Lucia

de Vernai

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April 28, 2008

White House Correspondents Dinner Stunner: President Bush Funny? On Purpose?

It was a cold day in Washington D.C. on Saturday. Not because of climate change, but because, as President Bush gave his last White House Correspondents Association dinner speech, hell froze over – he was funny. Intentionally funny that is.

Usually, when the president opens his mouth, the giggles from the audience are in response to his mispronunciation of basic words like “nuclear” or not-quite-charming proverb mix ups (who can forget his “Fool me once, shame on — shame on you. Fool me – you can't get fooled again”?) 

But just when we thought the he was incapable of well-executed humor, the president demonstrated his political-insult prowess. Perhaps he took a cue from Comedy Central’s Stephen Colbert, who infamously insulted Bush, seated mere feet away, at the 2006 Correspondents Dinner, saying, “I stand by this man, because he stands for things. Not only for things, he stands on things, things like aircraft carriers and rubble and recently flooded city squares. And that sends a strong message, that no matter what happens to America, she will always rebound with the most powerfully staged photo-ops in the world.” Instead of retaliating, however, Bush launched his signature preemptive strike on his potential successors.

He pointed to John McCain’s absence, speculating that not attending the dinner is the Arizona senator’s attempt to “distance himself from me.” But the president didn’t seem fazed. “He’s not alone,” he said, “Jenna is moving out too.”

Since Bush has kept a low profile during the primary elections, it was surprising, and yes, a little refreshing, to watch the mischievous smile on his face as he speculated that “Hillary Clinton couldn't get in because of sniper fire and Sen. Obama's at church."

Good timing, no awkward pauses . . . take that Colbert. Not that the comics didn’t try. Craig Ferguson of Late Late Show suggested that our fearless leader “look for a job with more vacation time.” Yawn. Apparently being on strike does dull your skills.

Vice President Cheney, on the other hand, was as sharp as a tack, also trying his hand at late-night-style political satire, telling the crowd, “[Hillary Clinton] made an honest mistake. She confused the Bosnia trip with the time I took her hunting." No matter how old and crusty you get, you can always count on a Clinton joke to make you a hit.

Maybe that’s the key to the success of the speeches – the surprise factor. If those same lines came from the mouth of Jon Stewart or Conan O’Brien, the most they would garnish is a “Heh” before the change of channel to local news. But coming from the man who gave the green light to waterboarding – it may not be as funny as it is fascinating. The light, seemingly off-the-cuff remarks are somehow different coming from a man weak enough to be endangered by a metal detector (pesky pacemakers) but powerful enough to start world-scale conflicts.

While good for a one-time laugh, joining the ranks of the wonks, the comedians and the commentators – even for a night – doesn’t prove Bush or Cheney any more approachable, likable or trustworthy. Just that going after those who can’t defend themselves is a great way to please your audience.

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