Conan O’Brien Receives Mark Twain Prize at the Kennedy Center

“Twain was a patriot in the best sense of the word. He loved America, but knew it was deeply flawed. Twain wrote, ‘Patriotism is supporting your country all of the time, and your government when it deserves it. Twain is funny and important today because his comedy is a hilarious celebration of our fears, our ineptitude and the glorious mess of being human.” “It’s an honor to be here at the Kennedy Center, or as it will be known next week, the Roy Cohn Pavilion for Big, Strong Men Who Love Cats.” “And I don’t have time for this. You know hat I’m supposed to be doing right now? Do you have any idea? I’m supposed to be shutting down the Department of Education, OK.” “When he accepted the Mark Twain Prize, this was a very different place. Today, they announced two board members: Bashar al-Assad and Skeletor.”