First Fox News... Now Colbert

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Is there any venue safe enough for the Dems? Sesame Street maybe? :laugh:

Link

Emanuel tells freshmen to avoid Stephen Colbert
By Jonathan E. Kaplan
March 15, 2007
Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.), the Democratic Caucus chairman, has told new Democratic members of Congress to steer clear of Stephen Colbert, or at least his satirical Comedy Central program, ?The Colbert Report.?

?He said don?t do it ? it?s a risk and it?s probably safer not to do it,? said Rep. Steve Cohen. But the freshman lawmaker from Tennessee taped a segment that last week was featured in the 32nd installment of the ?Better Know a District? series. Colbert asked Cohen whether he was a black woman. He isn?t.

Eyes (but thankfully, not heads) roll in Emanuel?s office when other freshmen stumble, such as the time Rep. John Yarmuth (D-Ky.) got into a debate about the merits of throwing kittens into a wood-chipper, or when Rep. Zack Space (D-Ohio) explained that he is not his predecessor, convicted felon Bob Ney (R).

The freshmen respect Emanuel, but they don?t always follow his orders. On the other hand, avoiding the kind of publicity that only ?The Colbert Report? can confer on a lawmaker may be the only advice from Emanuel that freshman Democrats are ignoring.

Last year, as the House Democrats? chief election strategist, Emanuel engineered the party?s takeover of the House by capitalizing on a nationalized midterm election. Now, as the House Democratic spokesman, Emanuel is working to keep freshman Democrats in office.

*snip*

Gotta watch out for that Colbert guy... He might try to make a mockery out of you. Oh wait...

 

[judasmachine]

Mmm the democrats are warming up to prove they are just as stupid as the republicans.

 

[umbrella39]

?

 

[imported_Shivetya]

I guess the dummycrats weren't expecting to be lampooned by a comedian simply because they are so loved wherever the go?

Sorry, but being the top dog means you are the target people will hit. What else did they expect? The came in with all these promises and haven't delivered. Of course they are going to have people poke at them.


If they want a safe venue I suggest PBS, Sesame Street may not be the right show as that is instructive.

 

[sandorski]

It would be risky going on the CR, especially if you have no idea who/what it is. Not for reasons of getting ambushed on some real issue, but by being put into awkward situations that could end up being embarrassing.

 

[blackllotus]

Emanuel is an idiot. Nobody takes comments that people say on the Colbert Report seriously (remember the representative who said he liked whores and crack?).

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Whoozyerdaddy
Is there any venue safe enough for the Dems? Sesame Street maybe? :laugh:

Just seems some Dems are as clueless about Colbert's schtick as the W.H. bunch was. I'd wager that he won't be allowed anywhere near the Pres. again either I don't remember W laughing while Colbert "gut punched" him repeatedly. Now I'll guarantee you someone was chewed a new ass for inviting him to that event.

 

[Balt]

I saw that segment and was surprised that he actually got the guy to do the interview. Very few of the actual representatives are willing to do it now that the 'word is out' so he usually has to substitute someone else from the district.

Best one was when he interviewed Eleanor Holmes Norton from DC: Video - http://onegoodmove.org/1gm/1gmarchive/2006/07/youre_not_an_am.html

 

[daniel49]

even Maher is calling them pussies now:shocked:
http://hotair.com/archives/2007/03/13/v...wussies-for-pulling-out-of-fox-debate/

 

[Whoozyerdaddy]

Originally posted by: daniel49
even Maher is calling them pussies now:shocked:
http://hotair.com/archives/2007/03/13/v...wussies-for-pulling-out-of-fox-debate/

"If you can't stand up to Chris Wallace, can you stand up to the terrorists let alone the Republican party?" :laugh:

 

[Lemon law]

In any political party you have some official or another whose job it is to sell the party---and the Republicans want all offices stuffed with all R and the democrats wants all D's. And to a certain extent such an official has to be policy neutral---selling the party label and not the common ideology.

For such an official---a gadfly like Colbert is a natural enemy---and will delight in exposing the all the hypocrisies an all one party label entails. Never good for the image of the stuffed shirt in question when they get zinged for talking out of both sides of their mouth.

Rational voters vote for candidates who are the lesser of two evils---and are willing to cross party lines to do it.

 

[1EZduzit]

So your point is that unlike FOX, Colbert will mess with any politician he can get his hands on?

 

[fskimospy]

You know that Colbert's entire purpose in his show is to make a fool of whoever he interviews, right? Would you tell your people to go and purposefully put themselves in that situation? You would be an idiot if you said yes. Do you think the republicans advise their people to go on there? helllll no they don't. They're not stupid either.

There are some people that can handle it, and they can turn it into some good publicity. As a campaign strategy if you told the democratic caucus to go start booking appointments on there, you would be fired.

