Obama’s Speechwriter Says He Improvised Trump Size Joke at DNC

During the recent Democratic National Convention, former President Barack Obama delivered a humorous and pointed jab at GOP nominee Donald Trump. The moment occurred when Obama addressed what he described as Trump’s “weird obsession with crowd sizes.” This part of his speech featured a suggestive hand gesture that instantly became a talking point among the audience and on social media platforms.

Obama’s speechwriter revealed that the quip was improvised at the moment. As Obama made the gesture, he brought his hands together, symbolizing a smaller size, which many interpreted as a playful dig at Trump’s fixation on audience numbers.

Jon Favreau, who served as Obama’s director of speechwriting, recounted the incident on a recent episode of his podcast, “Pod Save America.” He explained that while the “size joke” was initially crafted by Dan Pfeiffer, another former aide, the hand gesture was purely an impromptu addition from Obama himself. Favreau noted, “He just put his hands on the podium,” emphasizing the spontaneous nature of the moment.

The audience at the DNC responded enthusiastically to the joke, with laughter echoing throughout the hall. However, the quip did not sit well with Trump, who viewed it as a personal attack. At a rally in North Carolina shortly after the speech, Trump expressed his discontent, stating, “He was taking shots at your president, and so was Michelle. You know they always say, ‘Sir, please stick to policy. Don’t get personal.’ And yet they’re getting personal all night long.”

A spokesperson for the Trump campaign reacted to Obama’s comments by stating that the Democrats are resorting to “unfounded personal attacks” because they lack viable solutions to the issues facing everyday Americans. The spokesperson added, “This is why Kamala and Democrats will lose in November — they’re more interested in personal grievances than in helping people.”

Interestingly, Trump himself is known for using personal attacks and nicknames when addressing his political adversaries. He has frequently mocked President Joe Biden by referring to him as “Sleepy Joe.” Additionally, Trump has been experimenting with various nicknames for Vice President Kamala Harris as the campaign progresses.

At the rally, Trump seemed unapologetic about his approach, telling attendees, “People say, ‘Sir, don’t do it.’ You know all my names. They’ve all worked, they’ve all been very successful.” His comments reflect a consistent strategy of engaging in personal derision, which has remained a hallmark of his political style.

As Obama’s joke continues to circulate online, it highlights the contrasting approaches taken by the two candidates as they navigate the lead-up to the elections. With Trump’s defensive stance and Obama’s more humorous critique, the political climate is charged with tension, humor, and pointed remarks.

In summary, Obama’s improvised gesture at the DNC underscores his ability to blend humor with serious critique of his opponents. Trump’s response reveals his inclination to take such moments personally, highlighting the ongoing tension in American politics as both candidates gear up for the upcoming election.

Source: Business Insider