Actually, they're not. Seeing that this is what passes for "conservative humor" nowadays, is anyone surprised that "The Half Hour News Hour" was an abject failure? You don't have to answer that.
CNN:
During a speech before the National Rifle Association convention Friday afternoon in Louisville, Kentucky, former Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee — who has endorsed presumptive GOP nominee John McCain — joked that an unexpected offstage noise was Democrat Barack Obama looking to avoid a gunman.
“That was Barack Obama, he just tripped off a chair, he's getting ready to speak,” said the former Arkansas governor, to audience laughter. “Somebody aimed a gun at him and he dove for the floor.”
How is this even remotely funny? I know the Huckster is quick on his feet, but how did he think of this "joke" so quickly? That's some serious improv skills right there.
UPDATE: Huckabee does the right thing and apologizes:
"During my speech at the N.R.A., a loud noise backstage, that sounded like a chair falling, distracted the crowd and interrupted my speech. I made an off hand remark that was in no way intended to offend or disparage Sen. Obama. I apologize that my comments were offensive. That was never my intention.”