiast, I’ve always admired America’s pioneering spirit in technology – from the invention of the automobile to groundbreaking Hollywood films. It’s been at the cutting edge, setting trends for others to follow. However, this recent shift in policy towards renewing interest in coal mining and oil drilling feels like a step back rather than a leap forward. It’s more about staying relevant instead of shaping the future. I’d rather engage in constructive discussions using your compelling arguments, focusing on the potential of wind power, rather than getting caught up in personal attacks or speculations about political figures, be it the unconventional style of President Trump or the characteristics of Vice President Kamala Harris. Let’s focus on what matters – progress and innovation!
Can you recall any information or insights from your research on the Vice President’s office that still resonates with you, or seems particularly pertinent or timely for the upcoming election?
As a gamer, I’ve learned that every inch matters, much like in real estate within games. It’s all about positioning for advantage, and being close to power sources is crucial. During our tour of the West Wing, it became clear that prestige trumps size. Even though it’s cramped with narrow hallways and small offices, everyone seemed proud to work there. A four-star general I saw sitting in a corridor, his briefcase on his knees and laptop on top, made his office out of this space. He preferred the bragging rights of working in the West Wing over having a sprawling office complex elsewhere. It’s these little details that make the big picture so intriguing.
Reggie Love, Obama’s personal aide, was actually inside a cabinet. He chose this spot because it was conveniently located near the Oval Office. This small space served as his immediate vicinity. Such minor details can provide insights into the happenings within that setting.
Could I inquire about the content of your tweets? Given your impressive resume, there’s a lot of interest. With such a significant election coming up in November, do you find yourself feeling any added pressure regarding the impact of your platform?
I’ve never been at ease with social media platforms. To be honest, I only use Twitter – let’s not label it – and I avoid Instagram and TikTok. However, I’ve found that my experience on Twitter has become less rewarding. Previously, I had valuable interactions with people, but now my feed is filled with oddities. Consequently, I make an effort to disregard any influence I might have. My approach with such matters is always the same: if you speak into a microphone, consider it live. Whatever you say is public. Therefore, before posting on social media, ask yourself if you would say the same thing during a live radio broadcast or on television. In other words, be mindful of what you post because people will read it. Avoid carelessness in your posts.
As a devoted fan, I can’t help but notice the incredible buzz surrounding the show lately. It seems like there’s been an astonishing 350% increase in viewership, which is simply amazing! I can’t help but wonder if anyone from HBO or Max has reached out about potential residuals given this surge in popularity?
[Chuckles] I didn’t anticipate any news. I’m regularly interacting with HBO anyway, as I’m currently filming something else for them and we’re discussing another project together, so I’m quite frequently in contact with them.
And no Veep return on the cards?
It’s not immediately clear to me, but occasionally we ponder about their current activities and past lives away from power. However, it occurred to me that there was an unusual amount of content we didn’t utilize in our films and writings. Therefore, I’m examining this unused material to see if it can be revived as part of the Selina Meyer archive.
“Did anyone catch that tidbit from Kamala Harris’ circle? She openly admitted being a fan of the show ‘Veep’, and even mentioned it to Julia directly.”
Absolutely, Julia! It looks like those chats might be happening over there. To be honest, I haven’t caught wind of anything personally. After all, I’m more of a lone gamer on the other side of the Atlantic, keeping a low profile.
As people rewatch Veep, what do you hope that they pay attention to?
Biased discussion. It strikes me that many episodes I’m most pleased with are those where we delve deeply into a contentious topic and showcase the diverse ways it can be manipulated by different parties. For instance, the third season’s episode on abortion, where each perspective was thoroughly explored throughout the night. I took great pride in how cohesively that narrative unfolded structurally. It resembled a comedic farce, but the underlying theme was serious: highlighting how individuals’ lives can be reduced to mere campaign statistics in political debates.
As a fan, I recalled the atmosphere within the White House being likened to “The Death of Stalin” before Biden stepped down. Now, with Vice President Harris’ announcement, does this shift in power bring a sense of optimism to you?
Absolutely, I believe there’s a renewed vigor in the air. Prior to this, many voters who had supported Biden before were hesitant about repeating their choice. This hesitation, in a way, was subduing the vote as some people opted not to participate. However, the change seems to have reinvigorated these supporters. The surge of new donations, primarily from individuals who have never donated before, suggests that there’s still a lot at stake. There is a significant segment of the electorate that remains open to persuasion. The nomination of Kamala Harris might spark, particularly among younger voters, a fresh wave of enthusiasm and dedication. My constant advice is: don’t abstain from voting because the less people vote, the more democracy weakens and certain politicians can misuse and exploit this weakness. Therefore, increasing voter turnout is always beneficial.
How do you see the U.S. election going?
It seems highly uncertain and close; the outcome might not become evident until the actual day. A five-point advantage for either side is unlikely, as results could swing in either direction. Some polls may indicate a lead for Trump, while others might favor Harris.
What do you hope happens?
As a seasoned observer of political landscapes and someone who has witnessed the aftermath of contested elections, I can tell you that it’s crucial to be prepared for potential complications following the vote. My personal experience has taught me that when it comes to Trump, winning is everything, and he will not hesitate to claim victory even if the results don’t favor him. In the case of Harris winning, I expect Trump to challenge the outcome, leading to chaos and confusion.
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2024-07-30 22:26