How many times and how many ways can this excuse be used? What is beyond the pale for “just joking”?
And what will Republicans say when Democrats start telling their own “jokes”?
This thread is to show examples of Republicans “just kidding” about things they obviously aren’t joking about and/or things they prolly wouldn’t want others to “joke” about.
Or are they under the impression that anything can be waved away as long as you say “just kidding”?
Saying something flat out nasty and hurtful, waiting a few moments and then saying, “I’m kidding!” gets really old quick as comedy. Like, never use even once old.
Using “I’m kidding!” as a cover for your hurtful nastiness is just hurtful nastiness.
It’s called kidding on the square. You say something negative that really mean but you frame it as a joke. So the person who the negative remark was addressed at isn’t supposed to be insulted by the remark; he’s supposed to “take a joke”.
That said, some conservatives aren’t doing it right. You’re supposed to make your remark as a joke not say it seriously and then later claim it was supposed to be a joke. If you have to inform somebody that you told a joke, then one of you has no sense of humor. And if you have to inform everyone that you told a joke, then you’re the one who has no sense of humor.
So of the two examples given in the OP, I’d say Cassidy’s qualifies as a joke. He was kidding on the square. Carlson’s remark does not qualify as a joke. So when he said it was a joke, he was just lying.
You gotta watch that stuff (remembering the major flame-out on the Dope when someone jokingly suggested that the U.S. annex Saskatchewan, or maybe it was Alberta).
“I’m kidding/just joking” has backfired enough in our household that I mostly avoid it now.
Personally, I don’t have a problem with that one. It’s slightly funny, and doesn’t have any actual real world repercussions no matter whether you think it’s a joke or not. Unlike the Tucker one.
