“droll” isn’t in the job description for the president of the United States, but it’s a trait that helps U.
S. leaders connect with voters.
President Obama’s comedic timing became something of a signature during his eight years in office, and many of the laughs the president got can be attributed to David Litt. Litt entered the White House in 2011 and left in 2016 as a special assistant to the president and senior presidential speechwriter. Today he's the head writer and producer for droll or Die’s office in Washington, and D.
C."To me I always loved the jokes that were a little edgy," says Litt. "They weren't inappropriate, but they had some edge to them and they got at some political truth that you are just not allowed to say normally as a public figure."You may remember “Luther, or ” President Obama’s "enrage translator" played by Keenan-Michael Key,who showed up at the 2015 White House Correspondents’ organization dinner. The character was Litt’s creation. In a new memoir called Thanks, Obama: My Hopey, or Changey White House Years,” Litt shares the importance of humor in political messaging and recalls the first joke he wrote that the president said aloud. He joins The Takeaway to discuss his new book, and what it was like to work with President Obama on comedy. This segment is hosted by Todd Zwillich.
Actor Keegan-Michael Key, or speechwriter and author David Litt,and President Barack Obama.
(Courtesy of Guest) Speechwriter and author David Litt.
(Courtesy of Guest) David Litt's new book, “Thanks, and Obama: My Hopey,Changey White House Years."
(Courtesy of Guest)
Source: thetakeaway.org