Everyone From James Carville and Meghan McCain to VICE News and Upright Citizens Brigade to Participate in First-Ever Politicon Conference

Even in the most stern of times, it’s hard not to think of politics as one giant performance. As we inch…
Art & Culture
Everyone From James Carville and Meghan McCain to VICE News and Upright Citizens Brigade to Participate in First-Ever Politicon Conference

Even in the most stern of times, it’s hard not to think of politics as one giant performance. As we inch…

Words: FLOOD Staff

photo by Tyler Kaufman/Getty Images

August 17, 2015

NEW ORLEANS, LA – JANUARY 31: James Carville attends the 2013 Legends For Charity Dinner Honoring Archie Manning at the Hyatt Regency New Orleans on January 31, 2013 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Even in the most stern of times, it’s hard not to think of politics as one giant performance. As we inch closer to the 2016 presidential election, it seems like the only intellectually honest way to think about the entire enterprise. This October, Politicon—a two-day gathering of politicians, comedians, media outlets, and entertainers—promises to celebrate the performative aspects of the political process, with everything from comedy sketches and film screenings to panel discussions and live podcast recordings all centered around the democratic process.

Participants for the first annual installment include former Clinton advisor James Carville (a man whose opinions you don’t want to question), political commentator Meghan McCain, former Obama advisor David Axelrod, 2012 Republican presidential candidate Newt Gingrich, and Pulitzer Prize-winning author Doris Kearns Goodwin. Also making appearances are The Daily Show correspondent Jordan Klepper and members of Upright Citizens Brigade, as well as teams from VICE News, Politico, Slate, The Daily Beast, and ThinkProgress. Yosi Sargent, who commissioned the 2008 Hope & Change campaign poster, will also present an exhibit of politically adjacent art.

“We wanted to use comedy, music, art, and entertainment to bring people into the political process and create a place where political junkies and entertainment fans can gather for years to come,” Politicon founder Simon Sidi said in a statement.

Politicon will be held at the Los Angeles Convention Center on October 9 and 10. Tickets are available here.