“Smells like a fart to high heaven”
Thomas Gottschalk and Mike Krüger spurn Olaf Scholz
November 19, 2024 – 12:10 p.mReading time: 2 min.
It’s no secret that Thomas Gottschalk and Mike Krüger like to dish it out. Now they targeted Olaf Scholz in their podcast.
Thomas Gottschalk and Mike Krüger have had a joint podcast called “Die Supernasen” since last year. In it, the former “Wetten,dass..?” presenter and the comedian discuss all kinds of things, and quite often prominent personalities get their fat off. In their latest episode, the duo devotes themselves to politics – and also to Chancellor Olaf Scholz.
First, Thomas Gottschalk and Mike Krüger discuss Donald Trump’s election victory in the USA and then move on to the political situation in Germany, more specifically the break in the traffic light coalition. “Our first and only, and probably last, traffic light has actually been switched off,” reports Krüger, noting that in some of his songs he pointed out months ago that “disaster is just around the corner.” “Nobody listened to me, especially now that Olaf has actually gone crazy.”
Now he has made a new song, the 72-year-old continues. ”A very short song about the monument that Olaf built for himself in Hamburg. We call this short Olaf, this ruined building that stands on the Elbe bridges.” Mike Krüger is probably referring to the Elbtower, an unfinished skyscraper in Hamburg. It should become a landmark of Hamburg, as Scholz announced in 2018 – then still mayor of Hamburg. But at the end of 2023, construction work was stopped.
Later Mike Krüger performs the song, the lyrics are: ”The short Olaf in Hamburg on the Elbe, he doesn’t grow any further, he always stays the same. The short Olaf stinks to high heaven like a fart, that’s why the song about the short Olaf is so short.”
With regard to the traffic lights being turned off, Thomas Gottschalk also sounds critical. “When the traffic lights are switched off, the rule is automatically right over left, right?” he interjects. Mike Krüger replies: “But we should all think again about whether we should keep it that way.” Gottschalk adds: ”Whether we can correct this in some way.”
Your idea to counteract a shift to the right in the country is to have your own party. “We have the future firmly under control and are of course ready to face this future. We are still curious about the future, which is something we old men are always denied. But it’s not true,” says Thomas Gottschalk. The party should be called ZPD, which stands for the future party of Germany.
What role does political satire play in shaping public perception of leaders like Olaf Scholz?
Interview between Time.news Editor and Political Satirist Expert
Time.news Editor: Good afternoon, and thank you for joining us today. We’re here to discuss the latest episode of the podcast “Die Supernasen,” hosted by the ever-charismatic Thomas Gottschalk and the sharp-witted Mike Krüger. With their recent comments targeting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, there’s quite a stir in the political landscape. Can you tell us what stood out to you in this episode?
Expert: Good afternoon, and thank you for having me. Firstly, it’s entertaining to see how Gottschalk and Krüger use humor as a lens to critique political figures. Their choice to discuss Olaf Scholz right now is particularly significant; the “traffic light coalition” crisis in Germany has the public anxious. Their candid remarks about past predictions are both amusing and concerning, highlighting a growing frustration with the political climate.
Time.news Editor: Absolutely. They certainly don’t hold back. Krüger mentioned their first traffic light has been “switched off,” referring to the coalition’s instability. What do you think that metaphor means in the grander scheme of German politics?
Expert: The metaphor of a traffic light can symbolize more than just coalition governance. It’s indicative of stalled progress and a lack of direction in the current government. When they say it’s been turned off, it reflects their view that meaningful decisions and effective leadership have come to a standstill, leaving the public in a state of uncertainty. This is especially poignant in light of growing dissatisfaction with the government’s performance.
Time.news Editor: Indeed, and let’s touch on the sentiment towards Olaf Scholz himself. Krüger stated, ”Olaf has actually gone crazy.” How do you interpret this characterization?
Expert: That statement illustrates a broader feeling of disillusionment with Scholz. It’s indicative of how the public and even media figures perceive his leadership style. When Krüger claims he’s gone crazy, it’s a hyperbolic expression of frustration. It also echoes the fears that people might have about his capacity to navigate these turbulent political waters successfully. Humor often plays a role in expressing deeper truths about leaders, and in this case, it reflects a desperate need for accountability and change.
Time.news Editor: And humor can certainly be a double-edged sword. While Gottschalk and Krüger poke fun, their satire sheds light on serious issues. Do you think their podcast influences public perception of politicians like Scholz?
Expert: Absolutely. Podcasts have a unique ability to create connection through humor and relatability. They reach audiences who may not engage with traditional news sources. By mixing satire with current events, Gottschalk and Krüger can sway public opinion and encourage conversations. Their comments will likely resonate with listeners, reinforcing or challenging existing sentiments toward Scholz and his administration.
Time.news Editor: It’s fascinating how humor can intersect with politics in meaningful ways. Before we wrap up, do you think this trend of political satire in media will continue to grow in Germany?
Expert: Without a doubt. Political satire provides a vital space for critique and engagement in an increasingly complex world. As audiences become more disillusioned with conventional politics, shows like “Die Supernasen” fill the gap, offering a platform for both entertainment and social commentary. I believe we will see more of this as long as the political landscape remains contentious.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for these insightful perspectives. It’s clear that Gottschalk and Krüger are more than just entertainers; they are crucial commentators in today’s political sphere. We look forward to hearing more from you in future discussions!
Expert: Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing this vibrant intersection of humor and politics.