|  Ask
other performers about Doug Stanhope, the outrageous comic known for
shocking even unshockable audiences, and they usually say his comedy
is "honest." That honesty is evident when Stanhope talks about
his long, slow journey to libertarianism. The Massachusetts-born comic
admits it took him several years to completely embrace the freedom philosophy.
For example, in the March 2003 issue of Eightball Magazine,
Stanhope acknowledged that he did not completely understand free-market
economics. "I'm actually trying to learn more about the Libertarian
Party," he told the magazine. "It's easy to hear 'Legalized
drugs and prostitution and no income tax' and sign right up, but
the whole economic side of it, I'm not clear on." However, by February
2004, he had moved closer. In that month's UpRoar Magazine,
he said. "I wouldn't call myself Libertarian; I'm independent.
But the Libertarian candidates have by far the best solutions that I
can see."
Finally, in mid-2004, Stanhope took the plunge. In a May 2 posting on
his Web site (www.DougStanhope.com), writing about a bill that would
give the federal government more control over professional boxing, he
wrote: "As a staunch Libertarian, I am against government involvement
in any private matter." And on October 16, 2004, he announced on
his Web site: "I am voting for the Libertarian [presidential] candidate
Michael Badnarik. And so would most people if they believe in all the
rhetoric they spout about freedom and the American Way."
As a libertarian, Stanhope is also an impassioned defender of free speech.
After the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) cracked down on so-called
obscene broadcasts in the wake of Janet Jackson's "wardrobe malfunction"
at the 2004 Super Bowl half-time show, Stanhope urged his fans to write
to FCC Commissioner Michael Powell and protest government censorship.
"Tell him you want freedom of speech on the airwaves," he
urged. "Tell him that parents should not use governments to baby-sit
their offspring."
When not talking about political issues, Stanhope talks about -- well,
anything that will make people laugh. His stand-up comedy routines include
outrageous riffs on school shootings, sex laws, cloning, drugs, and
transvestite hookers. The San Francisco Chronicle has called
him "sharp, off-color, and howlingly funny," while ShoutFactory.com
said he is "guaranteed to entertain, offend and enlighten."
The Reno Gazette Journal said he "has worked his way to
become one of the best comics around."
It took Stanhope years to work his way up the comedy ladder. After getting
his start at an open-mic night at a Las Vegas bar, Stanhope traveled
around the country in a 1981 Dodge Omni, performing at comedy clubs.
Since then, he has been a guest on the television shows Premium
Blend, Late Friday, The Howard Stern Show, and SpyTV.
He has also appeared at major comedy festivals, including the Montreal
Just For Laughs (1997), Aspen U.S. Comedy Arts (2002), Chicago Comedy
Festival (2002), and the Edinburgh Fringe Festival (2002).
In 2002, Stanhope was named one of the "Top Ten Comics To Watch"
by Variety and the Hollywood Reporter, and from 2003-2004
he was the co-host of Comedy Central's The Man Show. He has
released four comedy albums: The Great White Stanhope (1998),
Sicko (1999), Something to Take the Edge Off (2000),
and Die Laughing (2002), and a DVD, Deadbeat Hero
(2004).
-- Bill Winter |
