South Park’s depiction of Charlie Kirk has created a maelstrom of controversy in the wake of his assassination. With some MAGA supporters blaming the show for fostering hostility and Comedy Central pulling the episode, the debate over satire’s influence on real events intensifies.

In 1976, Democratic nominee Jimmy Carter stirred national controversy by candidly discussing sex and sin in Playboy magazine, challenging the public’s perception of his devout Southern Baptist image and leaving a lasting imprint on political history.