Good One: A Podcast About Jokes What It's Like to Write Jokes for Barack Obama
Apr 17, 2017
David Litt, a former senior presidential speechwriter, shares his unique experiences writing jokes for President Obama. He discusses the thrill and pressure of capturing Obama’s humor while navigating sensitive topics. Litt reveals the creative process behind memorable moments, including integrating Keegan-Michael Key's character, Luther, into the White House Correspondence Dinner. He also reflects on how comedy can shine a light on serious issues and the importance of humor in the relationship between the presidency and the press.
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From The Onion To The White House
- David Litt interned at The Onion and then worked on Obama's 2008 campaign before joining a speechwriting firm.
- That path led him to White House speechwriting because he combined politics experience with comedy credentials.
Time Jokes Close To The Event
- Start intensive, topical joke work about three weeks before the event because news ages fast.
- Gather many submissions and pare to the best 40 lines for review.
Jokes Demand A Writer's Room
- The Correspondents' speech is written like a writers' room, not a single-author speech.
- That team approach matters because every joke must be the strongest possible line.
