The difference between winning and losing a presidential nomination or election can often be as simple as one slight error in judgment, one brief slip of the tongue, or one barely noticeable gesture. Over the last 40 years the presidential aspirations of many have fallen victim to a political assassin known as “the gaffe.” Below are some of the more infamous instances in which political defeat has come as a result of a candidate’s own lack of self-awareness– as well as  a few recent incidents that may hurt the …

On Friday, the web went into a bit of an uproar as the Fox News website’s depiction of Obama’s birthday shindig as a “Hip-Hop BBQ” that “didn’t create jobs” made the rounds.
 
Most saw the headline as being just a tad bit (read: pretty damn) racist. Unbeknownst to many, it could have been a lot worse. Over the weekend, we here at the National Lampoon got a hold at a few of the site’s rejected headlines. And let’s just say they make the original headline seem somewhat “Fair and …

The United of States of America temporarily staved off ruining its own finances and those of the rest of the world for a few days last week, when Congress passed a measure lifting the debt ceiling a little higher. Although the roof was raised on how much we can repay, our once great nation has already begun its descent into the pit of abject poverty, thanks to the S&P downgrade of the USA to AA status.
Everyone knows (save for rich people who run businesses and poor people who …

Just when America thought its president had the skills to pay the bills, it turns out they were dead wrong. They just needed someone to speak out, and who better than Sir Charles Barkley to step up to mic. According to the former NBA superstar, “Barack Obama ain’t nothin’ but a busta.” “I’ve seen better skills at the Special Olympics, and those people are retarded.”

Apparently, Obama’s recent highly publicized game of basketball showed some weaknesses in the president’s game, obviously the most important aspect of his character and a huge …

What do you think of when you hear the words “Devil” and “lake?” It is a rare combination, but it seems for a smaller town in North Dakota, fate has chosen Satan’s pisser. Devils Lake, North Dakota plays home to one of two significant closed-basin lakes in the United States. This one is indeed acting Hellish recently, for it has been flooding and condemning homes in the community. Where is Noah’s Ark when you need it?

There are many issues in the world that need to be overcome. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan rage on, oil continues to wash up on Gulf Coast beaches and kill massive amounts of wildlife, and children starve as they’re enslaved in sweatshops. Lately the internet has expanded and permeated into the lives of Americans. A larger issue than those of the world and environment is taking place on the social networking site Facebook. With the recent issuance and subsequent popularity of “liking” posts, comments, and even people and ideas …

By day they run the country, but by night this unlikely team takes to the streets to fight drug dealers and child molesters. One is a black man who plays by the rules. The other is a foul-mouthed white guy who cannot control his ability to fuck up. But if these two can learn to stand each other … the terrorists don’t stand a chance.
(image by Corbin Billings)

They’re taking bet in Vegas on the Obama Union address. There were odds placed on what color his tie would be. If people are betting on this, I should get in on the action, make Daddy some moolah; ‘cus I called Obama before the primaries. And, after tonight, I’m sticking with my team.
“From time to time, the President shall give to Congress information about the state of our union”. Not his words, but he rocked the script. He’s got the moves down. He’s like a young Franklin Delano Kennedy, this …

The Washington Post is reporting that Barack Obama plans to push back his State of the Union address to February 2nd. This is the same night as the season premiere of the sixth, and final, season of Lost. And while White House sources claim Obama will push back the primetime speech in order to pass Health Care legislation first, one wonders if more sinister reasons are to blame.
My anger at the President caused me to attend a Tea Party rally. There I discovered many Lost fans with …

As National Lampoon’s chief junior fashion reporter, I am pleased to announce the top costumes for the 2009 Halloween season. Recommended here are the finest choices in costumes for the man that wants to show off his topicality.

Don Draper:

As season three of Mad Men winds down, any man can throw on a suit and a thin tie and become Don Draper. Except you’ll look nowhere near as good, probably can’t drink as much scotch as him, and will lack the ability to make women orgasm by glancing at them. You will, …