Rachel Maddow Fact Checks Critics Of Obama's 'Between Two Ferns' Interview

Rachel Maddow took a moment on her show Thursday to address critics of President Obama's interview on "Between Two Ferns."

Obama's interview for the "Funny Or Die" series had prompted ABC News' Jim Avila to ask if the appearance "damaged" the presidency or if the administration was concerned about "the dignity of the office." Maddow thought that that suggestion — and other criticism from conservatives — was simply ridiculous.

The MSNBC host looked back at presidents who have appeared on shows with comedians, and played clips of Ronald Reagan, Dwight Eisenhower, George W. Bush and Richard Nixon doing just that.

"If all that kind of stuff makes you feel terrible about the dignity of the office, you should probably lighten up," Maddow said.

She added, "Telling jokes or being part of comedy bits not only has generations of precedence among American presidents, it really never has diminished the office."