What does it say about the state of journalism when a pretend pundit is doing the job the real ones have neglected to do?
After seeing his performance at the White House Correspondent’s Dinner, Stephen Colbert is truly my hero:
Addressing the reporters, he said, “You should spend more time with your families, write that novel you’ve always wanted to write. You know, the one about the fearless reporter who stands up to the administration. You know– fiction.”
He claimed that the Secret Service name for Bush’s new press secretary is “Snow Job.” Colbert closed his routine with a video fantasy where he gets to be White House Press Secretary, complete with a special “Gannon†button on his podium. By the end, he had to run from Helen Thomas and her questions about why the U.S. really invaded Iraq and killed all those people.
As Colbert walked from the podium, when it was over, the president and First Lady gave him quick nods, unsmiling, and left immediately.
E&P’s Joe Strupp, in the crowd, observed that quite a few sitting near him looked a little uncomfortable at times, perhaps feeling the material was a little too biting–or too much speaking “truthiness” to power.
And here’s Part 2.
If you don’t have broadband, here’s a transcript.
UPDATE: Peter Daou on the media cleansing Colbert from their coverage.
Well, that’s the last time a president will attend that dinner. Can’t say I’ve ever seen such a violent, precise, and funny takedown of a powerful asshole since–what?–the Panama invasion. Steven Colbert, you are the Panama invasion in a can, full spectrum comedic dominance.
I hope Mr. Colbert’s tax returns are in order.
BALLS. OF. STEEL. My hero!
I adore Colbert. I’ve seen a few interviews on his show where the guest some Republican who has obviously not done his homework and has no idea he’s being mocked.
Why Colbert’s Irony Was So Effective…
Stephen Colbert’s performance at the White House Correspondents’ Association dinner has garnered him huge applause in the blogosphere and also on C-Span were it was shown more than once. Those of us who have been angry with Bush for quite……
Wow, Stephen Colbert did his thing. He made Kanye West look like a pussy