2008 Woodie Awards
Video related to this article is available below.Issue date: 4/14/08 Section: News
For one candidate, a changing approach to campaign humor
Emily Schultheis
Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton looked somber following her speech at the AFL-CIO convention last week.
"We need to do something so that our party and our people can make the right decision," she said.
The reporters in the room looked around eagerly and uncomfortably, wondering where this speech was leading.
But then Clinton announced that she challenged Barack Obama to a bowl-off for the Democratic nomination.
Journalists and photographers smiled. This woman is actually funny.
But for a long time, Clinton seemed unable to poke fun at herself - something Obama has done with much less effort throughout the primary season.
It seems that her gradual inclusion of humor in speeches and campaign events has made Clinton more personable - and more human.
But her speech at the AFL-CIO convention wasn't the first time Clinton was genuinely funny.
"Do I really laugh like that?" Clinton said to Amy Poehler, who played her in a sketch on Saturday Night Live the weekend before the Ohio and Texas primaries in March. When Poehler shrugged in affirmation, Clinton smiled, saying, "Eh, yeah, okay."
It was the most comfortable Clinton had looked in months.
She didn't even attempt humor when Gov. Ed Rendell endorsed her in January. Compared to the numerous speeches she's given throughout the primary season, the ease she exuded on the set of SNL was uncharacteristic.
This is not to say that Clinton is unable to speak eloquently about the issues. At a speech about the Iraq war in City Hall last month, Clinton held her own while answering numerous questions from the press about Obama's race speech and the Rev. Wright controversy.
Still, though Clinton has generally seemed unable to poke fun at herself, she subjected herself to mockery from The Daily Show's host Jon Stewart the night before the Ohio and Texas primaries.
"Tomorrow is perhaps one of the most important days of your life," Stewart said on the show, "and yet, you have chosen to spend the night before… talking to ME."
"We need to do something so that our party and our people can make the right decision," she said.
The reporters in the room looked around eagerly and uncomfortably, wondering where this speech was leading.
But then Clinton announced that she challenged Barack Obama to a bowl-off for the Democratic nomination.
Journalists and photographers smiled. This woman is actually funny.
But for a long time, Clinton seemed unable to poke fun at herself - something Obama has done with much less effort throughout the primary season.
It seems that her gradual inclusion of humor in speeches and campaign events has made Clinton more personable - and more human.
But her speech at the AFL-CIO convention wasn't the first time Clinton was genuinely funny.
"Do I really laugh like that?" Clinton said to Amy Poehler, who played her in a sketch on Saturday Night Live the weekend before the Ohio and Texas primaries in March. When Poehler shrugged in affirmation, Clinton smiled, saying, "Eh, yeah, okay."
It was the most comfortable Clinton had looked in months.
She didn't even attempt humor when Gov. Ed Rendell endorsed her in January. Compared to the numerous speeches she's given throughout the primary season, the ease she exuded on the set of SNL was uncharacteristic.
This is not to say that Clinton is unable to speak eloquently about the issues. At a speech about the Iraq war in City Hall last month, Clinton held her own while answering numerous questions from the press about Obama's race speech and the Rev. Wright controversy.
Still, though Clinton has generally seemed unable to poke fun at herself, she subjected herself to mockery from The Daily Show's host Jon Stewart the night before the Ohio and Texas primaries.
"Tomorrow is perhaps one of the most important days of your life," Stewart said on the show, "and yet, you have chosen to spend the night before… talking to ME."
Viewing Comments 1 - 5 of 8
SHannon
posted 4/14/08 @ 11:42 AM EST
Well, perhaps Hillary will get a good drink from Obama's neck and have enough of an energy surge to push through this primary. Don't forget, if we keep her, we have to feed her. (Continued…)
therookie
Shannon
posted 4/14/08 @ 11:44 AM EST
Well, perhaps Hillary will get a good drink from Obama's neck and have enough of an energy surge to push through this primary. Don't forget, if we keep her, we have to feed her. (Continued…)
D Faulkner
posted 4/14/08 @ 1:08 PM EST
It is sickening to see the media and Hillary and McCain dump on Barack for saying what any nonwhite person can see. Any minority traveling through nonrich white areas can feel the anger and yes bitterness directed at them. (Continued…)
EdRendellClassmate
posted 4/14/08 @ 2:52 PM EST
I don't get Hillary. As an MD I can tell you that healthcare is a mess. Hillary's first try was a disaster, and her current spin doesn't address the problem. (Continued…)
@D Faulkner
posted 4/14/08 @ 9:23 PM EST
I hate to stoop to your level, but... Shut up, you paranoid nutjob!
Post a Comment