I would bet that almost all of the Niles North population has, at some point, watched a clip of an episode of Saturday Night Live, Jon Stewart or the Colbert Report. Especially when it comes to election season, these shows become increasingly popular because of the commentary and parodies that can be made out of a politician’s comment. After watching SNL this weekend, I realized that almost every joke was aimed at Romney and the Republican Party. So I got to thinking, is it cool to make fun of the Republican Party? Why does the media find it easier to make jokes out of them?

While there are plenty of Obama jokes out there, most political jokes made this election season involve Romney or his party. Do viewers find these jokes funnier and more appealing or, as much as networks try to be unbiased, their views ultimately shine through? In terms of comedy, I think it’s more because the Republican party is easy to poke fun at. Obama speaks very carefully in the public eye, but Romney and his party have more gaffes. Comedians are going to go for the easier target.

For example, this last weekend’s SNL episode featured a sketch entitled “G.O.B. Tampons”, an ad that exaggerated the Republican Party’s ideas about female anatomy in regards to their ideas about reproductive care. While watching the sketch, the audience understands that the Republican Party isn’t that clueless about women, but enough so that their legislation regarding choice and care is out of touch with women in America.

SNL doesn’t ignore Obama’s flaws, though. In this year’s opening scene about Obama, the actor that portrays Obama adds in his classic “uhhhh” filler and hand gestures and brings about the point that Obama basically says that our economy stinks and always adds a “I’m not worried.”

But somehow, the ratio of jokes seems to be 2:1 with Romney leading. Seth Meyers had a great sketch as part of the Weekend Update called “What Are You Doing”, which essentially tells Obama to be quiet and let Romney create even more success and favor for him.

As much as it’s not true, popular media really drives home the stereotype that Republicans are old, rich white men. But what I think that they push even more is that the Republican Party is out of touch with Americans, especially on social issues. Conservative opinions on gay marriage and healthcare legislation don’t make sense to most of the 36.5 percent of Americans between 18 and 34 years old. Fun can’t really be poked at taxes, but it sure can be poked at Romney’s awkward exchange with a gay Vietnam veteran about same-sex marriage. As a young adult, I disagree with Romney’s views. I don’t understand how he can mix religion and politics, going against exactly what America was founded on, the separation of church and state. And to me, that deserves a laugh.

Do you think popular media is unfairly biased? How does this affect your perspective of each party? Do you think that popular media can influence a voter’s choice? Tell us what you think by commenting below.