If there is anybody being unrealistic, it is those who regard the First Lady's remarks as being some sort of "from the heart" speech. Remember Franklin Roosevelt's adage that nothing in politics happens by accident.
Telling an 'Aggie joke' on a late Saturday night while in the company of friends is perfectly acceptable and almost required in Texas.
People would think of you as a bore or not having socially acceptable skills otherwise.
And the fact that Nancy Reagan's speechwriter who was credited with saving Reagan's term with the 'Secondhand Clothes' song helped Laura with her remarks only confirms my opinion.