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Mic drops, Trump gags and copying that Olympic meme… 18 times President Obama made us laugh

AS THE first black president of America Barack Obama became a symbol of hope and change, but he's received both praise and criticism for his policies over the last eight years.

Last night, the president broke down in tears during his emotional farewell speech.

 Barack Obama gives a thumbs-up as he celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a pint of Guinness like a lad
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Barack Obama gives a thumbs-up as he celebrates St. Patrick's Day with a pint of Guinness like a ladCredit: Reuters

Chants of "four more years" rang around Chicago's convention centre and the crowd treated him to a standing ovation as he took to the stage.

As he bids farewell to the White House, and America's soon-to-be leader Donald Trump takes over, we take a look at some of the ways Obama has made us laugh over the years...

1. The time he jogged around the White House in his SUIT

Obama and Vice President Joe Biden decided to jog around the White House in their suits and ties to raise awareness of Michelle Obama's Let's Move campaign.

The pair didn't bother changing out of the formal attire, making the run more amusing than inspiring.

2. When he took aim at Trump in a hilarious roast

 We're not sure the President-elect would see the funny side of this sly dig
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We're not sure the President-elect would see the funny side of this sly digCredit: Reuters

In May, Obama got guests giggling at a journalists' dinner when he took a swipe at Trump.

He said: “I am a little hurt he’s not here tonight.

“We had so much fun the last time.

“And it is surprising — you have a room full of reporters, celebrities, cameras.

“And he says no."

3. When he told the British monarchy to 'bring it!'

Obama and his wife Michelle started a social media war with Queen Elizabeth and Prince Harry on the eve of the Invictus Games, an international Paralympic-style sports event created by Harry, earlier this year.

The First Lady asked: "Hey, Prince Harry, remember when you told us to 'bring it' at the Invictus Games?", while her husband added: "Be careful what you wish for."

Amusingly, the video provoked a response from the Queen, whose reaction was: "Oh, really!"

4. When he was caught having a snog on Kiss Cam

 Obama and his wife Michelle pucker up for the Kiss Cam
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Obama and his wife Michelle pucker up for the Kiss CamCredit: AP

Obama got the crowd giggling during an exhibition basketball game when he kissed his wife Michelle.

The sporting pair were caught on Kiss Cam, so decided to indulge sports fans by smooching one another during a match between Team USA and Brazil in the 2012 Olympics.

5. When he slow-jammed the news

During a popular segment of the Jimmy Fallon Show, Obama reflected on his time at the White House.

Instead of making a boring speech, he performed a slow jam that was packed with references to Beyonce's "Lemonade".

It didn't take long for viewers to notice that the clip also subtly mocked Republican President-elect Donald Trump.

6. When he showed the world he was "Not Impressed"

 Presidential welcome at the White House? Not particularly impressed
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Presidential welcome at the White House? Not particularly impressedCredit: Getty Images

When US gymnast McKayla Maroney had a fall during her solo effort at the London 2012 Olympics,  she ended her 33-vault hitting streak and dashed her hopes of winning.

It’s safe to say that McKayla was less than impressed that she failed to get her hands on victory, as she was photographed with her arms crossed and lips tightly pursed to one side.

Her expression soon became a viral meme, Not Impressed, which President Obama replicated when the US gymnast team visited the White House.

7. When he busted out his dad dance moves

Even the President of the United States knows how to embarrass his children - and he amused everyone when he treated the world to an awkward dance routine.

The dad-of-two will always be remembered for getting down with Usher to the sultry tune of Drake’s “Hotline Bling" last year.

8. When he proved to be a prankster

 The US President proved he still had time for fun when he visited the University of Texas
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The US President proved he still had time for fun when he visited the University of TexasCredit: The White House

White House photographer Pete Souza chose this image as one of his 55 favourite photos he'd ever taken of Obama.

This amusing snap, taken in August, 2010, showed the President slyly putting his toe on the scale behind Marvin Nicholson.

