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Oliver gives pols humor envy
By: Jeff Dufour and Kiki Ryan
Washington Examiner
07/09/09 12:03 PM EDT
Everyone wants to be John Oliver, but all John Oliver wants is to stay in the U.S. with Jon Stewart. Oliver, joined by Speaker Nancy Pelosi and former President Bill Clinton, spoke at the Campus Progress National Convention Wednesday night, and all the “big ticket” names were jealous of his humor.
Oliver opened the show by saying that he hopes to stay on “The Daily Show” as long as they — and immigration services — will allow. He said he thought his time was up in three days and that he’s applying for a green card so he doesn’t get carted away. He also touched on the topic of his boss, Stewart, when asked if there were any quirks behind-the-scenes. “He hits me … is that what you want me to say?” Oliver deadpanned. Then he tried to get serious, gushing about Stewart (apparently they have a bromance) and saying, “He’s an amazing man … in every facet.”
When Pelosi took the stage, her first order of business was apologizing for not being as funny as Oliver — and she was strictly business. She discussed her three hot topics: energy, education and health care. She also seemed to love a kid in the front row “You are the future!” she yelled into the microphone, then left to return to the House after a standing ovation.
Clinton entered to the audience chanting “Bill, Bill, Bill…” and said he was honored to be the closing act for Pelosi. He mentioned that he was a huge fan of Oliver, and slightly envied him. “I thought the great thing about not being president was that I could say whatever I wanted to,” he said. “Then Hillary became Secretary of State.” The crowd cheered and Clinton asked for pity. “Hey you should feel bad about me,” Clinton said. “Oliver can say whatever he wants.” He then switched to inspirational mode and said, “It’s a good thing to be young in America. Things feel possible again.”
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