EPISODE NUMBER: 7043 (March 30, 2011)
GUESTS: Tim Shriver, Trevor Potter
SEGMENTS: James O’Keefe Asks for Donations, Colbert PAC, Stephen Practices Rebecca Black’s “Friday”
VIDEOS: Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Stephen should get himself an Apple TV – he can watch tons of movies without having to wait for Netflix to send him the DVD. Is it just me, or is James O’Keefe pretty much the biggest tool ever? I was one of the 25,000 who signed up on the first day that ColbertPAC.com was announced. I did get a confirmation announcement, but nothing else as of yet. I’d like to hope that Stephen will use his newly-found PAC powers for good, or at least for good fun. The way that Stephen’s eyes lit up when he asked Potter if he could spend PAC money to rent a jet – “I can?!” – was both amazingly adorkable and amazingly terrifying.
So I realized that on Friday (Friday, Gotta get down on Friday), I would be able to watch Stephen live, on HD! Singing! We we we so excited! And sweet baby Jesus maybe that will finally purge those mind-melting lyrics out of my head – makes tick tock tick tock, wanna scream. D’oh!
I’ve spent many hours volunteering at Special Olympics, and the love and the warmth of the kids (and adults) competing in the events is just heartwarming. If you ever get a chance, go spend the day volunteering with some amazing athletes and amazing people. The “R” word has always been amazingly offensive to me because I’ve known so many so-called “special” people, and every single one of them was full of warmth and joy and trust. I hope one day to be as happy as some of the Downs Syndrome children I’ve worked with.
So what did all of you think of the episode today? Leave it in the comments!
- $25 for a Super Fly Ho’ Thumping cane? Really?
- He is a prop comedy genius. Like Gallagher but with more dildos.
- It’s funny because it’s a federal offense.
- It sounds like a lot for a video camera and fake web site but remember he has a huge dildo budget.
- Well, I did just send $300 to that nice Arroyo Q Smartman who emailed me about massive man volume make all ladies surprise.
- And I hope a bitch don’t make me put my rings on.
- Mike Huckabee has HuckPAC. HuckPAC, by the way, is Klingon for “Out After Iowa.”
- E-mail address would be like bigandpimpin@colbertpac.com.
- Wait a minute, did he say almost there? Jimmy, less than half way is “not almost there”. I learned that when I tried to explain to the manager of my gym that my shorts almost covered my butt.
- But a small minority who care about children had to ruin it for everyone.
- That’s enough, that’s enough, I’ve got it, thank you.
- Fri…. I’ll never hit that note! It’s impossible!
- Hi, I’m Stephen Colbert. Kids, don’t use the ‘R’ word. It is totally gay.
Um, hey, can everyone else see the poll? I’m in IE (at work) and can’t see it, but someone can see it because it’s got votes.
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I can’t. It’s not showing up for me.
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Okay, NOW I can see it.
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The poll isn’t showing up for me, either. I’m using IE8.
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I’m using Firefox and i can see it.
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I can see it, DB!
Well, I’ve really gone and done it. Last night I posted all over the place about how much I loved this episode… and again this morning… and now that the official episode post is up, I am exhausted!
I am still glowing over how devilishly wonderful and brilliant Stephen’s PAC idea is. And I really enjoyed the interview with Tim Shriver, especially the part where Stephen, at first, compassionately explained why people are so frightened of those with “diff-abilities” and then turned it on his head, as his character, asking why anyone would want to take his defenses away. I found myself thinking after the show, and again today, how much verbal nuance and skill it took to do that!
In just this one episode, Stephen managed to inspire others to contribute to charity and he formed a PAC to expose corruption. I know he’s not a perfect angel… but he is most definitely a highly admirable, imperfect one.
Difference makers:
+8
i can see the poll…
Loved the show- can;t wait to get spammed by colbertpac! also just wanted to add that the nation/12:30 time-sluts have raised more than $53,000!!!!!
now about the interview- while shriver was definitely discussing a worthy initiative he was too zingy (imho) and yet “colbert” couldn’t really fire back at him bc the real colbert in him prob knew how imp a cause this is. and what the heck was tim thinking calling jon funnier than stephen (even if it was to prove a point…)
anyway loved the episode and i can’t wait for FRIDAY!!!
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I’m using FireFox and I can see the Poll.
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Why was Tim Shriver such a***** to Colbert!? Though I applaud his work with Special Olympics, I found his comments rather rude.
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That’s what happens when you don’t leave comedy to the professionals!
