Please note: In order to keep Hive up to date and provide users with the best features, we are no longer able to fully support Internet Explorer. The site is still available to you, however some sections of the site may appear broken. We would encourage you to move to a more modern browser like Firefox, Edge or Chrome in order to experience the site fully.

Supporting your high street Find out how »
Playing POTUS : The Power of America's 'Acting Presidents', Paperback / softback Book

Playing POTUS : The Power of America's 'Acting Presidents' Paperback / softback

Paperback / softback

Out of stock

Description

Peter Funt takes an entertaining and probing look at how comedic impressions of U.S. presidents evolved from Kennedy to Biden-and their impact on real-life politics. Beginning with Vaughn Meader's record album "The First Family" in 1962, the genre has grown during a dozen administrations. From Meader's portrayal of JFK as a debonair leader who cherished his rub-uh swan, to Alec Baldwin's depiction of Donald Trump as an orange-tinted buffoon, Americans at times seem more familiar with the screen versions of chief executives than the politicians themselves. With Joe Biden, impersonators have been challenged by a divided nation with a fragile sense of humor. Playing POTUS connects the dots between those in power and those speaking shtick to power, uncovering intriguing details about presidential mimics. Over 50 interviews include insights from Dana Carvey, Al Franken, Darrell Hammond, Jay Pharoah, Rich Little, Harry Shearer, along with comedy writers and producers. Upon the release of Meader's landmark album, the anthropologist Margaret Mead observed, "This making fun of people in authority is very healthy. It is the difference between democracy and tyranny."

Information

£12.99

Out of stock
Add to Basket
Sign in to add to wishlist
 
Free Home Delivery

on all orders

 
Pick up orders

from local bookshops

Information