America's first ragdoll president?
Is there a more perfect expression of the First Amendment than roasting the head of state?
Comedy greatly shapes the public’s perception of a president. Recall Will Ferrell’s “Saturday Night Live” impersonation of George W. Bush, which arguably made the president more likable — a lovable buffoon who, sure, couldn’t say “strategy” but would indeed be so fun to share beers with.
For comedians, President Obama presented a unique challenge. Here was the first black president, whose very existence evoked earnest desires of hope and change. He is friends with Jay Z and Beyoncé. He lacked the personal scandals or catchphrases that easily opened him up to ridicule (wearing dad jeans and coming across as aloof can only go so far, comedy-wise). And pop culture tends to lean liberal; many comedians clearly liked [fawned over?] the man. ...
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