Pat Paulsen

Pat Paulsen (1927–1997) was an American comedian and satirist best known for his deadpan mock presidential campaigns on *The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour*. Born in South Bend, Indiana, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps before turning to entertainment. Paulsen became a popular television presence in the 1960s, using understated delivery and absurdly earnest “policy” positions to parody American politics and media. His recurring campaign sketches made him a cult figure and led to multiple tongue-in-cheek runs for president in later years. He also appeared in films and on television beyond his signature political satire, maintaining a career built on dry, subversive humor.