But I have to admit, I liked the interview. I thought Stephen was very sweet about the subject matter, and I thought he actually handled Tim Shriver’s attempted jabs very smoothly. And I think Stephen really threw him with that last line in the interview.
I’ve got to say, though, it really is great to get everybody else’s take on it.
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The interview with Tim Shriver was fantastic. He was incredibly funny, and not in an I’m-trying-too-hard kind of way. He really seemed like a charming, intelligent guy who is continuing the Kennedy’s legacy of goodwill towards humanity. And Stephen’s PSA at the end? SO. Hilarious.
I also feel like last night should hold the record for the most times the word “dildo” was utter in a single episode. I’m just gonna say that it does, since I don’t really want to go looking through the TCR archives for the one to top it, lol. On a final note, I am ridiculously excited to see Stephen on Late Night on Friday! Woo-hoo!
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I’m sorry. But while watching the Shriver interview, all I could think of was, “Sarah Palin is a F@cking Ret@rd! Satire.” Sorry again.
On the plus side, I loved it when Stephen gave me a shout out & called me a “true hero” for not donating to help children & teachers. Your welcome, my friend. Your welcome.
A great and deeply satisfying show. :)
Difference makers:
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That’s what i thought of too and “They all want cake!”
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That SWC episode was all I could think about during the interview. I’m glad I wasn’t the only one!
That reminds me. Oh how I wish “Wilford Brimley” would make another late night phone call to Stephen. I don’t care if it’s as his mentor or just as a fellow “cockthusiast” (not what you’re thinking). Come on Wilford, phone the man!
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Did he ever get enough money to get out of Mexico? Maybe that’s what the ColbertPAC money should go to? Free Wilford Brimley! Come on!
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I too am a proud member of the Colbert Zombie Army and one of the people who signed up immediately to ColbertPAC. Can’t wait to see where they’ll take it, hoping for plenty more satirical ads. It’s always so great, and sometimes nerve wrecking, when they take the character out of the safety of the studio, like the congressional hearing. Loved Stephen’s and “Stephen’s” glee throughout the desk interview.
I really couldn’t stand Shriver. He came across as so condescending and full of faux sincerity, but maybe my cynicism is showing? There were just something about the way he talked about the SO athletes and people with disabilities that grated me. I’ve been trying to come up with a way to explain it but it’s almost 2 am here and my english is failing me right now. He just reminded me of all the nice people who are so eager to help my friend, who’s in a wheelchair, but never fails to ask me, who’s able-bodied, if she needs help instead of asking her directly.
Also the rules “let Stephen be the funny one” and “don’t acknowledge that he’s playing a character” comes to mind. I don’t mind if the guest makes a joke or two, yes even at Dear Leaders expense, but you know, make sure you’re as funny as you think you are.
Loved “Stephen’s” PSA, it felt like it could have been a moral lesson in SWC. Oh maybe that’s it, Shriver spoke to us as if in an after school special and Strangers have beautifully ruined them forever. You just wait for the horrible conclusion or dark joke. And Stephen delivered:)
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Holy &$%#!!!!
That was completely amazing. I was out last night, so i just got to see the show, and I am blown away by the PAC. It’s a breathtaking idea, and I can’t even fathom where he’s going to take it. But there was something very impish about him asking whether anyone had ever gone to jail for misusing the money–as if he knows he’s going to be walking a.very fine line.
I wasn’t blown away by the Tim Shriver interview. I don’t have a problem with his ideas. I’m all for empathy, and I also know how friends of mine who have developmentally disabled children feel about the “r” word. It has caused pain for a long time. I’m also sure Shriver IS sincere; because the Special Olympics has been a Kennedy cause from way before the words “politically correct” ever came in use. And yet….and yet: I couldn’t warm up to him. I found him too slick, and thought the Jon joke fell horribly flat. (Especially as Stephen was really helping him outline his cause.) Shriver could definitely use a larger dose of the Kennedy charm.
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Oh, and…Stephen speaking Klingon is always hot! ;0
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I also really liked the Shriver interview. I can see why people would find him slick/trying too hard to be funny/etc, but I was on the positive receiving end this time and I felt the banter was fun. I def had an “OH SNAP” moment when Shriver threw the “Jon is funnier than you” curveball, but knowing that Stephen briefs his guests before every show, he was probably just playing around with “Stephen”. I’m also not keen on the “R” word, since my own brother has autism and I have had experience with other people with disabilities/”diff-abilities” all my life when my family and I attend charity walks/runs and events with other families. These people are just like everyone else, just wired a little differently, and no one should isolate them just because of that. I don’t throw a fit when someone does use it, but it does make my heart clench.
