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The Kennedy you see today, who won Best Comedian at the HBO U.S.

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He was like Elvis.

Kennedy would kill harder than anyone else, according to Bridenstine, with smarter material than anyone else.

And that changed all of them, and the way they thought about comedy, permanently.

Comics often present political material like they are leading a rally for their own opinions.

While he never pandered, he always aimed to entertain everyone present, regardless of their biases.

There is no better example than his magnificent 2002 debut onThe Late Show With David Letterman.

This ovation was not inevitable.

Kennedy isnt worried, dropping ergo at the 1:05 mark without a care in the world.

Kennedys comedy is smart, but its also big.

His wineglass is not just a beverage; its an integral part of the act.

Whatever you think of biblical literalism, youve probably told a fib while drunk.

His next premise requires more information than most.

And land it does, earning another ovation on Detroit at the 2:35 mark.

The audience laughs because they know Kennedys slave character, Joshua, is going to die.

He talks about how the U.S. is at war with an ideology.

The audience cant help but laugh.

Do you remember … You probably dont remember … the Revolutionary War?

Returning to the subject of Americas ever more destructive arsenal, Kennedy plays on the audiences fear.

The intelligent weapons he describes are looking not for our enemies, but for your house.

Kennedy personifies both the swaggery smart bomb and the terrified kid.

Have any of you kids seen Dwayne?

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