Having watched the Al Smith dinner last night, I have to cast my vote with Mitt Romney as the better delivery and jokes though President Obama had some good material as well. You decide, but let’s put ideology to side and for once just focused on what matters: the jokes. While we are not selecting the comedian in chief, at least we have a common measure of success in a roast.
Below is President Obama’s remarks.
Of course, neither man wrote these jokes but, judging on the raw material, I am afraid that I have to give it solidly to Romney on this one. What do you think?
Geeba geeba, What’s Romney’s stance on terror or anything today? I said today because it changes daily or maybe hourly.
“I told my son about the Separation of Powers and representative democracy. He told me about my wife and the Unitary Executive! I tell you, I get no respect!” – President Dangerfield (allegedly)
people please remember that this was a charity event. Take it easy. Perceptions of victories and losses here are as important as Whoppi’s understanding of Mormons in the military.
BTW, off subject, I like Dennis Miller’s obscure comment that only older baseball fans can appreciate: “Obama’s stance on terror is more contorted than Dick McCauliffes” His spelling was incorrect … it’s McAuliffe.
Elaine, Romney took the opportunity to play the anti-abortion card and criticized Obama for the HHS mandate.
I thought Presidents George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Ronald Reagan were the most personable presidents, at least during my lifetime.
Prof Turley is totally correct on this. The only thing to judge is delivery and Romney’s delivery was great. Obama did fine too but was certainly bested by Romney’s sharper delivery. Both roasted themselves and each other, which is what they should do. Forget about this warmth stuff. Leave that up to Mr. Warmth himself – Don Rickles. I think Obama’s handicap was that he didn’t have a teleprompter to read from, instead of notes/index cards.
Come on libs, it may hurt to admit it but the comedy delivery judgement goes to Mitt.
Swarthmore mom,
Bush was funny–even when he wasn’t trying to be.
I only saw excerpts of their presentations at the Al Smith dinner. Being a resident of Massachusetts, I find it hard listening to anything Romney says.
At this point, I find nothing about either of them amusing. As pols, the very last thing I’m interested in is their party repartee. I’m sure they’re both charming to some in that superficial way most politicians are and not so charming to others. If being able to tell a joke was a relevant job skill, Rodney Dangerfield would have been President, maybe even King.
Romney’s one good line was about being able to dress for the occasion in the same way he and Ann do when lounging around at home. One of the few, if only, times I’ve ever heard – or heard of – Romney being self-deprecating in any fashion, much less w/r/t his wealth.
nick, Not really….. I thought McCain was funnier than Obama in 2008, and I thought that Bush was funnier than Gore.
Obama on delivery and warmth. Romney was cold and what affect there was was slightly off kilter. Jokes were good, but delivery is everything. Neither one is a professional comedian, so we did not get a professional delivery. My two favorite jokes were Obama’s line about middle names. Then there was the bit about him being criticized for being a celebrity in Europe had a great punch line–that Romney avoided that problem.
Mr. Turley, asking to put ideology aside here is next to impossible. I have seen your ability to do that, which is what brought me here. Your commenters, while often engaging, have dug in their heels. I agree w/ your take on this video clip. As Steve Martin said, “Comedy is not pretty.”
Obama hands dwn professor. Of course, I am a big Tommy Boy fan too!
oops! did not
Yes, Obama. Easy for him to poke fun at himself. Romney was over-the-top with jabs against Obama. It made me uncomfortable. This was not designated a Roast!
John McCain gave a great Al Smith speech.
Watched it. I not think either was extremely funny but Romney’s mean spiritedness came through when he tried to roast Obama. Obama has a warm smile, and Romney is cold, cold.
Total Obama. He told more jokes on himself than on the other guy – sure sign of better sense of humor and overall better view of the world and his place in it.