[karajorma]

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-us-canada-13834179

An Obama impersonator was shown off the stage at a Republican gathering after making jokes about the party's White House contenders and the real president's mixed-race heritage.

Reggie Brown mocked the Mormon faith of Republican hopeful Mitt Romney.

He also said President Obama, who had a black father and white mother, celebrated half of Black History Month.

Mr Brown's microphone at the Republican Leadership Conference was cut off when he made a joke about the Tea Party.

Initially the audience applauded when Mr Brown made jokes about Anthony Weiner, the disgraced Democratic Congressman who resigned after sending lewd photographs of himself to women.

But then Mr Brown began ridiculing Republican presidential candidates.

I'm sure you Americans have already heard about this one but I still loved it

[Grizzly]

Thought it was pretty silly actually.

[Klaustrophobia]

i don't think ANY political jokes are funny.

[Grizzly]

I do think that political jokes are funny, but the way these guys deal with them is quite horrible. The ability to laugh about yourself implies a certain sense of self awareness and self reflection, which is vital to anyone involved in making important discussions.

[Luis Dias]

It's awefully sad, really. What a bunch of losers...

[Pred the Penguin]

Ridiculous politicians are ridiculous... The really sad thing is, this doesn't surprise me.

[Astronomiya]

Uh, this was a Republican political convention.  I'm really not going to laugh about them not liking it when a comedian made fun of the people they're supporting at their own conference.  This wasn't a Comedy Central roast or anything like that.  Besides, the guy had failed to get laughs for three or four minutes straight when they cut off his mike; he'd have been yanked in any other situation as well had that happened.

[Dragon]

Instead of cutting off his mic, they should have yanked him off the stage with a shephard's crook (aka. the classic "Vaudeville Hook"). 

[Luis Dias]

So it's fine if they cut off the guy they employed to make a humorous speech? At least Bush did leave Colbert do his thing till the end, that shows respect, if nothing else. This just shows (1) incompetence (at choosing the right person for the job) and (2) lack of respect towards others with different opinions.

Problem is, the full republican line up is ****ing ridiculous, and so when someone makes fun of them, it gets "unfunny" because it's too true, and an embarrassement to any republican who is represented by this line-up. And so it hurts them. As it should.

[IceFire]

The biggest problem with American politics IMHO is a lack of comedians and satire. It's a well established tradition up here with several comedians and comedy groups going after politicians relentlessly regardless of political stripe...even in front of them. One of the more bold shows is called This Hour Has 22 Minutes. They will plant themselves in conventions and at political rallies and get themselves in front of the leaders... almost no matter what.

For example...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P9oN87Lq2Wo

Of course if you don't get political satire... you may not like it (Bear in mind that it is a few years old)

I realize it's a bit different as this was a Republican political rally... but honestly American political groups take things too seriously and too directly.

[Scotty]

We've got the Daily Show and Colbert Report for political satire and comedy, at least.  Say what you will about either show, at least they exist.

[IceFire]

They aren't bad... they do remind me of Canadian satire shows. I think the difference is that those are both "new" and still need some time to work things out whereas political satire shows of both radio and the TV variety are nearly an institution up here. The shows and hosts change over the years but they are, in a way, accepted by the politicians. Maybe as a necessary evil

I don't think the Republicans or the Democrats are there yet... maybe another 50 years

[Kosh]

We've got the Daily Show and Colbert Report for political satire and comedy, at least.  Say what you will about either show, at least they exist.

What's sad is all their subject material is real........

[General Battuta]

i don't think ANY political jokes are funny.

I, too, believe it is important to be absolutely humorless about some things

[karajorma]

You're obviously watching the wrong shows.

Uh, this was a Republican political convention.  I'm really not going to laugh about them not liking it when a comedian made fun of the people they're supporting at their own conference.

I'm pointing out that they did laugh when he went after Obama but as soon as he turned his attention to them, suddenly he wasn't funny. If they aren't prepared to listen to people make jokes about them maybe they shouldn't hire someone to make jokes about their opponents.

Besides, the guy had failed to get laughs for three or four minutes straight when they cut off his mike; he'd have been yanked in any other situation as well had that happened.

He didn't get laughs because they weren't prepared to sit through what they thought was so funny when it was about someone else. Objectively I don't think his jokes were any less amusing.

[BrotherBryon]

We've got the Daily Show and Colbert Report for political satire and comedy, at least.  Say what you will about either show, at least they exist.

What's sad is all their subject material is real........

Actually what is really sad is that they are the only truly reliable news shows in this country. Hell half their bits involve using facts to poke fun at how wrong the regular news shows are.

[Scotty]

i don't think ANY political jokes are funny.

I, too, believe it is important to be absolutely humorless about some things

:colbert: ?

[rscaper1070]

The GOP invited Stephan Colbert to the White House Correspondent's Dinner in 2006. In their minds they saw Jon Stewart as being for the Democrats and the Liberals and Stephan Colbert was their guy. Unfortunately they didn't understand that a lot of what Colbert does is satire and that both shows aren't stumping for either party. At first GW was into it and laughing along but eventually the look on his face was not pleased.

Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qa-4E8ZDj9s

 Part 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Y97-37xfMo&feature=related

[Mikes]

In Bavaria we have a yearly event where all/most major politicians from both parties are present to watch a play that includes lookalikes for most/all of them performing the most ridiculous jokes (and even songs) possible.
( Nockerberg 2011, Part1: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IBma0DOmSVQ )

You guys in the US really need to lighten up.

[Spicious]

You need a group like the Chaser.