Has it been common throughout US history that the President make jokes in important speeches (e.g. SOTU)?

by skinnymatters

Obama's a funny guy sometimes, and I could see Clinton making joke. But what about Teddy Roosevelt or Lincoln or Washington?

sunday_silence

Some of LIncoln's stories can be found in the biography by Hay and Nicolay who were on his staffers. They have a funny one where I think Sec. of War Stanton walks past Lincoln and L. say "Good evening Mars." (god of war). So I suppose it goes a long way.