The Comedian as Politician, and Often Vice Versa (New York Times)

By EDWARD ROTHSTEIN  
The New York Times
June 11, 2010

Bob Hope Collection, Library of Congress

WASHINGTON — “It’s great for a comedian to be honored in Washington,” Bob Hope said when he was celebrated at the Kennedy Center in 1985. “If there was ever a city that knew how to get laughs ... .”
“There are so many congressmen and senators here,” he added. “I don’t know whether to tell a joke or pass a bill.” Pause. “As if there was a difference.”

Or on another occasion: “The farmers hate to see it end,” he said, after the 1984 presidential election. “All those campaign speeches were good for the crops.”
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