I have to say, the thing that has surprised me the most about Barack Obama being awarded the Nobel Peace Prize has been all the laughter. Sure, I expected some people to laugh, but I wouldn’t have thought to see anyone literally doubled over and out of breath from laughter, and I have seen that. I would have expected more support from the decision around the world, instead of the incredulity that seems to be the general response from major global political figures. After all, someone argued that those who expected Copenhagen to hurt the President’s international prestige should similarly expect the news from Oslo to boost it, and that made a certain amount of sense; but it doesn’t seem to be playing out that way. And I thought that the Left would be pleased by the award, but so far, they haven’t been supporting it either.
Indeed, the late-night jokesters appear to have decided that this is something about President Obama that they can safely mock; and mock they have, with gusto. Here’s Jay Leno, for instance:
Congratulations to Barack Obama—he has won the 2009 Nobel Peace Prize. Apparently, the Nobel committee wanted to recognize the president’s fine work in bringing peace to a black professor and a white cop through the strategic use of beer.
President Obama said he was humbled to win the prize. Not as humble as he was when Rio got the Olympics. But still humble.
That’s pretty amazing, winning the Nobel Peace Prize. Ironically, his biggest accomplishment as president so far . . . winning the Nobel Peace Prize.
President Obama won another Nobel Prize today. This time in medicine for pretending to give up smoking.
The Nobel Peace Prize also comes with a cash award of $1.4 million. Apparently, this is President Obama’s plan to finance healthcare reform.
And Conan O’Brien:
Today, President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize. The committee said they gave it to Obama partly for his idealism and commitment to global cooperation, but mostly for calling Kanye West a jackass.
It’s a great honor for America that Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize. Unfortunately, our economy is so bad, Obama’s already been forced to trade the medal in at “Cash 4 Gold.”
The Nobel Committee is saying the reason they gave Obama the Peace Prize is for reducing tension around the world. So, the runners-up for this year’s Nobel Prize were “red wine” and ”the Brookstone 3-Speed Massaging Recliner.”
Jimmy Fallon took the opportunity to skewer a rival:
Congratulations to President Obama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize this morning. That’s quite an accomplishment. I’m sure he’ll pick it up as soon as he’s finished fighting two wars.
Along with the Nobel Peace Prize President Obama also gets $1.4 million. Usually to get a check that big you need to blackmail David Letterman.
Jimmy Kimmel added a shot at the VP:
A day after declaring war on the moon, President Obama was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
Vice President Biden was awarded the Nobel Hair-Piece Prize.
And Craig Ferguson got off the best line at the expense of America’s best-loved losers:
The Chicago Cubs are filing for bankruptcy. They’re from Chicago; they’ve spent millions of dollars they don’t have . . . I smell Nobel Peace Prize.
I’m not sure if this means the President’s media honeymoon is wearing off, or just that the funnymen are that happy to have a “safe” way to get laughs out of him.
I am both surprises and humbled…
Those were really, really funny.
I think there is definitely a honeymoon period going on, but the jokes have to break out. A lot of it is that there isn't as much material on Obama yet as there would be for a longer-term President. I mean, the guy's been President for about, what, a semester?
I also just think it takes longer to find clever ways to crack on an articulate public figure who has such a convenient vice-presidential comedic sacrificial lamb. But it'll happen. Jon Stewart has been cracking on Obama for a bit – here's hoping they all continue to deliver.
I haven't had much time for late night tv, so I really got a kick out of these. I've always thought it was funny to poke a little fun at the president, even when he was one I voted for. lol
they should really leave Obama alone I mean really.
Chris: if he wanted to be left alone, he should have stayed out of politics. He's President, he's fair game for political humor.
Sis, glad you enjoyed it.
Doug, I think you're 2-3 there. I agree, though, that as audiences begin to respond favorably, our comedians will take advantage.
Bus: 🙂