A Russian and an American (back in the 70-ies) discuss degree of freedom they enjoy in their respecive countries. The American says: we have a lot of freedom, I can come out into the street and say "President Carter is a fool". Big deal, says the Russian, I can do that too, I can come out into the street and say "President Carter is a fool".
So, you see, we could say stuff too back there and then. :-)
I heard that one too, but (and here's how old I am) when I heard it, it was about Kennedy