Summary
- The HBO series
Veep
has seen surprising parallels between real life and the fictional world of the show. - Show creator Armando Iannucci shed light on the powerlessness and pressures faced by women in American politics.
- Iannucci warns against blurring lines between reality and entertainment during crucial election seasons like 2024.
As a dedicated fan and connoisseur of political satire, I can’t help but marvel at the uncanny parallels between Veep and real-life politics. The way life imitates art is not just amusing, it’s downright alarming!
Currently, the television series “Veep,” which originally aired from 2012 to 2019 on HBO and starred Julia Louis-Dreyfus, is gaining renewed popularity. This resurgence can be attributed to parallels drawn between the show’s plot and real-life events following President Biden’s decision not to run for reelection in 2024 and his endorsement of Vice President Kamala Harris instead. In much the same way, Selina Meyer, played by Louis-Dreyfus, was propelled into a presidential race when her POTUS character decided against running in “Veep’s” second season. The surge in interest for this series can be attributed to the intriguing intersection of life mirroring art following this significant moment. By July 24, 2024, viewership had already increased by an impressive 353%, according to Inside Edition.
As someone who has closely followed politics for most of my adult life, I find myself both amused and concerned by the recent surge in popularity of the TV show “Veep.” Don’t get me wrong – I love a good laugh as much as anyone else, but watching the antics of Selina Meyer and her team feels all too familiar these days.
Why Fans Are Comparing Selina Meyer And Kamala Harris
As a gamer, I can’t help but see the parallels between the world of “Veep” and our current political climate. In an interview with The Guardian, Iannucci himself acknowledged this, saying, “Selina, like Kamala Harris, was once a senator, only to find herself in a role that’s surprisingly powerless after being thrust into it.”
“For seven seasons, the TV series ‘Veep’ followed Selina Meyer’s character, presenting a rollercoaster of events reminiscent of real-life Washington politics. Despite sometimes harsh depictions of characters and a generally somber mood, it gained respect in political circles. In an interview with Slate, Iannucci shared that he immersed himself deeply into the world of political leaders to gather material for the show.”
“I’d tell them, ‘You see, this is purely fictional. I’m not planning on revealing any scandals or mentioning names. Instead, I’m focused on getting the details right. So, I really need to know the mundane aspects. Who usually arrives first in the morning? What time does everyone typically leave?'”
As a gamer, I find myself drawn into the gripping world of Veep, where my character seems perpetually trapped in the powerless whirlwind of American politics. This show masterfully portrays an additional burden that women often face – the weight of public scrutiny and the complexities surrounding personal decisions. For instance, there’s a poignant episode where my character, Selina, suspects she might be pregnant. In the U.S., the sensitive topic of choice makes terminating the pregnancy an untenable option for her. To complicate matters further, if she decides to keep the baby, she knows that societal expectations might force her into marriage with the father. It’s a gripping portrayal of the challenges women face in politics and beyond.
Back in 2012, this topic seemed just as relevant as it does today, as a recently resurfaced video from 2021 featuring Donald Trump’s former running mate, JD Vance, demonstrates. In the clip, he refers to Kamala Harris as a “childless cat lady,” highlighting the double standard faced by some women, who are criticized no matter what they do or don’t do.
Armando Iannucci Warns Veep Fans to Stay in Touch With Reality
In a recent article for the New York Times, Iannucci adopted a more somber tone than in past interviews. He discussed how swiftly the assassination attempt on Trump was transformed into internet humor, largely due to Trump’s own actions. Instead of merely reacting emotionally to the attempted attack on his life, Trump’s thoughts quickly shifted towards creating a viral moment, resulting in the well-known image of his fist raised aloft.
Later, he utilized this occasion at the Republican convention, suggesting a divine intervention occurred. However, his assertion was met with as much credibility as a sudden health emergency or an attempted assassination, despite its clear elements of political humor. Iannucci advises against underestimating an election that might lead us into a situation resembling ‘Veep’ more than genuine democracy. In conclusion, he cautioned:
“Instead of responding with an equally grandiose fiction, labeling him (Joe Biden) as ‘Super Joe’ who could overcome through self-conviction alone, he examined the facts, faced reality squarely, and took the action necessary to prevent his own demise. In the coming months, a clearer understanding of reality will be crucial… The upcoming election might very well present us with a choice between two contrasting realities: one we can shape ourselves and one that they claim is the only option available.”
As a political junkie who’s spent countless hours immersed in the world of political satire and real-life politics, I can’t help but find humor in the idea of comparing Selina Meyer’s nothing-burger speeches with Kamala Harris’ most perplexing ramblings. However, I firmly believe that these comedic gems should not sway the public’s decision in November.
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2024-08-04 00:31