The Moth Podcast: "Mark Katz: Al Gore Is So Boring…"
Episode Information
- Title: Mark Katz: Al Gore Is So Boring…
- Host/Author: The Moth
- Release Date: November 6, 2012
Introduction
In this captivating episode of The Moth, Mark Katz recounts his unconventional journey from aspiring political humorist to crafting one of Vice President Al Gore's most memorable speeches. Told live during The Moth's 2010 collaboration with the World Science Festival, Katz's narrative is a blend of humor, career mishaps, and serendipitous success.
Mark Katz's Career Beginnings and Aspirations
Mark Katz begins by sharing his early career aspirations and the tumultuous path that led him to Washington D.C.:
Mark Katz [02:44]: "Right out of college, I joined the Dukakis campaign. But in some ways, it was the best job I ever had because I was 22 years old and I knew what I wanted more than anything else in the world. I wanted to write jokes for a Democratic President of the United States."
Despite his enthusiasm, Katz's career in advertising was unstable, leading him to a pivotal moment in 1993:
Mark Katz [02:44]: "I went through four jobs in four years. And I was in between jobs in 1992 when something really weird happened. A Democrat got elected President of the United States. You may remember Bill Clinton."
Determined to leverage his experience, Katz approached his former campaign colleagues with an audacious pitch to write humor speeches for President Clinton. This bold move set the stage for his encounter with Vice President Al Gore.
The Creation of the “Al Gore Is So Boring” Joke
On a critical train ride to Washington D.C., Katz meticulously crafts what would become his signature joke:
Mark Katz [05:20]: "Al Gore is so boring. His Secret Service code name is Al Gore."
This joke, first heard on the Today Show, becomes the cornerstone of his assignment to write a speech for Al Gore at the Gridiron Club. Katz reflects on his creative process:
Mark Katz [05:20]: "I realized jokes with the word Al Gore in them were funnier. There's just something intrinsically funny about the name Al Gore."
The Interaction with Vice President Al Gore
Upon meeting Al Gore, Katz presents his joke, inadvertently claiming ownership:
Mark Katz [10:15]: "Al Gore is so boring, his Secret Service code name is Al Gore."
Lorraine, Gore’s assistant, reacts with uncontrollable laughter, assuming Katz originated the joke. This moment leads to a deeper collaboration, where Katz realizes he had inadvertently appropriated a joke he overheard:
Mark Katz [12:30]: "I was the owner of that joke. I wrote that joke. And I couldn't, didn't have the moment. There wasn't a moment to say, I didn't write that joke."
Struggling with guilt, Katz contemplates revealing the truth but instead opts for a facade of humility:
Mark Katz [17:00]: "Mr. Vice President, I'm just a ghostwriter. As far as I'm concerned, you wrote these jokes."
The Gridiron Club Speech
The culmination of Katz's efforts is the Gridiron Club speech, where Al Gore delivers the now-famous joke to an audience of Washington's elite:
Mark Katz [14:50]: "Al Gore gets up to give his speech. And, you know, from the very moment he was rolled out on a hand truck... that was a joke I did write."
The speech is met with roaring laughter, validating Katz's contribution and solidifying his place in political humor.
Reflections and Serendipitous Success
Following the successful speech, Katz’s relationship with Al Gore deepens. A later encounter at the Essex House VIP room leads to a heartfelt recognition of Katz's role:
Mark Katz [17:50]: "I'm the guy who wrote the joke. Al Gore is so boring, his Secret Service codename is Al Gore. Thank you. Go."
This acknowledgment not only affirms Katz's talent but also underscores the unpredictable nature of creative success.
Conclusion
Mark Katz's story is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the unpredictable paths to success. From struggling copywriter to influential speechwriter for a Vice President, Katz's journey encapsulates the essence of The Moth's storytelling ethos—shared experiences that are both terrifying and exhilarating.
Key Quotes with Timestamps
- Mark Katz [02:44]: "I wanted to write jokes for a Democratic President of the United States."
- Mark Katz [05:20]: "Al Gore is so boring. His Secret Service code name is Al Gore."
- Mark Katz [10:15]: "I was the owner of that joke. I wrote that joke."
- Mark Katz [17:50]: "I'm the guy who wrote the joke. Al Gore is so boring, his Secret Service codename is Al Gore. Thank you. Go."
About the Speaker
Mark Katz is an ex-political operative and a recovering copywriter who now operates the Sound Bite Institute, a creative consultancy that leverages humor for strategic purposes. He is also a contributing editor to The Daily Beast and the author of Clinton and Me, a real-life political comedy published by Miramax Books.
This summary captures the essence of Mark Katz's engaging and humorous story, highlighting his professional challenges, creative breakthroughs, and eventual success in the political arena.