A conservative businessman tells his best joke about Obama at a ceremony to honor the President of the University of Colorado, and is surprised when no one gets it:
Bill Farr found himself in a bit of hot political water after telling a joke during this week’s National Western Stock Show.
Before jokingly reading a mock telegram from President Bush at a dinner for the Citizen of the West award, Farr told a joke about U.S. Sen. Barack Obama becoming president.
“I have a telegram from the White House . . . They’re going to have to change the name of that building if Obama’s elected,” Farr was quoted saying.
The Greeley businessman said he was sorry for offending people with the comment but said he was flabbergasted with the response it received.
Yeah, I just bet he was “flabbergasted.” I’m not flabbergasted, however. I’m disgusted. And it seems poor Mr. Farr felt the need to walk back his initial reaction to his comedy routine, because now that he’s been taken to the woodshed a bit, he’s decided that maybe a more extensive expression of remorse is necessary after all:
A Greeley businessman apologized Wednesday after a joke about Illinois Sen. Barack Obama fell flat during the National Western Stock Show’s annual Citizen of the West banquet. […]
Witnesses said they could hear people gasp in the ballroom of the Adam’s Mark Hotel [when Farr made his joke].
“I gasped,” said Gov. Bill Ritter, who was sitting at the table with Farr.
Mayor John Hickenlooper said, “I don’t think he (Farr) intended any mischief or malice, but it was inappropriate.”
Afterward, Farr said he regretted making the remark and apologized to anyone offended.
“I apologize for that,” Farr told a reporter as soon as the banquet ended.
“I mistook it to be humorous, but it was something I shouldn’t have said.”
Expect more of these “Gee, I’m sure sorry I said that about the Black Guy running for President, but I really thought it was a scream at the time” mea culpas from good old boy Republicans in the months ahead. Because you just know this won’t be the last time someone on the right decides Obama’s skin color is fair game for making a funny.
