Ahmed Ahmed

Ahmed Ahmed moved to Hollywood when he was 19 to pursue a career as an actor and stand-up comedian. He has appeared in several films and television shows, including “Executive Decision,” “Swingers,” “Tracey Takes On,” “Roseanne,” “JAG” and “Tough Crowd With Colin Quinn.” He has also appeared on CNN, “The View,” and National Public Radio. A regular performer at the world-famous Comedy Store in Hollywood and Comedy Cellar in New York City, Ahmed most recently enjoyed his directorial debut with his documentary film, “Just Like Us” (justlikeusthemovie.com). Ahmed says his role models include his parents, Muhammad Ali, Mitzi Shore and friend Vince Vaughn.

ROBIN BRONK: If you had five minutes in the Oval Office with President Obama, what would you discuss with him? What issue would you like him to know about?

AHMED AHMED: Funny you should ask ... I did have about two and a half minutes with President Obama at an Iftar dinner I was invited to at the White House. I brought up the issue of my involvement with stand-up comedy in the Middle East and how I made a film about it called “Just Like Us.” We actually arrived in Saudi Arabia for our shows the same exact day the president did when he went to meet the king. I let him know that I gave a copy of our film to someone in his camp and asked if he would watch it. He asked, “How long is it?” I replied, “72 minutes.” Then he says, “Well, I can’t watch 72, but I’ll give you 30.” I’m still waiting for his two-and-a-half-minute review.

RB: If you could give President Obama one piece of advice, what would it be?

AA: I’d advise him to start more cross-cultural initiatives with other countries where the arts play a big role — food, music, comedy, dance, films, things like that. You know? Where artists from the U.S. go to other countries to perform and vice versa. Almost like an outreach program.

RB: If you could ask President Obama one question, what would that be?

AA: What he does he do in his down time?

RB: What book would you lend President Obama? Why?

AA: I was given The Fountainhead years ago to read, and it really gave me inspiration to stick to my guns and not let negative influences and the powers that be dictate your path in life. At least that’s what I got out of it. I think the president has to please so many people that I’m sure it’s very difficult for him to stick to his guns 100 percent. If he hasn’t read it, he should. 

RB: If you were going to send the president to one place in the United States for one day, where would that be? Why?

AA: I’d send him back to his old stomping grounds in Hawaii. He can have some rest and relaxation and feel like he was in another country at the same time.

RB: Would you ever consider a political career? 

AA: I don’t see politics in my future. Besides, I can’t run ... I’ve inhaled in the past.

Bronk is a seasoned Capitol Hill strategist and advocate. She started her career at The Creative Coalition, a nonprofit, nonpartisan advocacy group for the arts and entertainment industry, in July 1998. During her tenure as CEO, Bronk has taken The Creative Coalition from a New York-based entity to a national organization. www.thecreativecoalition.org