 

[Fern]

Well, Eskimospy you got a point but I'm sensing a trend I don't really care for. And one that may open the Dems up to charges of being "wussy".

The trend I dont' care for is sticking religiously tight scripted affairs so as not be "real" and possibly look like a fool.

What next? No hard questions in legitimate debates for fear of stumbling? Too much packaging for my taste. Can't be sure of what I'm getting etc.

If they can't handle Colbert, gawd how do they hope to handle real political opposition? Or other world leaders in tough situations?

Looking like wussys? Well, keep talking a tough fight, but always back away and next thing you know ya got no "cred".

Fern

 

[Harvey]

Originally posted by: 1EZduzit
So your point is that unlike FOX, Colbert will mess with any politician he can get his hands on?

Almost anyone watching Colbert knows his entire premise is satire... except possibly airheads like Bill O'Reilly, who didn't seem to understand just how much Colbert was pulling his leg. Of course, O'Reilly doesn't realize what a bufoon he is, anyhow, at any time. :laugh:

If taken literally, I think Rep. Emanuel's warning was a bit paranoid, but it should be taken as reasonable and cautionary for novices to the public spotlight. Those with good media skills and experiences, and especially with a good sense of humor, can do very well with Colbert, as long as they show up ready to play with his brand of humor.

 

[Theb]

That's not a smart move. Personality is a big part of why people get elected and Colbert provides an excellent opportunity to show their lighter side. The segments are funny and that's what comes through more than any issue that might be raised. The major concern that I would have is that something from one of the segments would end up in an attack ad, but politicians always have to be careful what they say during an interview anyway because any interview might result in a soundbite that taken out of context looks damning.


It's also hilarious that P&N Republicans are using this as evidence that Dems are weak as if Republican representatives are lining up to do the segment.

 

[kage69]

Remember Colbert's interview with Lynn Westmoreland ? :laugh: No one, no matter the letter that comes after their name, wants to receivethat kind of slap-down, on tape, from someone of Colbert's current popularity.

The Dems know that the Stewart and Colbert duo go after both sides with aplomb - not a re-assuring thought if you're someone who is haunted by how your party was screwed in so many ways almost 4 years ago, and is paranoid as hell they'll deliver material that can be used against them soon.

More of a story on Colbert's worth as an entertainer really, the rest is just the Dems starting to think like their competition. It's a pity the GOP does similar, I'd give my left nut to see one of these Patrick Henry grad GOP grunts go on The Colbert Report

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: kage69
Remember Colbert's interview with Lynn Westmoreland ?

Uhh, no. But I still remember Al Gore sighing & rolling his eyes in the first debate with GWB back in 2000. And the "heat" he took for it.

Maybe it's just me, but I see Colbert's show as humor. Not serious politics. When Colbert spoofs one the junior members I don't hold it against them. But if one of these so-called seasoned candidates couldn't hold their own against Colbert, I might think the lessor of them. In fact, I know I would.

But h3ll, I wanna if my persident can be pwned by Colbert. Wouldn't give me much confidence in them.

I wish they were all (Repubs & Dems) made to go on Colbert.

Fern

 

[marincounty]

Originally posted by: Shivetya
I guess the dummycrats weren't expecting to be lampooned by a comedian simply because they are so loved wherever the go?

Sorry, but being the top dog means you are the target people will hit. What else did they expect? The came in with all these promises and haven't delivered. Of course they are going to have people poke at them.


If they want a safe venue I suggest PBS, Sesame Street may not be the right show as that is instructive.

Yeah, the Republicans have sure delivered on their promises: restoring honor and dignity to the White House, a reformer with results, a uniter not a divider, fiscal conservative,etc..
And what did we get? Unnecessary wars, huge deficits, scandal and criminality, partisan politics and $3 a gallon gasoline.
Let's hope democrats don't come close to the Republican example of failure.

 

[kage69]

Uhh, no. But I still remember Al Gore sighing & rolling his eyes in the first debate with GWB back in 2000. And the "heat" he took for it.

Yeah I guess you didn't, otherwise you wouldn't be trying to compare a rolling of the eyes to the idiocy of this magnitude. There a Youtube link in the there, you should watch it). Maybe some Colbert Report will shake you out of whatever mindset it takes to think an elective show on Comedy Central somehow compares to the Presidential Debates.

Not that anything involving Gore relates to the topic, I just get the impression his eye rolling annoyed you more than the child-like intellect of his opponent. And that was just the first round of debates.

Maybe it's just me, but I see Colbert's show as humor. Not serious politics. When Colbert spoofs one the junior members I don't hold it against them. But if one of these so-called seasoned candidates couldn't hold their own against Colbert, I might think the lessor of them. In fact, I know I would.

