Guest report: Juan Cole blogs about visiting ‘The Colbert Report’ and wondering about that pitchfork behind the desk

Is it just me or have we been gifted with a lot of behind-the-scenes blogging from it-getting Report guests lately? Whatever it is, keep it coming! Wednesday’s guest, author Juan Cole, has posted a report from his visit to the set. Check out his post for the full report plus photos.

Informed Comment: Blogging Colbert
Thursday, March 19, 2009

…the Colbert crew kindly gave me a tour of the studio (I like studios, and sort of collect visits to them). I impudently asked if I could sit at Mr. Colbert’s anchor desk, and the staff kindly said yes… As I was getting behind the desk I almost tripped on something, and looked down to find a . . . pitchfork. Gee, I thought, this will be a tough interview.

It was a wonderful experience to be on the Colbert Report. Unlike some academics, I watch a lot of television, and don’t think you can understand American society if you don’t. I really think that the Comedy Bloc from 11-12 ET on Comedy Central, of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, is a little space of sanity and reality in American public life. Comedy, satire and parody allow these two very intelligent and perceptive gentlemen to be brutally frank about the foibles of American society. To any extent I could join in that enterprise, it was my privilege.

(Fortunately, said pitchfork was for another segment and not for the interview.) I’m glad you had an enjoyable visit, Mr. Cole, and thank you for sharing it with us!

Juan Cole, author of ‘Engaging the Muslim World’:

The Colbert ReportMon – Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Juan Cole
comedycentral.com
Colbert Report Full EpisodesPolitical HumorMark Sanford

Tip of the hat to pixleslie for the link!

Comments

  1. MaryLovesColbert says:

    “I really think that the Comedy Bloc from 11-12 ET on Comedy Central, of Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, is a little space of sanity and reality in American public life.”

    Perfectly said, Mr. Cole! Sounds like he enjoyed his time at the Report!

    EDIT: First comment, woohoo!

    Shout Out (Hey!): Thumb up 0

  2. Tiger says:

    that’s great! academics tuned into popular society is a good thing. although it’s interesting to think that TV is a good window into that when the vast majority of *us* are never on television. but boy do we watch it, think about it, write about it, talk about it, etc. so it’s probably a decent reflection. still slightly warped though.

    plus it’s cool they let him check out the studio!

    Shout Out (Hey!): Thumb up 0

If you're new to our Zoner community, please read the No Fact Zone Comment Policy before commenting. Thank you!