Poking fun at the Governor (and vice versa)
Cactus Pryor

One of his most enjoyed speeches. Cactus Pryor is an Austin radio personality, humorist and author. Contact him in care of the South Jetty at southjetty@centurytel.net.

Governors of states must have a sense of humor. You're a target of would-be comics, like me. It's just part of the game.

Early Texas governors, the Fergusons, were my first targets. The male Ferguson - James E., known as "Pa" -- was an easy target. He set it up. Just quoting what he had said was a sure enough laugh. And Miriam "Ma" Ferguson -- we went easy on her 'cause we knew that she had been more or less his beloved puppet.

Now, Gov. Allan Shivers was not easy to kid. Oh, he had a fine sense of humor, but he was "governish" in his appearance and attitude. He also laughed at the right time. Not all governors had that timing.

Gov. Price Daniel was a winner. I had a number of take and give sessions with him. He had a great ability to receive a zinger and put a better one right in your lap.

John Connally was a funny man at the right time. John Henry Faulk, a nationally known humorist, and I were roasting Connally at an affair in Houston. He burned us so thoroughly that my hair was singed. Great guy.

Gov. Preston Smith was a funny man even when he didn't know it. John Henry and wrote some humor for him several times. Once we took him to dinner. After the meal he said, "Well, now, what can I do for you?"

We said,"Nothing."

With an amazed expression, he said, "You mean you just wanted to have a dinner with me?"

We said, "Yeah, we like your company."

His eyes got wet.

One night I attended a dinner in Lubbock honoring Gov. Smith. I did my 15 minutes of gags about 15 minutes after dinner. There were 12 local speakers waiting. Gov. Smith was introduced at 11:45 p.m. He approached the microphone and said," Enough of all this blankety-blank. Goodnight."

One of his most enjoyed speeches.