 Chris Rock |
Chris Rock took aim at President Bush during tonight’s Academy Awards ceremony, as the comic host mocked White House fiscal policy and the rationale for the Iraq war.
“Bush basically reapplied for his job this year,” Rock said. “[He] did some things you could never get away with at your job.”
He likened Bush’s performance as president to working at a clothing store such as the Gap, starting with a surplus, but ending with trillions of dollars in debt.
“Just imagine you worked at the Gap,” Rock continued. “You’re $70 trillion behind in your register and then you start a war with Banana Republic because you say they got toxic tank tops over there.”
“You finally take over Banana Republic and you find out they never made tank tops in the first place.”
The remarks generated laughter and applause from many of those in attendance.
Later in the program, he took a shot at Massachusetts Sen. John Kerry, while he pointed out Oprah Winfrey was in the audience.
“Oprah is so rich, I saw John Kerry proposing to her just an hour ago,” Rock joked.
As WorldNetDaily previously reported, Rock himself had become the focus of media attention in the days leading up to Hollywood’s annual event, after comments he had made about those who actually watch the show.
“I never watched the Oscars. Come on, it’s a fashion show,” Rock had said. “No one performs; it’s not like a music show. What straight black man sits there and watches the Oscars? Show me one!”
Rock added: “Awards for art are f—ing idiotic.”
Perhaps as a reaction to that controversy, he opened his monologue tonight by stating, “Welcome to the 77th and last Academy Awards.”
He was greeted by a standing ovation as he took the stage at the Kodak Theatre, and promptly told the audience, “OK, sit your asses down.”
Rock’s comedy routines have been known for foul language, and while he avoided overtly obscene vocabulary, he did get suggestive at times.
 Salma Hayek and Penelope Cruz |
As he introduced two glamorous actresses in low-cut evening gowns, Rock stated, “You won’t be able to take your eyes off of these next four presenters: Penelope Cruz and Salma Hayek.”
Rock also clowned about one of the most controversial films of the past year, Mel Gibson’s “The Passion of the Christ,” about the final hours of Jesus’ life.
“I saw ‘Passion of the Christ.’ [It] wasn’t that funny,” Rock jested.
He noted the film received some criticism from some Jewish groups.
“I can relate, because I had to deal with a movie called ‘Soul Plane’ this year,” he said, referring to a comedy loaded with black stereotypes, which turned out to be a box-office flop.
At the close of the program, Rock exclaimed, “I hope everyone had fun, I love doing the show!”
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