Tony Hinchcliffe’s recent stand-up routine at a Trump rally has sent shockwaves through the fragile sensibilities of the Left, who were quick to clutch their pearls over a joke concerning Puerto Rico. This single punchline is enough to send progressives into apoplexy while they continue to masquerade as the arbiters of decency. Ironically, these same folks pride themselves on being politically disinterested, preferring to showcase their “friends across the aisle” instead of tackling the real issues plaguing America.
In their quest for high-minded civility, the self-proclaimed champions of bipartisanship conveniently overlook the reality that they truly wish to restore an era when Americans were too busy being polite to acknowledge that politics can—and should—be a little messy. The nostalgia for the Reagan era is palpable among them as they reminisce about a time when comedy didn’t veer into “garish” territory, conveniently ignoring that Reagan would likely have appreciated Hinchcliffe’s audacity.
I’m appalled that Trump has an offensive insult comic at his rally. I wish we were the more refined GOP of Reagan. Anyway, here’s Don Rickles killing it at a Reagan event. pic.twitter.com/5PA0P9VR82
— Magills (@magills_) October 27, 2024
Imagine the Gipper, with his trademark grin, recalling his former buddy, Don Rickles, who was infamous for turning the dais into a roast fest. It wouldn’t take much for Reagan to chuckle over Hinchcliffe’s antics. After all, Rickles made a name for himself with his sharp wit and unapologetic humor, poking fun at the political elite during Reagan’s second inauguration. He didn’t shy away from turning the spotlight on everyone, from Vice President Bush to Billy Graham. To him, making fun of the President was just a good laugh in the spirit of America—a concept that seems lost on today’s outraged leftists.
Yes, laughter is a great unifier and a significant portion of the country has forgotten how vital it is to engage with humor across ideological divides. Instead of turning every joke into a potential scandal, maybe they should take the time to remember that comedy has long been a cornerstone of American culture—one that even Ronald Reagan found joy in.
In a time when cancel culture is lurking around every corner, America truly needs a revival of humor that embraces comedy as a vehicle for critique, even if it means stepping on a few toes. The real tragedy, however, is that the more the Left resists this reminder, the more they inadvertently strip their ability to laugh—and cry—as they miss out on a fundamental aspect of what it means to be an American.