By Staff Editorial
Politics are hilarious (Official White House photo by Pete Souza)
By Staff Editorial
When Franklin Roosevelt introduced his fireside chats in 1933, he probably never thought they would eventually lead to President Barack Obama “Slow Jamming the News” with Jimmy Fallon on his late night talk show.
FDR using the radio to speak directly to the American public was revolutionary at the time.
However, the 21st century requires a more media saavy leader.
Therefore, regardless of what others would have you think, President Obama showing his light-hearted side on “Late Night with Jimmy Fallon” is not the end of the republic.
Beginning with Ronald Reagan, presidents have had a stronger presence on mainstream television.
As social media has become more advanced, all politicians have had to learn to take advantage of different entertainment mediums to gain recognition and votes.
It’s true Obama has taken the idea a step further by appearing on Fallon, singing Al Green and name dropping Young Jeezy at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
However, Obama is also the most pop culturally plugged in president, so for him as doing a comedy sketch with Fallon isn’t nearly as big a deal it would have been for Reagan.
Of course the president is also smart and knows that coming off as more likeable and normal will set him apart from his Republican opponent.
The decision to appear on Fallon in North Carolina in front of a crowd of college students to discuss the rise in student loan interest rates was 100 percent politically motivated.
In that interview, Obama also answered questions about the Secret Service scandal, legalizing marijuana and if the coming election will get ugly. Things he couldn’t or wouldn’t necessarily discuss with Brian Williams or Diane Sawyer.
There is something to be said for the idea that the president should be above looking silly on a late night talk show and needs to exude an air of authority as commander in chief.
However, just two weeks after his appearance on Fallon and one week after the correspondents dinner, Obama made a surprise trip to Afghanistan to greet troops and negotiate a treaty with Afghanistan President Hamid Karzai.
In the new media age where voters are swayed by YouTube clips, talk show monologues and “Saturday Night Live” sketches, politicians must show that they can laugh at themselves.
Several voters made it clear that Tina Fey’s Sarah Palin impression impacted their decision making.
Democrats and Republicans are going to argue about everything all the time.
It’s in their nature to disagree.
So it’s no surprise that Republicans were among the first to complain about Obama’s recent display of his sense of humor.
However, everyone needs to calm down and understand that the American people have always enjoyed seeing the human side of their leaders. They just finally have a president who’s willing to go along with the jokes and even make a few himself.
Considering the current state of the world, no one wants a president who is never able to find the humor in the absurdity of being the leader of the free world.
Even Roosevelt understood that.
