President Barack Obama's appearance on the online talk show "Between Two Ferns," where he traded barbs with comedian Zach Galifianakis about the Affordable Care Act, left some Republicans unamused.
A White House adviser told The New York Times the interview, which was released Tuesday, was part of an ongoing effort to communicate with young people and to encourage them to sign up for health insurance before the enrollment period ends this month.
For some Republicans, it was funny until the conversation turned to health care. Other conservatives found the whole thing undignified, and called it a distraction from the real issues. Still others saw it as further evidence of Hollywood's liberal bias, and wondered what was the point of comedy that was deferential to authority.
At least two members of Congress, Rep. Randy Weber (R-Texas) and Rep. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), weighed in with their displeasure.
Dan Senor, former foreign policy adviser for President George W. Bush, suggested the appearance was beneath the office of the presidency.
Conservative journalists, meanwhile, raised their own objections.
Obama's appearance on Between Two Ferns was very funny until he started plugging Obamacare. COME ON. http://t.co/EAFwarEOUb via @dailycaller
— Taylor Bigler (@TaylorBiglerDC) March 11, 2014
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