Larry Wilmore set to host "weird type of group masochism"
Larry Wilmore began his journey in television as a stand-up comedian and actor in T.V. shows like "The Facts of Life." But now, he is well known as the host of Comedy Central's The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore."
The 2016 presidential election season has been a gold mine for the comedian. Right, left or center, all the candidates have gotten their fair share of attention on his show.
But this weekend, Wilmore brings his unique brand of comedy to Washington D.C. as the featured entertainer at the White House Correspondents Association's Dinner.
"I was nervous as soon as I heard I was going to do it," the host told "CBS This Morning" Monday.
This time, some of his jokes' targets will sitting in the room, but this doesn't unnerve the comedian.
"I think they like that. It's this weird type of group masochism," Wilmore said, explaining that people go to the annual dinner expecting to be roasted and know "it's all in the fun."
Wilmore is known to be a supporter of President Obama, but said that he would not be spared.
"I like Obama a lot, but remember, I supported him because he was black. I can attack his positions all I want," Wilmore joked.
It's unclear if Wilmore's regular targets on his show - any presidential candidates - will be at the event, but Donald Trump said he will not be attending. During a SiriusXM Townhall interview earlier this month, Wilmore described the Republican front-runner as "a shallow fool."
"The whole Trump fiasco writes itself. That's the thing with Trump - he's so funny and so unusual, it's almost impossible to write a joke that's funnier than the actual thing," Wilmore said. "It's like when Tine Fey did Sarah Palin, and all she would do is say the actual lines Palin said."
Trump's campaign manager has vowed that the candidate will evolve his tone moving forward with his campaign, but Wilmore brushed that off.
"He wants to be a substantive fool is what you're saying? Playing a part - come on, Donald Trump is not that good of an actor ... you know, but this whole thing - I don't think he expected to be here," Wilmore said. "It really seemed like he was just putting his toe in the water and then suddenly, this tidal wave came and he started swimming, realized he's on top and everything."
On the other side of the presidential race, Wilmore commended Democratic candidate Bernie Sanders for his "authenticity," especially when talking about social issues.
"He's really gone after class in a way that I think people have responded to. ... I think that's the thing that resonated with people more than anything else," Wilmore said.
Wilmore's show is distinguished for its open discussions about race, class and gender. The host has approached the "challenging" topics by taking swipes at all sides. In fact, the comedian describes himself as a "passionate centrist."
"I've always been contrary - it's kind of in my nature. And I just like having the conversation and just looking at all sides of it," Wilmore said. "Half the time I disagree with myself. That's really what it means. It's not an ideological stance - it's more of the, 'Okay if the facts prove me wrong, I have to go with the facts.'"
Wilmore will be hosting the White House Correspondents' Dinner on Saturday, April 30.