On another blog post I had some help better understanding this PAC stuff, which sounds like it could really be something for Stephen to play around with/use for good. But I’m wondering…just so that I can wrap my head around this and actually GET it…if Stephen is going to do the exact same thing like he does on his show, but on a different platform, is he going to have a hand in influencing the 2012 elections by “giving a hand” the presidential candidates? Is he “doing it”…again? (I’m being deliberately cryptic, but knowing how much we all know him and what he has done, I hope you’ll get it)
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Of course, we can only guess what he’ll actually do, and I don’t want to in any way speak for other Zoners, but it’s fun to imagine what he might do given his past history (!).
I think the seizure-inducing ad that he did before announcing the PAC (with my favorite line: “Fireworks are pretty!”) is a clue as to what he might do in the future (although I’m guessing he won’t run again. I think he can have more influence by not running; and, I think he may be trying to shine a light on the corruption “behind the scenes,” so running would seem to be antithetical to that goal). So what might he do? Let’s see… he can spoof genuine ads of political candidates who are trying to sensationalize things their oppononent says or does, he can run general ads and announcements in the media spoofing PAC ads in general, he can “support” a candidate as “Stephen” (heaven help the man or woman whom “Stephen” tries to “support”)… and yes, I do think any of these things has the potential to influence the election. You know what I think of when I think of what’s Stephen’s doing? Have you ever played Whack-a-Mole? It’s a carnival game where little toy moles pop up and you try to whack them with a club and then they pop up somewhere else and the trick is to keep up with them and whack as many as you can. Well, consider political candidates as moles. That’s what I think of when I think of the potential inherent in Stephen’s PAC. Hey! I’ve got it! It’s PAC-a-mole! Ha, ha, ha — yes, that’s definitely it.
Difference makers:
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HAHAHA, “PAC-a-mole”! Knowing that game, I LOVE it! That should be “Stephen’s” new “WORD”! Now I’m picturing mole-sized Newt Gingrichs/Sarah Palins/Mike Huckabees etc. and “Stephen” standing over them with a patriot-coloured mallet in his hands. It’s making me smile. :) Those definitely sound like things that Stephen may do with his new PAC. I’m getting more excited idiating the sense of hilarity that will ensue with whatever his “help” will be. If he can set his targets just right, I think that we’ll be in for some fun. I missed out on the whole running thing since I only just started watching the show last fall, but I remember him in a 2008 GMA interview saying that he wasn’t (too) sad that his run ended prematurely because he felt like he was “strapped to a galloping horse” and he could go back to just doing what he’s always done and still does. Even then, I don’t think I’d want him to actually run for president. Because then he’d be doing all the unfunny things that the president has to do and then he wouldn’t be able to do what he does best: bring a little more light and faith in humanity in our daily lives while simultaneously fracturing our funny bones. So as much as I like to daydream of an America ruled by President Stephen Colbert and Vice President Jon Stewart, I think that they both have found their places in the sun and in our hearts…where they rightly should be.
Difference makers:
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Is Jon aware that you’ve demoted him to Vice President? He only gets to attend state dinners and funerals? (Stephen would love that… That’ll get you back for the Emmy’s Jon!)
I don’t think you need to worry about Stephen ever actually becoming President. Last time, he only ran in South Carolina. And if he actually won, his acceptance speech would have to be something along the lines of, “ummm you guys know I was only kidding, right?” And wait… was Stephen actually born in the United States? Has anyone actually seen his birth certificate? And all this religion hopping… A Shaker president? Ha, ha, ha. The funny thing is that actually, I bet Stephen has a lot less to hide about his personal life than any of the politicians currently (not) running. And I’m quite sure that he’s smarter than all of them put together. And could beat any of them in an American History test. Anyway, I’m not sure that we’re ready as a nation for a HOT president. I mean Obama is a nice looking man and all, but it’s a big leap from that, to HOT.
Glad you liked my PAC-a-mole concept! Writers… ehem… If you’re reading this… Please feel free to use it (but could I get one teeny tiny shout-out please?).
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They could go either way! They’d be good in either position! I love them both but…I guess…as much as I hate to admit it…for whatever reason (which I really don’t know)…I prefer Stephen just a TEENY bit more than Jon…they’re both wonderful but I guess maybe I’m just more attracted to Stephen…*blushes furiously* (Jon, please don’t hate me! I really still love you too!)
