Humor in Politics: Why Satire Shapes Public Opinion More Than You Think
Introduction: The Rise of Political Humor in the Digital Age
Remember the viral “Dark Brandon” meme that swept through Twitter and TikTok during the 2022 midterms? Suddenly, a tongue-in-cheek image of President Biden with glowing red eyes was everywhere—shared by both supporters and critics, remixed into everything from campaign merch to late-night comedy punchlines. It was more than just a joke. That meme became a shorthand for political frustration, hope, and even irony, all rolled into one. If you felt like you couldn’t escape it, you weren’t alone.









