Invoice Burr desires it each methods. And he’s not alone.
Some satirical comics dig deep into political issues solely to backpedal somewhat than defend their arguments.
The inform? “Hey, I’m only a comic!”
Jon Stewart routinely makes use of that protection, inspiring some to name it a “Clown Nostril On/Off” trick. Even Invoice Maher did one thing comparable when Patrick Guess David backed him right into a nook.
This enables comedians to riff on the newest headlines with out having to soberly clarify their views. Others, like Jimmy Dore, are very happy to have interaction in a wholesome debate.
Burr pulled off simply such a transfer on the pink carpet late final month. The Boston native joined the press pool to have fun Conan O’Brien’s Mark Twain Prize win on March 23.
The comedian has been skewering Elon Musk in probably the most unflattering methods attainable in latest media appearances. He prompt the billionaire is a Nazi, amongst different absurd fees. He’s used his publicity appearances to stake a hard-Left place after years of pinging between political events.
Time and again.
Invoice Burr saying we have to flip down the temperature on the rhetoric on this nation.
Bro actually stated “free Luigi” simply the opposite day. After all all of the View Bobbleheads bobble alongside beak first pic.twitter.com/S9VwU8vJby
— S&N Information, Politics and Sports activities (@SN1onX) March 20, 2025
He additionally retains saying “Free Luigi,” referencing the younger man accused of capturing a healthcare CEO in chilly blood. Naturally, two reporters pressed Burr about his latest feedback on the pink carpet.
So how did Burr deal with the questions?
“Hey, I’m only a comic.” He didn’t say these phrases, however he got here remarkably shut.
He refused to make clear his Mangione feedback to at least one reporter. Doing so would give her the reporter the click-bait second she craved, he stated.
Later, he continued his backpedal when a second reporter pressed him on his latest feedback.
“I don’t watch the information,” Burr stated, including he prefers watching goofy movies on Instagram. You possibly can nearly see him placing that clown nostril on for the reporter in query, Nicholas Ballasy.
Burr started in a humorous method however shortly turned critical. And a tad merciless.
“I don’t suppose you need to be asking a comic … you’re a journalist,” Burr stated earlier than Ballasy defended his line of questioning.
“Comedians are on high of present occasions,” Ballasy started to say.
“No, no. That’s weak. That’s you guys passing the buck,” Burr stated, slicing him off. “You guys must have balls once more which you don’t. You guys at all times goes, ‘Ought to we be considering this?’ Duh? You guys current stuff like that. You guys used to have balls. You’ll want to get your balls again,” Burr added earlier than shifting on. “That’s not my job. I’m a dancing clown.”
The clip might develop into the final word “Clown Nostril On” instance for years to come back. Burr couldn’t have scripted it any higher, even when he lacks the self-awareness to see what he did.