White House Humor?

One of my favorite TV shows is the West Wing. Aaron Sorkin's style definitely works the best when the things people are talking about actually are lofty.
However, one thing I always wondered about was whether people in the White House actually crack jokes with one another. I've only ever worked in the entertainment industry. I've never had a job that necessitates any level of seriousness and I imagine the White House to be the opposite kind of environment. Yet I've worked with people in Hollywood that take themselves excessively seriously and the West Wing, a very serious show about politics, features a group of people that are incessantly glib and sarcastic.
Its also always a big deal when a politician -- especially a president -- not only makes a joke but is actually funny. Bush apparently cracked jokes all the time. It worked out well in his approval rating. Both Obama and McCain became internet sensations when the delivered hilarious speeches at the Alfred E Smith dinner:
I know I was surprised that these guys actually had timing. In reality though, they are professional public speakers. It follows that timing comes in that package, right?
Yet when it comes to news, some of the most honest moments come from Jon Stewart or Colbert. And when it comes to issues you'll get brutal truth from Chris Rock or, up until recently, George Carlin. In order to find humor in life, it seems you need to deconstruct things in a way that also leads to truth.
So, I guess my point is that I think we can all do with a little more banter on Capital Hill. What this has to with anything I'm not sure other than its 12:20 AM and its on my mind.