Congrats! But then again, it isn't always just about "spoofing" or cracking jokes to embarrass people - in fact, the example I provided shows Colbert only asking mundane and simple questions about the Republican from Georgia and his co-signing of a bill. It's Westmoreland's own hypocritical ignorance that does him in, not a punchline or jest from Colbert.
You shouldn't dismiss it as "Not serious politics," because even though it is a satire-based comedy show, it deals with serious politics and serious viewpoints. "News" rarely uncovers gems like that, if we get it from a different channel, big deal.

 

[JD50]

Originally posted by: marincounty

Originally posted by: Shivetya
I guess the dummycrats weren't expecting to be lampooned by a comedian simply because they are so loved wherever the go?

Sorry, but being the top dog means you are the target people will hit. What else did they expect? The came in with all these promises and haven't delivered. Of course they are going to have people poke at them.


If they want a safe venue I suggest PBS, Sesame Street may not be the right show as that is instructive.

Yeah, the Republicans have sure delivered on their promises: restoring honor and dignity to the White House, a reformer with results, a uniter not a divider, fiscal conservative,etc..
And what did we get? Unnecessary wars, huge deficits, scandal and criminality, partisan politics and $3 a gallon gasoline.
Let's hope democrats don't come close to the Republican example of failure.

Is that going to be your excuse for the next few years? "Yea, but the Republicans did this, the Republicans did that...."

 

[Fern]

Originally posted by: kage69

Uhh, no. But I still remember Al Gore sighing & rolling his eyes in the first debate with GWB back in 2000. And the "heat" he took for it.

Yeah I guess you didn't, otherwise you wouldn't be trying to compare a rolling of the eyes to the idiocy of this magnitude. There a Youtube link in the there, you should watch it). Maybe some Colbert Report will shake you out of whatever mindset it takes to think an elective show on Comedy Central somehow compares to the Presidential Debates.

Not that anything involving Gore relates to the topic, I just get the impression his eye rolling annoyed you more than the child-like intellect of his opponent. And that was just the first round of debates.

Un no. You misunderstand me, or perhaps I didn't make it clear. Colbert is a humor show, not a serious political debate. The stuff on Colbert just doesn't stick like the "real stuff".

I saw the guy who said he liked coke & whores or whatever, but I can't remember his name, wouldn't hold it against him. I've seen the guy who kept trying to get across that he wasn't Bob Ney, same thing.

I used the example of the 2000 debates, which were years b4 the stuff mentioned, yet I can recall that.

Maybe it's just me, but I see Colbert's show as humor. Not serious politics. When Colbert spoofs one the junior members I don't hold it against them. But if one of these so-called seasoned candidates couldn't hold their own against Colbert, I might think the lessor of them. In fact, I know I would.

Congrats! But then again, it isn't always just about "spoofing" or cracking jokes to embarrass people - in fact, the example I provided shows Colbert only asking mundane and simple questions about the Republican from Georgia and his co-signing of a bill. It's Westmoreland's own hypocritical ignorance that does him in, not a punchline or jest from Colbert.
You shouldn't dismiss it as "Not serious politics," because even though it is a satire-based comedy show, it deals with serious politics and serious viewpoints. "News" rarely uncovers gems like that, if we get it from a different channel, big deal.

Well, yes I do dismiss it as a serious polital show. I'm pretty sure Colbert does too. You can take it for what you like.

In my last sentance I contract myself after thinking more on it. While I haven't held anything against these more inexperienced polititions for how they look or perform on Colbert, I'm thinking I would for these "seasoned" polititions.

The more I thought about it, the more I WOULD like to see them on the show.

 

[marincounty]

Originally posted by: JD50

Originally posted by: marincounty

Originally posted by: Shivetya
I guess the dummycrats weren't expecting to be lampooned by a comedian simply because they are so loved wherever the go?

Sorry, but being the top dog means you are the target people will hit. What else did they expect? The came in with all these promises and haven't delivered. Of course they are going to have people poke at them.


If they want a safe venue I suggest PBS, Sesame Street may not be the right show as that is instructive.

Yeah, the Republicans have sure delivered on their promises: restoring honor and dignity to the White House, a reformer with results, a uniter not a divider, fiscal conservative,etc..
And what did we get? Unnecessary wars, huge deficits, scandal and criminality, partisan politics and $3 a gallon gasoline.
Let's hope democrats don't come close to the Republican example of failure.

Is that going to be your excuse for the next few years? "Yea, but the Republicans did this, the Republicans did that...."

Yeah, the Democrats have had some sort of control of Congress for three months, and Republicans have controlled the White House, the Courts, and Congress(mostly) for seven years, yeah that's a fair comparison.
I'm not making excuses for Democrats, you can't compare the two situations.
You can, however, see that the Republicans have been a disaster.

 

[Moonbeam]

An interview by Colbert should be mandatory before taking office.

 

[Craig234]

Good for the dems for pulling out of Fox and indicating they're not a legitimate news channel. Now the right might want to lie and say the repubs should do to the same to a legitimate channel like CNN.