Presidential Joke Day

Presidents know how to joke, especially on Presidential Joke Day. It reminds people that dignitaries are close to the people, and sometimes they can say something ridiculous, awkward, and funny. Often these sayings become real wisdom!

History

The holiday appeared quite by accident: in 1984, President Ronald Reagan joked during a radio broadcast: “My fellow Americans, I am pleased to tell you I just signed legislation which outlaws Russia forever. The bombing begins in five minutes.”

Reagan did not know that he was on the air: his words immediately spread not only throughout the United States but also reached officials of the USSR, which brought the country to combat readiness. Everyone was waiting for the attack, which did not happen.

When it turned out that the President was joking, the Americans found the situation amusing and memorialized it by establishing Presidential Joke Day on August 11th.

By the way, Reagan made similar remarks before. For example, after an assassination attempt in 1981, he came into the operating room and told the surgeons, “I hope you’re all Republicans.”

Interesting facts

Not only did Reagan distinguish himself with his statements. We’ve put together a short list!

• “Being president is like running a cemetery: you’ve got a lot of people under you and nobody’s listening.” (Bill Clinton)
• “My esteem in this country has gone up substantially. It is very nice now that when people wave at me, they use all their fingers.” (Jimmy Carter)
• “If I had to name my greatest strength, I guess it would be my humility. Greatest weakness? It’s possible that I’m a little too awesome.” (Barack Obama)
• During the presidential campaign in 2000: “Thank you for the email, Al Gore! This Internet of yours is a wonderful invention.” (George W. Bush)

How to take part

Find out more about the blunders of presidents around the world. Find information on the Internet and share it with your friends!

When is Presidential Joke Day in 2024?

Presidential Joke Day is observed on August 11 each year.

Observations