The search for the funniest president continues! Take a little bit of Seinfeld, then mix in some Don Rickles, some David Sedaris and an encyclopedic knowledge of political philosophy. That might the recipe for John Adams – our second president, and possibly the funniest of the Founding Fathers.

Amanda Norton of the Massachusetts Historical Society helps us get inside Adams’ head. We talk about his gift for insults, his love of observational humor, his willingness to get a little cheeky, and his comedy partner for life – Abigail Adams. Plus, we get insight into why Adams is sometimes remembered as a frump.

Music: Hail Columbia, “Big John’s Special” by Fletcher Henderson and His Orchestra

Next week: Amity Shlaes on the silent comedy of Calvin Coolidge.