In a world where modern politics often feels more like a reality TV show than governance, the latest episode of absurdity comes from none other than Larry David, whose op-ed in the New York Times is like déjà vu all over again for those who just can’t seem to let go of the Trump saga. If you’ve been wondering about the intersection of sitcom writers and political pundits, well, Larry David’s recent musings should give you plenty to chuckle at, especially if you find your entertainment in the comedic stylings of a Hollywood class that appears to be wrestling with some serious Trump Derangement Syndrome.
David’s op-ed takes a swing at Bill Maher after Maher’s meeting with Donald Trump, crafting a piece of satire that attempts to lampoon the comedian for his alleged normalizing of Trump. David delves into his usual arsenal of humor, recycling the classic “Trump-as-Hitler” comparison that has become as worn out as last decade’s fashion trends. It’s almost cute, in a way, to watch these Hollywood elites continue to kick at the same old can down the road, apparently unaware that they risk sounding like a broken record stuck on the same groove.
It’s worth pointing out that Larry David’s attempt at satire is more revealing of his—and Hollywood’s—misunderstanding of reality than it is an effective critique of Maher. Once part of a crowd that joked about how outrageous Trump’s persona was, David has somehow transformed into one of those very voices he used to ridicule. The transformation from clever comedian to political commentator doesn’t always translate, and the laughter from such attempts often ends up being directed back at the source.
What truly burns David’s toast, though, might just be the real-life proximity of his TV family to Trump’s circle. Cheryl Hines, his on-screen spouse from “Curb Your Enthusiasm,” is married to RFK Jr., who, in turn, is a part of Trump’s broader political sphere. It’s almost Shakespearean, with David unwittingly caught in a tangled web. Yet, real irony strikes when Hines appears to enjoy her part in the Trumpian social circle, frequently popping up at Mar-a-Lago, much to David’s probable quiet dismay.
And here lies an even deeper lesson, if not for Larry David personally, then for the rest of the celebrity class. The persistent efforts to label Trump as akin to one of history’s most reviled figures only serve to dissipate the severity of genuine historical comparisons. The irony in Larry David’s parody is not lost on those who see the joke in seeing a comedian’s satire fall flat because it lacked the substance and fresh insight it so aspired to embody. When all is said and done, and the curtain falls, Larry David’s op-ed is less a biting critique and more a reflection of a media culture spinning its wheels and falling back on clichés as thin as paper.
