President Barack Obama’s sense of humor is an unambiguous pro to his role as the U.S.’s executive leader.
Throughout his two terms in office, Obama has made various attempts to connect with the younger generations in the U.S. through his engagement in social media and popular culture. His jokes and wit have won him several odds of approval throughout his political life, as we were reminded at the 2015 White House Correspondents’ Dinner.
Obama’s humor has helped him to win over a crowd time and time again while still always alluding to his policies. His clever comebacks are enough to make me, at least, want to grab lunch and go on a mutual social media following spree.
This, of course ignites the burning question — would I want to be friends with the president?
Absolutely.
Below are the top-10 examples of why I would want to be buds with Obama.
1. Obama brings the apocalypse.
“Tonight, for the first time, I am releasing my official birth video. … I want to make clear to the Fox News table: That was a joke.”
3. Obama makes the best comeback of 2015.
“I have no more campaigns to run," the president said during his 2015 State of the Union address, inciting applause from Republicans. In response to the inappropriate cheering, Obama replied with an unscripted one-liner, "I know because I won both of them.” Nice one, Obama.
4. Obama finds himself between two ferns.
Zach Galifianakis interviewed the president of the U.S. in a hysterical “Funny Or Die” video.
5. Obama performs with the one-and-only Jimmy Fallon.
Fallon and Obama took the stage during the segment, "Slow Jamming the News.” Even though the portion was clever and funny, it actually outlined Obama’s hopes to keep student debt as low as possible for youths.
6. Obama hangs out with Youtube stars.
Tyler Oakley, a Youtube celebrity, interviewed the president in a video called “Gossip Session with Obama.” Oakley is famous for his charismatic charm and definitely helped Obama to appeal to the Millennial generation.
President Obama made a BuzzFeed video: Things Everybody Does But Doesn't Talk AboutHow did we get Obama to use a selfie stick? Oh, because he wants you to go to https://www.healthcare.gov/.
Posted by BuzzFeed Video on Thursday, February 12, 2015
And, let's not forget his viral Buzzfeed video poking fun at the phrase. Regardless of all of his joking, Obama was urging U.S. citizens to visit the health care website.
8. “’Bees are good,' Obama says as children scream”
If I had to choose my favorite headline of all time, this would be it.
9. Obama gets carried away reading “Where the Wild Things Are.”
All you really need as an explanation for this one is the Buzzed photo set.
10. Obama gets an anger translator.
During the 2015 White House correspondents’ dinner, Obama took the podium with comedian, Keegan-Michael Key, playing the role of “Luther.” Luther acted as Obama’s voice of anger, dropping the politically correct demeanor of the president and embracing an outspoken, ironic and hilarious persona.
I argue that uniting demographics is going to be the key for 2016 presidential candidates to secure the presidency. Obama appealed to the people of his country through his skillful ability to talk, explain and relate to people sometimes ignored by presidential nominees. His sense of humor made him successful.
Take notes, 2016 candidates.
Reach the columnist at smmaki@asu.edu or follow @Syd_neym on Twitter.
Like The State Press on Facebook and follow @statepress on Twitter.
Editor’s note: The opinions presented in this column are the author’s and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.
Want to join the conversation? Send an email to opiniondesk.statepress@gmail.com. Keep letters under 300 words and be sure to include your university affiliation. Anonymity will not be granted.
