Our View: Staying relatable is key
May 1, 2016
During the annual White House Correspondents’ Dinner on Saturday night, President Barack Obama delivered his last speech that was filled with somber remembrances and jokes covering everything from politicians to the media.
“I was running on (Colored People’s Time), which stands for jokes that white people should not make,” Obama said, in reference to the uncomfortable joke made by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, also involving Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton earlier in April.
At the end of his speech, the president said “Obama out,” proceeding to drop the mic.
Also on Saturday, The White House released a video on its official Facebook page depicting Obama’s crisis on what he will do with his time once his presidency is over.
The video consists of Obama asking for advice from Vice President Joe Biden and even former House Speaker John Boehner.
Also in the video, Obama can be seen getting sass from the DMV and trying to find another job.
“Is this the Washington Wizards? I understand you’re looking for some coaching help,” Obama said in the video in his office, ultimately being hung up on.
Throughout his presidency—especially near the end—some have appraised Obama for his frank jokes and humorous videos, which says a lot about how a president should try to relate to constituents.
Public approval is important. The ability to be seen as relatable is also something people look for in a good leader. We can only say no matter who becomes our next president, they have some large, comedic shoes to fill.