And yeah, it seems that all of the competent, intelligent people out there who GET IT hardly ever run for president (except Obama IMO; he makes mistakes like every other president has since the first presidency, but I still have faith in him and I prefer him MUCH MORE than Bush). Hence we’ll never see our favourite pundits in the White House. It would be great though to have 2 good-looking leaders at the front for once.
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PAC-a-mole, just brilliant!!!
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I hope Stephen won’t be running for President again. I DO hope, however, that the glint he got in his eye when he asked about the possibility of advertising for others, whether they liked it or not, turns into something extremely special *cough* Sarah Palin *cough*
Can’t say I warmed to Shriver. And can I just say, there’s no way he has better hair than Stephen either!
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I work with the special olympics population. I don’t know what to think about the use of the “R” word. I have used the term “mentally retarded” to describe the population I work with. If used in the right way, it’s not a bad term. However, and i mentioned this over on CN so apologies if this is redundant, the term “idiot” used to be the acceptable term to describe people who are now considered “mentally retarded” or “people with intellectual disabilities”.
I don’t like to be told that we can’t use a word to describe people, but then why not call them idiots, right? wrong. I agree with Stephen, that we are being patrolled by the “thought police”.
I don’t know, I guess the right way to describe them is “people”.
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Hi Arkadina, I think Stephen has just the remedy for that *cough* of yours! And I have no doubt we’re in for something special! p.s. — I caught that glint too. And that smile. They go so well together!
Now, Anais… You seem so sweet and innocent… Just what did you mean that “they’d be good in either position!?!” Yes, well, ehem, I certainly agree that they’d be good in any position. I’m not sure I agree, however, that they could “go either way.”
(Sorry. I had to. I couldn’t help myself.)
And need I even add…. It’s Friday!!!! I hope Stephen is warming up that voice of his!
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SW! You KNOW that’s NOT what I meant! I meant it the other way, not THAT way! I was “blushing” because I felt a bit bad about confessing to liking Stephen more than Jon. NOW I’m “blushing” because I only just realized how I phrased those statements! I have a very bad habit of saying or writing something with a double meaning without realizing it and still being confused when people point it out UNTIL I take some time to mull over it…and then understand it. I somehow manage to achieve this paradoxical nature of being simultaneously knowledgeable and naive at the same time. And hun, believe me, there are times when I can say some pretty non-innocent things…without realizing it most of the time…makes for some embarrassment/hilarity at my expense…
*hides under a blanket*
*peeks out to say:*
Oh yeah. Yeah Friday (the day, NOT the song)!! Although, again, being in Europe, I’m gonna be waiting a little longer while you lucky Americans get to listen to Stephen first. But hey, at least I have something to look forward to on Saturday morning!
*goes back under blanket. nearly time for bed anyway.*
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Sorry for the well-intended teasing, Anais! And please, whatever you do, don’t lose your “paradoxical nature!” Or you may end up like me, blatantly and openly confessing my carnal Stephen-thoughts without the slightest trace of embarrassment. Don’t get me wrong! I love him for his mind! And his heart. But oh, my, what I wouldn’t do with the rest of him… Okay, okay, I’ll stop! Sorry! I don’t know what comes over me. It must be a full moon or something.
I will do my best not to take advantage of your unintended double entendres. (And you’re the one in France, so I hope I spelled that right.) I will do my best not to make you blush…
I will resist the urge (resist, SW, resist!) to quote you and turn your very sweet intentions regarding Stephen upside down. So, I shall wish you a good evening and… Oh, wait… What was that you said in the last line of your post, above?…
Uh, oh. Oh what the heck. “Have fun under your blanket!”
AAAAK!
*Hangs head in shame*
p.s. — You know the truth, of course… that I get embarrassed too… but not by confessing my physical admiration for you-know-who. Rather, I get embarrassed because I literally find myself tearing up and wiping my eyes every time he does yet one more heartfelt, heroic thing and praising him here on this site as if I were accompanied by a choir of angels. In short, I become a wet noodle. And don’t worry. We can’t see you blushing.
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HAHAHAHA! You’re great fun to talk to, SW! And don’t worry, I was being half-facetious. When I first re-read what I had written after you pointed it out, I was like “D’oh! Not again!” But it’s all in good fun! So continue your well-intended teasing! I’ll half-welcome it. My friends do it to me all the time so I’m used to it.
And I understand about getting emotionally-mushy around Stephen. I’m also someone who cries very easily, although most of the time it’s over not-so-happy stuff. But any opportunity for me to cry with happiness with whatever Stephen does is welcome to me. Beats the darkness that comes with sad crying.
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