I know you said it in jest, but I am continually impressed how relevant Simpsons were/are in the areas of politics. I don't know whether it is the question of the human condition ( robot radio host saying "can you believe these clowns in Washington?" ) or just some careful time travel, but it is fascinating.
You're overlooking the most chilling explanation of all: The Simpsons are bending reality to make their predictions come true.
Seriously though, "The best way to predict the future is to create it" as Alan Kay once said, and there are cases of science fiction inspiring technologists to create actual products and inventions.
