It is just a tv show. I think its hilarious. Either way, who really cares?
While I watch, on ocassion, all of these shows I think we would be remiss if we failed to realize that a great portion of the USA actually formulates its opinions based upon what messages they get from TV-- often humorous TV.
While I don't see it as a contrived "plot," but rather the internal beliefs of the writers coming out, I do see that some shows have gained popularity only to begin their move to the left later on.
A perfect example is Jon Stewart's The Daily Show. I remember when it came out originally. Stewart really seemed to be "middle-of-the-road," He took shots at both sides with equal proportion. As seasons drew on, I noticed that his humor was more "harmless" towards the liberals and more scathing towards the conservatives. This reached its zenith in the months leading into this last Presidential election.
The exact same can me said of Stephen Cobert's The Cobert Nation. What is worse with him is that it is set up to be a parody of a conservative show.
At this point, neither Stewart nor Cobert make any special effort to veil their political leanings.
Many reports have indicated that a larger than expected percentage of Americans actually get their news from the above sources.
If I were to see this as an orchastrated plan, I would akin it to raking leaves. You reach out into your base and pull towards you. You won't get every leaf on each pull, but you will get a few. Now, do that for 120 episodes. See what I mean?
I almost want to believe that WAS the plan of Stewart and Cobert. It if WASN'T a plan, it, in effect, WAS the model that they followed.
Now... those are news parodies. But I mention them because they ARE entertainment-- just like the shows mentioned here.
Sadly, there will be a percentage of citizens that WILL forumulate opinions based upon the opinions delivered via the TV-- EVEN cartoons.
And then they go and either vote or spread that opinion. Eventually, it will spread to someone that actually does vote, or they will become an activated voter in a charged election such as we just experienced.
So, I do pay attention to the "messages" of shows.
-- John