With humor, it's so subjective that trying to think of what the ideal reader would think would drive you crazy.

I never did very well in math - I could never seem to persuade the teacher that I hadn't meant my answers literally.

People, not just reporters, are more interested in politics than in government, so the actual issues wouldn't be something that interested them.

I never did very well in math - I could never seem to persuade the teacher that I hadn't meant my answers literally.