Conan O'Brien on President Kennedy's Sense of Humor

[thomaschacko]

A young boy asked President Kennedy, “Mr President, how did you become a war hero?”
His reply: “Well, it wasn’t my idea. They sank my boat!”

[nostradamusofgames]

that super rare moment when the uploader doesnt turn comments off.

[mrfester]

I've read countless works about JFK and I couldn't agree more with Conan. He hit the nail squarely on the head in his characterization of JFKs humor.

[mttqie]

One thing that makes me appreciate Conan so much, he doesn't make jokes by insulting people

[jaddison]

An unexpectedly wonderful interview that showed so many facets of Conan O'Brien I never knew about. His interests and intelligence, such a counter point to his talk show persona.

[gamernorcal]

It use to be said that JFK's wit was just as sharp or even better than Lincoln's.

[ryanfoley]

Find the book The Kennedy Wit if you can, it's a treat.

[lovman]

I found this clip while searching for a referenced essay by Conan, "Comedy as Worldview", which appeared in the book "JFK: A vision for America, " by Smith and Brinkley. This was a footnote in the excellent biography by the Harvard historian Frederik Logevall, "JFK: Coming of Age in the American Century, 1917-1956" (Part 1, Part 2, 57-63 is being written now). As quoted from the O'Brien essay in the footnote: "As a lifetime fan of comedy and American history, I have thought quite a bit about our funniest presidents, and I think we have had exactly two: Abraham Lincoln and John F. Kennedy... The humor that resonates with me is... the sense of humor one needs in order to hold two opposing ideas at once: that our life here on earth is smultaneously beautiful and terribly sad. To wit, it is the humor of John F. Kennedy." In the longer version of this talk, also on youtube, it is mentioned that Conan is on the board of the JFK library, graduated from Harvard, was also from Brookline MA, like JFK, and is friends with Caroline Kennedy Schlossberg.

[JFairhart]

This will sound strange but I am sure the soul of Lincoln was re-born and was JFK.

[runnynight]

I love this man oh my god
I adore and admire you so much Conan ~~~

[jansean]

Very inciteful take on Kennedy and humor. Kennedy was a deeply remarkable person. He was a disabled guy who cheated his way into the military and then became an incredible war hero. He completely re-made himself after his brother’s death, almost like he was possessed. He was gracious and egalitarian as a politician and evolved rapidly in his knowledge and leadership skill. He was personally immoral but as a leader, his moral direction and goals were astonishing. He was determined to make America the best and most virtuous it could be, and represent the best humanity had to offer. We lost everything when we lost him and his brother. The world would be completely different if they had lived.

[lyndatrones]

John Kennedy was one of a kind and yes obviously he used humor as a survival tactic and nothing more. Life was not kind to him so i'd say you are very smart Conan on the subject of this very courageous man. Thank you. 🇺🇸

[heloisepoye]

I really agree w that. I have a really funny brother. It is sooo natural for him to be humorous and he also had many hardships from a father that thought laughing was really not so good. Now family and friends love to be around him bcz of his natural humor. Truly a gift from God, as I see it. Thank you.

[Mr.MikeBarksdale]

I'd argue that no matter what you think of Trump, the guy is hilarious. He knows just which buttons to push to make his enemies absolutely lose their minds--literally, oftentimes. And that's funny. His line about Rosie O'Donnell, during a debate no less, was absolutely hilarious. He's not witty the way Lincoln or JFK were, but the persona he's created is funny by anyone who is objective--and I say that not as a partisan fan.

[jamesyu]

Conan’s view about JFK’s humor is shallow and skewed. Reagan was humorous, Kennedy was witty. JFK grew up in a privileged and wealthy environment. He was suddenly thrown into the political arena by his ambitious father. I think he developed his cleaver and witty expression when he took on the leadership role in the PT boat (WW2) and as a politician. His seemingly quick wit served two purposes: lightening the seriousness of the issue with confidence and the leadership while avoiding any ensuing discussions. He was briefed prior to any press conferences and speeches. So he had ample time to prepare. He was a master tactician in this area.

[m.n.shumate]

Brother Bobby was hilarious too! Let's not forget Reagan!❤

[johnrogan]

Snideness and humor are not the same thing!

[connorstebbins]

Despite being a horrible womanizer, and his sense of being untouchable, jfk truly seemed like a guy who understood people. Not just rich, not just white. I certainly wish our current president had that quality

[sarahburrough]

Another silmilarity between Lincoln and Kennedy is they both had open minds

[lennybogart]

A lovely thing is humour.
I wonder what he would have said about being assassinated!?