As the Trip Director weighed himself in the volleyball locker room at the University of Texas, he probably wondered why the scale soared up alarmingly.

9. When he read out mean tweets about himself

Instead of taking offence at cutting comments, or calling any of his critics 'overrated', Obama made everyone laugh when he responded in a light-hearted manner.

Last year, the 55-year-old took part in a segment called Mean Tweets on US TV show Jimmy Kimmel Live, reading out bizarre and harsh insults written about him on social media.

10. When he pulled off the perfect mic drop

In his final speech at the White House correspondents' dinner, Obama made jokes about himself, Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders and Ted Cruz... then ended it with a viral mic drop moment which set the internet ablaze.

"And with that I just have two more words to say... Obama out," the president said at the close of his speech.

11. When he showed off his selfie-taking prowess

President Obama has taken many snaps during his presidency, which came in handy in September.

Luckily he was able to rescue George Bush from an embarrassing moment.

As the former President struggled to take a selfie with his supporters, Obama was there to lend a hand.

 A student takes a selfie after Obama makes a surprise visit to the White House Talent Show at the White House in Washington
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A student takes a selfie after Obama makes a surprise visit to the White House Talent Show at the White House in WashingtonCredit: Getty Images

12. When he cracked some bad dad jokes

Even the President's daughters Malia and Sasha couldn't help but crack a smile during their dad's embarrassing turkey pardoning speech.

Not only did Obama joke about there being some "turkeys" in the running to be President, he joked that his time had flown - unlike the flightless birds.

13. His perfect response to birth certificate allegations

After Trump questioned the legitimacy of Obama's birth certificate, the President responded in spectacular fashion.

The Democrat jibed: "No-one is happier to put this birth certificate matter to rest than the Donald and that’s because he can finally get back to focusing on the issues that matter.

"Like, did we fake the moon landing? What really happened in Roswell? And where are Biggie and Tupac?"

14. When he posted his first tweet

Even though the President only decided to take the leap onto the microblogging site in 2015, his first tweet certainly didn't disappoint.

Poking fun at his tardiness, Obama said: "Hello, Twitter! It's Barack. Really!

"Six years in, they're finally giving me my own account."

15. When he played Spider Man in the White House

 Still dressed in his work suit, Obama took some time out to play with the excitable three-year-old
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Still dressed in his work suit, Obama took some time out to play with the excitable three-year-oldCredit: Getty Images

In October 2012, the President showed his childish side after greeting three-year-old Nicholas Tamarin.

Pete Souza's charming snap showed Obama pretending to be caught in Spider-Man’s web, just outside the Oval Office.

16. When he joked with Prince George

 The President couldn't resist making a joke to the Royal Family about little George's attire
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The President couldn't resist making a joke to the Royal Family about little George's attireCredit: Getty Images

If the snaps of Obama and Prince George weren't cute enough already, the President couldn't help but tease the young British Royal.

He joked that Prince William and the Duchess of Cambridge should have dressed their son up in an outfit fit for the White House.

Amusingly, Obama remarked: "That was a slap in the face. A clear breach of protocol."

17. When he responded to angry campaigners

 The US President coolly waved goodbye as they were escorted out
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The US President coolly waved goodbye as they were escorted outCredit: AP:Associated Press

Dealing with criticism during a rally can be tough work, but many applauded Obama for his reaction towards anti-Clinton demonstrators.

After waving goodbye to the protesters, the President said: "You know, this is the great thing about politics in America. It takes all kinds. Folks will just do all kinds of stuff.

"Now where was I?"

18. When he spoke about Vice President Joe Biden

 The President couldn't resist making a gay marriage joke when talking about his right-hand man Joe Biden
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The President couldn't resist making a gay marriage joke when talking about his right-hand man Joe BidenCredit: Getty Images

Speaking fondly about Vice President, Obama said: "I tease Joe sometimes, but he has been at my side for seven years, I love that man.

"He’s not just a great vice president, he is a great friend.

"We’ve gotten so close in some places in Indiana, they won’t serve us pizza anymore."

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