Hollywood Presidents for a Partisan Nation (Part Three): Hail the Flip-Flopping Egomania of Veep

The Purple Principle

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HBO's Veep, starring Julia Louis-Dreyfuss, is likely the most successful American political satire in television history. Yet, in seven seasons, the show never mentions the party labels "Democrat" or "Republican," instead using terms like "the enemy camp" or "my extremist colleague from across the aisle."

In "Hollywood Presidents for a Partisan Nation (Part Three)," The Purple Principle speaks with Veep showrunner and head writer David Mandel, about this convention and the many challenges to creating a popular political satire at a time when real-world norms are shattered week after week.

Mandel is a blue ribbon comedy A-lister, having written for SNL, Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and the occasional Simpsons episode prior to the Veep showrunner role.

He led the show for its final three seasons, winning an Emmy for Best Comedy Series in two of those three years. As a result, it was no easy decision to end Veep with Season 7.

Veep protagonist, Selina Meyer, was "a horrible person...who was also a politician," Mandel explains, looking back over this remarkable run. "That doesn't mean that the writers… were endorsing the offensive things she was saying."

Fortunately, a large, still loyal audience appreciates the satirical brilliance of Veep—sharp, topical writing and pitch-perfect performances from a true ensemble cast. Tune into "Hollywood Presidents for a Partisan Nation (Part Three)" for more on the show's enduring appeal across the political divide from Hollywood comedy writer extraordinaire, David Mandel.

Original Music by Ryan Adair Rooney

Our Guest

David Mandel, writer and producer for HBO's Emmy-winning political satire Veep.

Follow him on Twitter: @DavidHMandel

Additional Resources

Funny Because It's True, Harvard Magazine

Robert Caro '53 Awards Prize for Literary Excellence in the Writing of History at Horace Mann School

David Mandel '88: a career in comedy, The Record

Armando Iannucci, Rotten Tomatoes

WATCH: Trump asks what to do about migrants crossing border. Rallygoer suggests 'shoot them', PBS

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