You may have heard about Stephen Colbert's controversial speech at the White House Correspondents Association Dinner last week. Essentially, he openly mocked the President, right to his face, in front of a hall filled with stunned journalists. Here's
the video. I don't know exactly how I feel about it. Even though I can't stand Bush and think he's a terrible president, he is The President and therefore perhaps deserves some respect, for the position and what it represents if not for the man himself. And I can't stand awkward silences, and this video is so chock full of them, it's almost painful to watch. Colbert may have taken his satirical diatribe a little too far, but he did get some good lines in, like this one:
The greatest thing about this man is he's steady. You know where he stands. He believes the same thing Wednesday that he believed on Monday....no matter what happened Tuesday.
Well, I can say one thing about Stephen Colbert-the guy's definitely got cojones.
5 comments:
I agree. There's a fine line between respectful chiding and open mocking, and apparently he stepped over it.
The blogiverse is awash with stories of people saying how great it was, but the lack of respect for the institution of the Presidency, regardless of who is currently in the Oval Office, is disturbing.
I agree that the President of the United States is inherently deserving of respect, but hasn't Dubya put that respect somewhat in forfeit during his two-time tenure?
I'm wondering who was responsible for booking Colbert in the first place and if they woke up the next morning sans employment.
I agree with repack rider. Colbert is a comedian /journalist: it IS his responsibility to challenge the administration. The best part about his speech was when he called out the media for not having done that.
I was wondering the same thing as Brigita: who booked him? I guess whomever it was thought he might not have the nerve to say what did in front of the president.
I agree that Bush is worthy of criticism, but I wish it could be more productive. Bascially, we got stuck with the candidate for whom the majority of the people in this country voted, and rudely pointing out how stupid you think he is won't sway any red states in the next election. I just hope the Dems get their act together by then. With an unpopular war, a sluggish economy, and the various pitfalls of the past 4 years (Katrina, illegal wiretapping, torture in Iraq, etc...) the job's almost done for them.
Of course the position of president deserves respect, but this is the one night where anything goes. it is a roast afterall. and if the president can make fun of himself, like he did later on in the night with an imposter, then why not. although, like you said, some of the silences were painful..
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