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What can we learn from RFK Jr’s ‘erotic poetry’? That Americans need to get better at enjoying a scandal | Marina Hyde

In a recent article, Guardian columnist Marina Hyde humorously critiques the serious tone often adopted by American journalism, particularly in light of the sensational revelations surrounding U.S. Health Secretary Xavier Becerra’s alleged “digital affair” with journalist Olivia Nuzzi. Hyde contrasts the American press’s self-seriousness with the British press’s more self-aware and irreverent approach. She argues that while American journalists often elevate their narratives to a lofty moral plane, they miss the opportunity to recognize the absurdity inherent in their own stories. In her view, the situation surrounding Becerra, who reportedly penned risqué poetry for Nuzzi during the pandemic, is more worthy of laughter than solemn analysis.

Hyde emphasizes the stark differences between the British and American media landscapes, noting that the British press readily acknowledges its own flaws and absurdities. She points to the exaggerated seriousness with which American journalists treat their subjects, suggesting that they are often too wrapped up in their narratives to see the humor in them. For example, she references Becerra’s poetic endeavors, describing them as “felching poetry,” and critiques the tendency to frame such antics as profound rather than farcical. By inviting readers to embrace the comedic aspects of these stories, Hyde encourages a lighter perspective on what she sees as a quintessentially American absurdity. Ultimately, she suggests that sometimes, laughter is the best response to the bizarre and often ridiculous nature of political scandals.