Barack Obama

I mean no disrespect, but he seriously needs to consider a career in stand-up once his current gig ends. I think, just based on watching various things, that timing is crucial. Without that, you won't succeed. Obama has the timing. He also is willing to poke fun at himself, which I think is also crucial to comedy. Yeah, you can make a career of poking fun at lots of other things, but if you take your own self too seriously, you're just a pompous jerk.

I have a son who has done some stand-up, and his best bits are the ones that poke fun at himself in some way. And as good as I think my kid is, he's got a ways to go before he can compete with Barack Obama at an open mike night.