If he was a comedian on late night TV, it would have been considered just another funny joke in poor taste. Consider if Don Rickles held public office and didn’t change in delivery. Only a fool would have thought that was a “straight line”, but unfortunately the media and much of the Democratic party tend to be fools.
Perhaps Americans will decide they prefer a dull politician who never says anything unless it has been reviewed by his handlers as reflecting what the audience wants to here, and about whom we will never know what he really thinks, but at least he won’t insult anyone.