Ron White brings his Grammy-winning comedy to Sarasota

Few comedians have had as varied a career as Ron White. He's written a best-selling book, titled "I Had the Right to Remain Silent ... But I Didn't Have the Ability." He's acted in movies, including "Sex and the City 2."

He's released six solo CDs and DVDs, and every one of them has been a hit. Three of his albums reached the No. 1 spot on the Billboard Comedy charts, and one, 2013's "A Little Unprofessional," was nominated for a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album. He's known for telling long and hilarious stories, for his gravely voice, for his long-time support of American military personnel and for his bawdy humor.

And now he's running for president. He seems semi-serious about it, too, although he also seems realistic about his minimal chance of being elected. "For years, people all across this great country have asked me to run for president, but nothing like this year," he wrote on his website. "My decision to run for President of the United States of America came from a lack of choices. I've watched the debates and I thought to myself: 'Is this what we have to choose from?'"

In interviews about his candidacy, he's lambasted Donald Trump and the extreme positions on both sides of the gun control debate.

His campaign slogan is "Vote smart, because you can't fix stupid."

He'll be at the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall in Sarasota today. It's a comedy show, not a campaign stop, so expect more talk about sex and booze than about politics.

Details: 8 p.m. Jan. 7, Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota. Tickets: $45. Information: 941-953-3368, vanwezel.org.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published January 6, 2016 at 5:07 PM with the headline "Ron White brings his Grammy-winning comedy to Sarasota ."