How Presidential Humorlessness Undermines the Essence of Democracy

A Midwestern educator once remarked to her students that a sense of humor signifies intelligence. “Observe our classroom,” she noted. “The brightest students grasp the jokes immediately, while others may falter.” Although I have not consulted a physician to validate this notion, I firmly believe it. Humor demands quick wit, perspective, and a sense of freedom. This is why it is significant for our leaders to be self-deprecating. Historically, presidents have embraced this, with Reagan turning inquiries about his age into humor, Obama playfully ribbing himself at the Correspondents’ Dinner, and George W. Bush adeptly enduring his share of jests. This humility distinguishes us from the monarchy we once escaped. In contrast, Donald Trump's inability to handle humor and his retaliatory actions against comedians like Colbert and Kimmel are alarming. Authoritarian regimes detest humor as it illuminates their flaws. A leader who cannot accept jest risks the very fabric of democracy, as laughter fosters critical thought in citizens.