I think he's arguing that satire should simply be recognized as satire and not taken literally, isn't he? The only reason that Lenny Bruce and Richard Prior and George Carlin come to the mind when giving examples is this: they are well known, thus everyone knows right away what one is talking about.

Now, Richard Prior? I never liked or respected the man much (although I think he's quite talented). I just found his style too vulgar, I guess.