Why Are We Taking These Conservative Freaks Seriously? (Podcast)

In this solo episode of B*tch, Listen, Imani Gandy argues that the best political humor doesn’t just get laughs—it changes what people think deserves respect. From The Daily Show, to Abortion Access Front’s campaign against Anthony Comstock, to Tim Walz calling Republicans weird, Gandy explores how …

By Rewire News Group July 9, 2026 1 min read

In this solo episode of B*tch, Listen, Imani Gandy argues that the best political humor doesn’t just get laughs—it changes what people think deserves respect. From The Daily Show, to Abortion Access Front’s campaign against Anthony Comstock, to Tim Walz calling Republicans weird, Gandy explores how satire can strip bad-faith politics of the seriousness it never deserved.

Because sometimes the point isn’t to win the argument. Sometimes the point is to ask why we were treating these freaks like serious people in the first place.

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Why this matters

Imani Gandy's podcast episode highlights the potential of satire to challenge bad-faith politics and strip it of undeserved seriousness. This approach can be particularly relevant in the context of reproductive rights, where conservative lawmakers often push for restrictive policies. By using humor to expose the absurdity of these efforts, advocates can shift the narrative and challenge the notion that such policies deserve respect. As the national landscape on abortion access continues to vary significantly by state, satire can be a powerful tool to mobilize public opinion and push back against restrictive laws. The use of satire can also help to amplify the work of organizations like the National Abortion Federation and the Repro Legal Helpline, which provide critical resources and support for individuals seeking abortion care. As the conversation around reproductive rights continues to evolve, it will be important to watch how satire and other forms of creative expression are used to challenge conservative efforts and promote gender equity.

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About Her Choice

Her Choice is published by Nexcom Media as part of the Nexcom Media Network. We launched in 2024 and have grown to cover reproductive rights, women's healthcare, abortion access, contraception. Our reporting is supported by display advertising, sponsorships, and reader donations — never by editorial pay-to-play. Read our ownership disclosures at herchoice.org/ownership.

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