“A new muppet character was unveiled over the weekend by Children’s Television Workshop, creators of the educational program Sesame Street. David, a depressed political operative with sunken eyes and an oversized suit, is the first of its kind for the show. ‘We felt that politics have become such a large part of our lives, of our childrens’ lives, that the David character could help bridge their undertanding,’ said Rodney Boyle, a spokesman for Sesame Street. He continued, ‘Kids are more mature today, they respond to adult themes much more readily, and we saw that no one else was addressing this.’
“The seemingly life-like David is intended for children to identify with government and the media, and understand the delicate interplay between what politicians say and how their political operative responds. Sesame Street insists that a muppet who only educates children about the branches of government or how a bill becomes law is untenable. ‘What is more relevant to children and society today? Is it identifying the importance of balance of power, or understanding the concept of ‘spin’?”
“David’s first appearance came in a delightful ‘interview’ on NBC’s news program, Meet the Press. David Gregory, that show’s host, invited parents to gather their children and watch as he grilled the new cagey muppet. It was the mark of a new day for a more measured and mature Sesame Street. In one telling and terse exchange, David highlighted the success of a new jobs bill from the president and Gregory challenged the dour muppet with an excerpt from an op-ed piece in the Times. ‘I’m not going to get in to ‘who-said-what,’ but the president is trying to help middle-class Americans and his opponents want to stop him.’
“David then yanked wildly at his tie, tossed his head back, and cackled to the ceiling. ‘He’s still a muppet,’ concluded Boyle.”
1 year ago | Tags: muppets sesame street david axelrod politics image meet the press growing pains jobs
