Laughing Through U.S. Politics: 5 Funny Moments We’ll Never Forget
American politics isn't all policy and partisan fighting — it's a mix of a weird, awkward, funny past as well. Here are five crazy moments that remind us that U.S. politicians are just like us — sometimes in the most ridiculous ways.
1️⃣ Teddy Roosevelt Rides a Moose (1912)
Picture Teddy Roosevelt, the most outdoorsman-type president, straight-up riding a moose, crossing a river.
Such was an image printed by a newspaper during his third-party "Bull Moose" campaign of 1912, meant to signify Roosevelt's no-nonsense, rough and tumble approach to life. Later found to be a photomontage (faux-Photoshopped) by some newspapers, it's important to note that regardless, the image got around.
It gets circulated every election season with the supplemental question posed to the reader — Did Teddy actually ride it that hard? — and either way, it's an incredible capitalized response — moose included.
2️⃣ Rick Perry's ‘Oops’ Debate Fail (2011)
There's nothing worse than a single politician giving a debate sound bite to their opponent.
During one Republican presidential debate, Texas Governor Rick Perry stood in front of the live audience and national cameras. When it was his turn to speak, he vocally acknowledged how he'd cut three federal programs. So far, so good. "Commerce, Education, and..." — silence.
Nothing. Silence. Not even a struggle.
He tried again. Nothing. He graphically smiled and uttered the word that would end his campaign — "Oops."
So hilariously haunting for Perry, "Oops" became the soundbite for political late-night news and social media for the next three months.
3️⃣ Joe Biden Loves Ice Cream
Biden's penchant for ice cream is more than a meme making him relatable; it's relatable.
Biden's been seen eating ice cream cones on the campaign trail so often that reporters now ask him what his favorite ice cream is when he's not in politics. During one event, he answered an ice cream flavor question shouted at him before he answered anything about the economy.
While some find it laughable as a fluff piece, others appreciate these reminders of human behavior in a politicized vacuum.
4️⃣ George W. Bush vs. Pretzel (2002)
George W. Bush fainted because he was snacking on a pretzel.
On an otherwise normal night, while watching football at home, President George W. Bush put a pretzel in his mouth and fainted. He accidentally knocked his head on the wood floor and appeared the next day at a press conference with a bruise on his cheek and a giant smile.
He quipped to the press — "My mom always said when you're eating pretzels, chew before you swallow." — the press and subsequently, late-night television went wild — This is our president and he choked on a snack.
Remarkably enough, George W. Bush went with the story that made him a joke for pretzels everywhere for quite some time.
5️⃣ Bill Clinton and the Balloon Drop (1996)
During the Democratic National Convention, thousands of balloons fell from the ceiling for theatrics during Bill Clinton's acceptance speech.
As the thousands of balloons dropped... The camera zoomed in on Bill Clinton raising his fists in the air with excitement like a little boy at his own birthday party.
It became replayed for years afterward and as of election season, GIFs of "Balloon Dad" Clinton resurface in jubilation of his eternal enthusiasm.
🌟 Why This Matters
No one wants to think about politics as being cynical; let us muse over the funny moments that cut through the political charge. These people are people who misplace their words, get overly excited about balloons, and love ice cream just like you and me; sometimes, that's why politics can be funny.
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