Obama paused, then remarked “that’s a topic for another day,” sparking laughter from the audience gathered in the East Room.
What is the humor in that statement from Obama?
It was funny because as soon as he said it, they figured he was going to start in on a screed about the crusades or some such crap. They were relieved, so they laughed. I think that it was an unintentional use of irony as a humorous vehicle. Not a belly laugh, but still funny.
It’s humorous to them because they think is being clever, first by not being specific about what he means, and then by avoiding any further comment. “He’s so charming! He snuck a couple in sideways!” Their own brand of dog whistles.