Republican presidential candidate, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney shares a laugh while meeting with a group of Pittsburgh area residents in Bethel Park, Pa, Call it the campaign trail schtick. The jokes at presidential fundraisers and rallies are easy applause lines for President Barack Obama and Romney, a way to keep supporters entertained before more weighty subjects like Medicare, taxes and foreign policy.By KEN THOMAS
Associated Press
WASHINGTON – Have you heard the one about the kid who thinks President Barack Obama’s job is to “approve this message?” Or the time Mitt Romney compared another presidential run to giving birth?
At presidential fundraisers and rallies, the jokes are easy applause lines for Obama and Romney, a way to entertain supporters before the talk turns to more weighty subjects like Medicare, taxes and foreign policy.
You certainly won’t hear the sound of a snare drum or Obama or Romney telling their fans, “I’m here all night, folks! Try the veal.” But during tough economic times, the punch lines lighten the mood and let the candidates poke fun at themselves, their opponents and the odd life of motorcades, basement loading docks and countless handshakes that come with running for president.