[Weislenalkata]

I got the impression that he was grasping at straws to remain topical for a younger demographic.

Not to keep this going endlessly, but in my opinion, Carlin never needed to gasp at straws in order to remain topical. It just came naturally to him

He was very attuned to our social fabric and the political climate of the times, and that was all he needed to fuel his comedy. His act definitely became darker over time, but his quick wit, and ability to observe his surroundings were a constant.