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Back in the 1920's, President Calvin Coolidge was renowned for being a man of few words. At a large dinner gathering, a reporter came up to him and exclaimed "Mr. President, I have made a rather sizable bet with my friend that I can get you to say three words this evening." Coolidge paused a brief moment, looked the man square in the eye, and replied "You lose."

In days past and present times, we need pleasant distractions from the "politics" of politicians. Amid scandals, agendas, arrogance, ineptitude, and broken promises, it is refreshing to see a human side of our elected officials. It was once said that "The best of men are at best, men." So when a Coolidge, Reagan, or Clinton can throw out a one liner, it not only shows their human side, it connects us to them. Whether it's self-deprecatory, a rallying point, or just something we can all relate to, humor from the men and women who represent us gives us the sense that they understand life, and the world around us. The politician that can garner wit in their public speaking repertoire will have not only our votes, but our empathy as well.

It's easy to imagine Clinton's open-mouthed guffaws. Here is a man, like him or not, that knew how to laugh. Ronald Reagan's imagery is replete with smiles and laughter shots as a result of a man who knew how to engage Americans. Our current President, George Bush, whom I like, does not laugh. He's too serious. The same goes for William Harding, and Gerald Ford. You don't see any pictures of these men smiling, enjoying a humorous moment. It may be no wonder that their overall approval ratings were low; they did not know how to laugh with their constituents.

The future leaders of this great nation, the ones that will truly rally America together in spite of its differences, are the ones who will warm our hearts by getting us to laugh with them.

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