That “Better Know a Riding” on last night’s Colbert Report was wild! I’ve noticed a few comments around the ‘net this morning that said “Stephen” was being particularly … over the top, and it’s certainly true that Ujjal Dosanjh experienced the character in all its bombastic and ignorant glory last night. But never fear, he was always in on the joke. Today’s Vancouver Sun features the MP’s thoughts about the experience, and you really couldn’t ask for a better it-getting response:
The truthiness about Colbert, according to Ujjal Dosanjh
He’s a satirist, not an insult comedian, and his message is worth reflecting on
By Ujjal Dosanjh, Special To The Sun February 23, 2010 9:05 AM. . .
Some would find it strange that Canadians would flock to cheer along an American who had been waving his flag in our faces for months. But Canadians should know that the real Stephen Colbert is not the man we see on our TV screens, but instead a man who wants to see the backward character he plays disabused of the very ignorance he represents. It’s a kind of brilliant new sarcastic satire that Canada could use much more of — taking on our politics and culture in a way that largely discards political correctness on its way to the truth, or “truthiness” as Colbert would call it.
. . .
It’s been a wild ride. After his producers contacted my staff in October, I sat down with Stephen in Washington, D.C. a month ago to tape what would turn out to be one of his longest-ever interviews: an hour and 45 minutes, all for what became a seven-minute segment. Few interviewers are as tough as Stephen Colbert, but keeping a straight face was almost as tough as Stephen’s questions as we bantered back and forth on subjects ranging from gay rights to gun control and health care to the Canadian identity. It was a thorough back-and-forth on some of the issues that most differentiate the United States from Canada. Through the lens of Colbert’s satire, it is my hope that many more Americans will begin to take an interest in our values and experiences as Canadians.
. . .
It’s so cool that Mr. Dosanjh took the time to write such a complimentary article; I’m glad he understood Stephen’s brand of humor so well (it would have been a shame if he’d misunderstood Stephen the way the very cool Barney Frank did).
Here’s the Better Know a Riding segment, if you missed it (the intro segment is here):
EDITED TO ADD: There’s a little more on the taping and Mr. Dosanjh’s reaction to the final interview here. I loved the part where he talked about Stephen shouting that he was the white MLK and Ujjal just broke into laughter!
This was just a great piece. I read it last night, and was happy he was in on the joke. I was also surprised by how far in advance this was planned and filmed (in DC!). What a great guy, and definitely an it-getter.
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Wow! That was, indeed, very cool of him to write this article up! Glad to see that he knows all about Stephen’s character and I like that he’s calling for more of that kind of sarcasm in Canada!
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Bravo, Canada man. I was worried myself that the interview was a little harsh for him or non-it-getters to take. Glad he really was and is clued in. That’s always refreshing to hear.
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Ugh, he’s right. Our guys who do comedy around Canadian politics are so not funny :( freaking rick mercer.
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Well, there’s also Stromboulopoulos. I had never heard of him before reading the article, but he must be funny.
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I LOVELOVELOVE George Stroumbo. Except, he’s not really a comedian as much as he is just a really tuned-in guy who happens to crack a few jokes in his commentary about current events.
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Anyone else got a Dosanjh/Colbert 2010 pin from the taping? :D
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The article was great but honestly, I don’t think he was sincere. I was at a rally last year and he refused to let the Liberal leader at the time Dion take a question from a comedian and was being a d*** about it too. Maybe he’s changed but I doubt it. This was most likely a political move since he needs the younger demographic (he nearly lost his seat during the last election). That’s the extent of my Canadian political knowledge lol.
I have a spare pin if someone wants it! But I’m looking for the Colbert “C” pin, I know a few people who has it but aren’t willing to trade :(
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Phew, glad Ujjal was in on it. Because especially with the ‘caste’ thing, Stephen just walked RIGHT over that line!
Kinda reminds me of when Stephen said something like, I can say things that even Jon [Stewart] can’t say, because if Jon said it, people would judge him for it, whereas if I say it, they judge the character.
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I think this may be my favorite part of the article – “As Colbert shows us, political correctness must be thrown aside and a few laughs had before progress can be made.” Well said. :)
What a great, great article. The whole BKAR was absolutely brilliant. That’s crazy that the interview went on for an hour and 45 minutes and they had to cut it down to seven! I would love to see more of the interview. It’s cool that Dosanjh points out what a great interviewer Stephen is as well; I just love how many people acknowledge that. Dosanjh is definitely an it-getter, that’s for sure! :D
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I’m glad Ujjal was in the know and he understood Stephen’s unique brand of humor!
I’m quite impressed that he wrote an article on his experience! I’m glad that he liked the experience.
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