Political commentary is the expression of opinions, critiques, and interpretations regarding political situations, ideologies, and figures. This commentary, if it is informed by facts and not just one person’s view or bias, can contribute to democratic processes in a society by holding leaders accountable, encouraging discussion, and shaping political discourse.
Often, this commentary takes the form of literature or art. For example, Roman historians like Tacitus and Livy used their historical narratives to comment on moral decline in Roman society and criticize contemporary politics. Chinese poetry also served as political commentary, influencing societal views and provoking discussion on governance and social responsibility.
Other forms of commentary include news op-eds, talk shows and podcasts, television and radio political debate, and the internet. Typical of these forms is the use of humor to convey political commentary, whether subtle and oblique as in some comic strips or bold, abrasive, and consistent as in Li’l Abner, Pogo, Doonesbury, and Howard the Duck.
Most public speaking is political commentary in some form, from sermons discussing societal issues to speeches by politicians offering solutions to these problems. However, the larger audience offered by TV and radio has diminished the prominence of public speaking as a vehicle for political commentary.