Jim Gaffigan is known for his typically apolitical comedy, generally beloved for his clean cut humor and parenting jokes like those in his book Dad Is Fat, so it was surprising and sort of stunning to see the comedian trending on Twitter after going on an extended political rant. But it’s true. While the Republican National Convention aired, Gaffigan kicked off an hour-long rant with nearly 20 tweets, beginning with “RIP Truth” and “excuse me while I treat myself to confronting some asshole trolls.” It was truly awesome (in the dictionary sense of “extremely impressive” and “inspiring great admiration”) to watch the comedian’s truth be unleashed in real time.
His tweets drew admiration, and of course some criticism, from afar. Fellow comedian Mike Birbiglia commented on Gaffigan’s viral tweets, writing, “I know so many entertainers who stay out of discussing politics and don’t speak their mind about the corruption we’re witnessing in the White House because it’s bad for business. My hat is off to @JimGaffigan. We all have to stand up to the incompetent bully in the White House.” And the Bad Feminist author Roxane Gay penned, “Wow. The president made Jim Gaffigan, the chilliest dude, snap completely.”
A few highlights from Jim Gaffigan’s poignant remarks include:
Trump derangement syndrome is part of the con. Wake up. you know Fox News is biased and full of loons. it's how they gaslight and silence criticism. Do you think any of those congressional republicans really believe in Trump or do they fear him dont want to end up like Flake.
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
You know Trump just creates enemies. You know you can't trust him. You know he been incompetent during this crisis. You know all those people didn't need to die. Trump talks about the Space Program and you can't safely go to a movie. Wake up
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
can we stop with this HOLLYWOOD shit. I'm not from Hollywood and Hollywood is just a town. Please say coastal elites (which Trump, Jared and Ivana are) Maybe people on the east and west coasts have different values from yours but they dont like liars and con men like trump. https://t.co/F9A12uG2TI
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
I know you hate snobs and elites I get it but look at Ivana and that douche bag Jerod. Think they are on your side? Do you think they've ever done a real days work in their lives. Wake up
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
I dont give a fuck if anyone thinks this is virtue signaling or whatever. We need to wake up. We need to call trump the con man and thief that he is.
— Jim Gaffigan (@JimGaffigan) August 28, 2020
Kudos, Gaffigan. Kudos.
