The ax grinder

Bitterness doesn't work for every comic, but it is somehow becoming for Andy Kindler. The veteran comic, who splits time between Manhattan and Los Angeles, always has an ax to grind.

Kindler, who has been known to savage übercomic-actor Dane Cook for nearly an entire set, brings his standup to Acme Comedy Company in Minneapolis starting Tuesday.

The cerebral Kindler, perhaps best known as a correspondent for "The Late Show With David Letterman," reveals what it was like to cover the GOP convention in the Twin Cities last year, why he is still an "Obamatarian" and if he really hates the aforementioned Cook.

Q What pops into your head when you think back to the Republican convention?

A It was truly frightening. There was not a lot of artistic design at the convention. Everything was depressing and cheesy. I remember when they unveiled Sarah Palin as their choice for vice president. Half of the Republicans didn't know anything about her. What I left the convention with is that Republicans are completely comfortable with hypocrisy. The guy with the worst energy was Karl Rove. I was standing along with a bunch of other people and he and his ominous-looking henchman came through and just said, "out of our way!" Scary.

Q Your impressions of the Twin Cities?

A Sexworld is one of the most popular spots in Minneapolis. I went by there, but being from California, I have to say that I prefer Sexland. I got friendly with the mayor of Minneapolis [R.T. Rybak], since he was hosting the convention. I would like to get the keys to the city, but the ones they give you now are easily demagnetized.

Q When will comedians joke about Barack Obama?

A It's not easy to joke about Obama. He's a good person. Jon Stewart is really pushing it. His faux outrage bothers me. You don't have to joke about Obama.

Q So you're still, as you dubbed yourself, an "Obamatarian?"

A I'm still excited about Obama. That has not diminished.

Q You once compared Dane Cook to Adolf Hitler, but noted that at least the Nazi dictator had a point.

 A There's nothing to Dane Cook's comedy. He wouldn't be anywhere if it weren't for the Internet. Thank you Myspace for inventing Dane Cook. There's not a joke within a hundred miles of his act.

Q I asked Cook how he felt about being your comedy target, and he said, "Getting slammed by Andy is like getting hit by Don Rickles."

A He said that? I've changed my mind. He's my favorite comedian (laughs).

Q Have you mellowed a bit as a comic?

A I'm trying to adjust my act. Some of my comedy comes from anger, but I've discovered that you have to temper the anger. When David Letterman says something (mean) he'll follow that with "I thought this was a roast." That takes some of the steam out of it.

Q What have you learned while working with Letterman?

A I learned not to force the comedy. Letterman never looks like he's trying to be funny. He just looks natural doing what he's doing, which works.

Q You're a keen observational humorist. You have some issues with some comedy clubs.

A Yes. Does food have to be funny at a comedy club? I was playing this place and they were serving up "Silly chili." What's next? The ha-ha hamburger? Funny fries? Fish shticks? I just don't get it.

Q What do you get?

A I get Barack Obama. I could never be him. I would wake up in the morning screaming "John McCain is a hypocrite." I would burn every bridge. You can't do that as the president, but you can do that as a comedian. I'm in the right profession.