What a good interview again. It seems that, for the past couple of weeks, every time I think I’ve seen the best interview yet I see another that’s even better. The interviewer and interviewee here were both so, so good.

Jonathan Cohn’s treatment of Stephen’s character in this interview was perfect. He projected the air of a person who knows better than the person he’s talking to, but desires to impart the correct information patiently to that person. Even Cohn’s tone of voice and the continuous mild smile on his face mimicked the “adult” explaining to the “child” in a kind way about something the child should know or learn.

Since I believe the real Stephen has often described his Stephen character as a high status, well intentioned idiot, it seems to me that either Jonathan Cohn watches The Report often or listened well to what the real Stephen explained to him about the impending interview before the show, judging by the good grasp he seemed to have on the concept of the character. Either one of these two or Cohn was just very quick to pick up on the character being projected across from him. Because Cohn was so good at his part, I think Stephen’s character’s responses and reactions were absolutely on the mark – perfect for the character he plays on the show.

For instance, to Cohn’s saying that many people don’t have health insurance, Stephen’s response, “They should get some,” seems exactly what the character should say; to Stephen’s suggesting that he, Stephen, can’t have health insurance problems, the reaction “I’m on TV,” is on the mark; to Cohn’s saying that TV shows get canceled, Stephen’s response, “Not this one,” is perfect; and to Cohn’s saying that in front of him was The Report’s health insurance plan which “provides for counseling and end of life issues,” Stephen’s reaction of “Then actually I could have my staff put to death? … Legally, I am a one man death panel,” are all such good fits for how Cohn was treating the Stephen character and made for some great and entertaining fun.

Stephen was truly excellent and Cohn was too, so clear and concise about his subject. And, by the way, this interview also had a perfect ending. At the very end, Stephen points out that if people don’t have health insurance, their lives are one big emergency, a kind of clincher statement to sum up and accent Cohn’s position in his book. It’s a perfect way to end a fantastic interview, effectively highlighting a very important issue.

Alpha Dog of the week was incredible. Stuff like these also happen all the time here.

Interview was great. Love the banter between the two. I loved how Jonathan Cohn was seriously calm and cool, totally the complete opposite of blustery Stephen. I also loved that Stephen was so confident and so sure of himself, he kept insisting that he’s immune to all the stuff that’s going on because he’s on television!

Thank God Colbert and Stewart are around to make me laugh about it. So yeah, that’s why I voted for the Cohn interview. Plus, Stephen’s “But I’m on TV” made me laugh.

I’m always somewhat tickled when I read about people like him and learn that they’re watching The Report. Of course, we already knew Ambassador Holbrooke was a friend of the show …

If the bike lane stays…will we get to see Stephen in bike shorts?! ;)

reCaptcha: HERSHEY magic (now I want chocolate!)

I’m still laughing over that one!