THEY'RE JUST SCARED OF WHAT THE JOKES WOULD REVEAL:

For political comedians, the joke's not on Obama: Conservatives see switch to 'hero worship' (Christian Toto, May 5, 2009 , Washington Times)

The Great Presidential Comedy Drought of 2009 can't be chalked off to a lack of satirical fodder, said comic Jeffrey Jena, founder of the Vast Right Wing Conspiracy blog. ("Looking at politics and life from the right side," proclaims its motto.)

"Letterman used to do a 'Bushism of the Week.' " Why hasn't he started one with Obama?" Mr. Jena said. "There's plenty of those moments, the 'Ohs, and 'Umms' or 'I don't speak Austrian.' "

"Late Show" host David Letterman was scathing in his mockery of President George W. Bush. But on his show recently, he scolded those who would mock the new president's reliance on the teleprompter for "political nitpicking," saying Mr. Obama is "at least out there trying" to cope with "impossible" political challenges.

Speaking of nitpicking, here's the UR biffing his own joke yesterday:

REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT AT CINCO DE MAYO EVENT [...]

THE PRESIDENT: Bienvenidos. Welcome to Cinco de Cuatro -- (laughter) -- Cinco de Mayo at the White House. We are a day early, but we always like to get a head start here at the Obama White House.

He, of course, was supposed to say Cuatro de Mayo but obviously didn't understand the joke.

Posted by Orrin Judd at May 5, 2009 6:37 AM