America's comedians held hostage: Day 100!

by Brian McKim & Traci Skene on April 29th, 2009

The Chicago Trib slings yet another article on how comics and others are dumbfounded when it comes to making jokes about the new president. But Steve Johnson says, citing two or three examples, “they’re still trying.”

Tell that to Peter Sagal, host of CPR’s “Wait, Wait… Don’t Tell Me,” who uncorks this jaw-dropper:

Still, Sagal says, it wouldn’t hurt if Obama would, just once, insert his foot in his mouth.

This from a man who hosts a panel show whose sole purpose is to make jokes about the week’s current events, yet he’s still in denial.

Sagal’s not finished:

“Another thing drives me crazy,” he adds. “He often makes jokes about himself before you do. And they’re good jokes.”

It’s a sad day when a comedy writer surrenders the crown to the president’s joke writers.

If Mahmoud Ahmadinejad can co-opt Obama’s campaign slogan, so can we! We hereby proclaim, on behalf of all comedians worldwide– Yes we can! Yes, we can make jokes about Barack Obama!