People seem to be forgetting all the New Gingrich and Bob Packwood jokes in the original.
That American’s fear discussing politics is a failure in my mind. Its a great source of both humor and thought.
Seriously, Elliott’s hysterical. I don’t know how much prep, if any, they do for Flop House (I’m guessing none, since that’s most usual for podcasts), but it sure seems like he can spontaneously do extended, ridiculous riffs off the most casual comment - and then continue to work gags from them in as they go.
And he’s clearly the glue for the whole podcast, too. He wasn’t a founding member and I’ve listened to several of the initial episodes when they were doing rotating guest hosts before he was brought on full time, and they’re okay. They have funny things to say and some chemistry and all. But it’s nothing special. Bring Elliot into the mix and it just takes off like a rocket.