OK, Who Can Resist a Good Bailout Joke?
November 25, 2008
Detroit's Big Three automakers are jousting with the U.S. Congress for their continued existence, and nobody denies that's serious business.
But as usual, what got the auto companies to this place has opened Detroit Inc. to plenty of ridicule -- and not all of it is mean-spirited.
Laughter may or may not be the best medicine for this predicament. Either way, here are a few examples of our favorite "bailout humor" that hit the national stage:
NBC's Conan O'Brien:
"The auto executives for the Big Three are being criticized now, because, before they asked Congress for billions of dollars, they all flew to Washington in private jets. Yeah, separately, in private jets. In their defense, the executives said, 'We would have driven, but our cars only get three miles to the gallon.'"
And,
"Earlier today, the heads of the GM, Ford, and Chrysler appeared together in front of Congress to ask for a $25 billion bailout. When asked what they would do with the money, all three said, 'Buy a new BMW.'"
NBC comedy legend Jay Leno:
"The three big domestic automakers are now saying they are working jointly on a new hybrid car. It runs on a combination of state and federal bailout money."
Maybe you've heard a bailout funny. You can share via AutoObserver's comment function below.
PHOTO:
Late-night comedy host Conan O'Brien (courtesy NBC).
Posted by Bill Visnic at 3:15 AM under Business , Chrysler , Companies , Ford , GM , In the Media | Comments (1) | digg this | Seed Newsvine
Leno's joke was actually funny. The others rely on and perpetuate the false myth that GM vehicles are inferior or less efficient. The reality is, that like all manufacturers, some of there products aren't competitive, but many are. Another reality, unfortunately, is that the media propogates the belief that none are, and that none are fuel efficient. A final unfortunate reality, is that many regular people, even including my own younger sibling, believe this to be true, and aren't even willing to take the time to check out the offerings to see for themselves.
Kinda hard to do what's required (sell product in a tough market) when a large part of the target audience won't take what you're selling seriously, isn't it?
Posted by: jerrywimer | November 26, 2008 at 8:59 AM