Donald Trump might not fancy himself a joke, and it’s rare to see him cracking a smile, but according to Jon Lovett, there’s a humorous edge lurking behind his serious facade.
As an Obama speechwriter and now a comedian, Lovett shares his insights, stating, “Trump’s just hilarious. Take his Merry Christmas message to his ‘haters and losers’—that’s comedic gold,” during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter at the Just For Laughs festival happening in Montreal.
While it’s undeniable that Trump’s return to office has sparked chaos in U.S. politics, Lovett’s critique goes deeper. He labels Trump as a “vandal” wreaking havoc in the country. Still, Lovett acknowledges Trump’s unexpected knack for comedy, especially when he displays that infamous lower lip pout or stirs up open rage.
“When he’s steamrolling through interviews or working the crowd with his MAGA supporters, that’s his kind of humor,” Lovett argues.
At the Montreal festival, Lovett hosted a live version of his podcast Lovett or Leave It, featuring special guests like Gianmarco Soresi and Mary Beth Barone.
Even though Trump isn’t a stand-up comedian by any stretch, Lovett believes he possesses a sharp comedic instinct. “He’s got a wicked sense of humor that sometimes hits just right. He understands television and knows how to make the ridiculous work in his favor,” Lovett shares.
Commenting on the landscape of modern media, Lovett notes, “We can kid ourselves, but it’s dangerous to do so.” As he navigates life as a host for Pod Save America and Lovett or Leave It, he finds fulfillment in mixing humor with politics, encompassing writing, performing, and staying engaged with societal issues.
However, Lovett acknowledges the unconventional roadmap that led him to this blend of comedy and commentary. “I didn’t hit the typical open mics right after college. I always felt slightly distant from the stand-up comedy scene,” he confesses.
He also highlights the complexities of crafting humor in an era riddled with political distractions and divisions. “It’s going to be tough for future generations to grasp how utterly absurd and perilous American politics have become,” he observes.
One way forward, believes Lovett, is to use humor to counteract Trump’s antics and encourage Democrats to tackle the serious issues with a lighter touch. “Staying engaged requires seriousness at times, but we also need to poke fun at these people—Trump is like a clown who happens to hold a gun. Just because he’s carrying a weapon doesn’t change that he’s a clown, and vice versa,” he asserts.
The Just For Laughs comedy festival is set to go on until Sunday, delivering laughs amid a crazy political season.
