The Marx Brothers of the Trump Impeachment Senate Trial: A Comedic Analysis
This is a rather intriguing question because, thanks to Donald Trump, we have gained a unique insight into the dynamics and proceedings of the Senate.
The Senate often refers to itself as “the greatest deliberative body.” However, during the Trump impeachment trial, the quality of deliberation was neither great nor dignified. Donald Trump’s legal team were proven to be disorganized and inept, further disgracing the Senate. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell demonstrated an amoral and disillusioning leadership style, undermining any sense of dignity that the Senate had previously maintained. In stark contrast, Chief Justice John Roberts, presiding over the impeachment proceedings, appeared as an empty suit, unable to provide any substantive leadership or guidance.
My thoughts on the trial bring to mind the Marx Brothers, renowned for their slapstick humor and chaotic antics. It seems that the impeachment trial was not just a solemn political event but also a comedic farce, filled with characters that embody absurdity and chaos. Let me introduce you to the key players:
Mitch McConnell (played by Groucho Marx)
Mitch McConnell is portrayed here as Groucho Marx, the clever and witty verbal sparring partner. He appears to hold a cigar in his hand, much like Groucho, and frequently attempts to fraternize with surprised and unsuspecting members of the chamber, such as Susan Collins. Groucho’s gaslighting and charm fall flat as he struggles to control the chaotic environment he helped create.
Harpo and Chico (played by Harpo and Chico Marx)
Harpo and Chico Marx, as the chaotic and amoral part of the gang, embody the Democrats and their actions. The Democrats are portrayed as mindless enablers, caught in the midst of Republican shenanigans. These Marx Brothers repeatedly run amok in the Senate Chamber, picking the pockets of hapless Democrat members who essentially serve as straight men to the Republican antics. Their sight gags and antics add to the general comedic tone of the trial.
The Three Stooges (played by Donald Trump’s lawyers)
The impeachment proceedings were seen as a slapstick farce, with Trump’s legal team appearing as the Three Stooges. Moe, represented here by David Letterman, could be seen as Giuliani, watching the antics of Larry and Curly (played by Chris Rock and Gene Farrell, respectively). Larry and Curly’s antics in defending the president often lead to slapstick comedy, with Moe occasionally joining in, slapping and poking the Stooges in the eyes for comic effect.
John Roberts (played by John Cleese)
John Roberts, presiding over the impeachment trial, is compared to the comedic actor John Cleese. Cleese is known for his role in A Fish Called Wanda, where he hilariously fails to properly swear in the character Curly. In the impeachment trial, Roberts similarly fails to swear in his key witness, much to the embarrassment of the proceedings.
Adam Schiff (played by Zeppo Marx)
Adam Schiff, chair of the House Intelligence Committee, is portrayed here as Zeppo Marx, the third and least prominent Marx Brother. Schiff is seen attempting to cut the head off Curly (or in this case, one of the key witnesses) using a guillotine, only to discover that his approach is ineffective. Schiff’s comic ineptitude in navigating the legal and political landscape of the impeachment proceedings is highlighted.
In my opinion, the two key players are Nancy Pelosi and Mitch McConnell. Nancy Pelosi, as the speaker of the House, has the power to initiate the impeachment process. Her control over whether or not the Articles of Impeachment are handed over to the Senate determines whether or not the trial can proceed. On the other hand, Mitch McConnell, as the Senate Majority Leader, holds the sway over the Senate rules for impeachment and the possibility of a trial. His firm grasp on these rules and the Senate’s dynamics makes him a significant player in the outcome of the impeachment proceedings.
In conclusion, the Trump impeachment trial was a chaotic and comedic affair, replete with absurd and exaggerated characters that mirrored the discord and confusion within the Senate. The key players, influenced by their respective portrayals, embodied the chaos and humor of the trial, making it a striking example of political theater.