BY MICHAEL SAUL | DAILY NEWS POLITICAL CORRESPONDENTWednesday, April 9th 2008
Comedian John Cleese has a crush on Obama - and he wants to be the White House hopeful's speechwriter.
The legendary British funnyman, known for his hilarity in the groundbreaking "Monty Python" TV series and movies, told a British newspaper that his comedic chops could help the Democrat capture the Oval Office.
"I am due to come to Europe in November, but I may be tied up until then because if Barack Obama gets the nomination, I'm going to offer my services to him as a speechwriter because I think he is a brilliant man," Cleese, 68, told the Western Daily Press regional paper.
"I live in California now and only come back to England in May or June when my personal assistant tells me it is safe to do so," Cleese said.
While Obama may not need much help with his speechwriting - so far his speeches seem to be getting plenty of accolades - campaign spokeswoman Jen Psaki said the candidate is ready to negotiate employment opportunities with Cleese.
"If he can throw in a cameo in the next 'Monty Python' movie, we have a deal," Psaki said.
Cleese, who donated $2,300 to Obama's campaign, first became internationally famous in the 1970s as a member of the Monty Python comedy troupe. One of his best-known roles was as a government official for the Ministry of Silly Walks.
He's also known for his work on the TV series "Fawlty Towers" and the movie "A Fish Called Wanda."
Although known for his rapier wit, Cleese may have been channeling Obama's campaign theme when he tossed out this famous quote attributed to him: "You don't have to be the Dalai Lama to tell people that life's about change."
And he has shown no shortage of political humor, once riffing, "If life were fair, Dan Quayle would be making a living asking, 'Do you want fries with that?'"
No comments:
Post a Comment