Gracie Allen is one of the funniest people I have ever heard. Together with her husband George Burns they seemed to amble through a mirthless world with optimism, a trust in human nature and a completely bewildered world view. In 1940 Gracie ran for president with the Depression still lingering and the Second World War on the horizon. Serious times.
If the world seems a bit too mirthless to you right now, as it does me, I offer this;
The Burns & Allen program from January 17, 1938 which includes a reference to Tacoma that will make you laugh if you catch it.
Then Gracie will explain the news. Believe me you need to understand it the way Gracie does if only for a moment of simple delight and enjoyable confusion.
And now a couple thoughts from Gracie before conventions begin, anger and politics take over and the media dive into a well paid for onslaught of commentary and analysis.
The Senate is the only show in the world where the cash customers have to sit in the balcony.
My mind works so fast. When I think of something I say it. Lots of times I say it even before I think of it.
I’m having my platform run up by a movie set designer, so it will be very impressive from the front, but not too permanent. After all, there’s no sense putting a lot of time and thought into something you’ll have no use for after you’re elected.
All the other candidates are making speeches about how much they have done for their country, which is ridiculous. I haven’t done anything yet, and I think it’s just common sense to send me to Washington and make me do my share.
tacoma history 