Hillary Clinton And Barack Obama Appear On The Colbert Report

PHILADELPHIA — Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton played up her image as a tireless problem solver _ this time for laughs _ when she visited Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" Thursday night.

Not to be outdone, Sen. Barack Obama, her rival for the Democratic nomination, showed up via satellite to poke fun at what he called the media's fixation on gaffes and trivialities.

Clinton emerged just as host Stephen Colbert, broadcasting from the University of Pennsylvania ahead of the state's primary Tuesday, was lamenting that he had no technicians to repair the lost signal on his giant rear projector screen.

"Are you telling me there is no one in this theater who can fix the mess we're in?" Colbert cried out.

Clinton Takes on Technical Difficulties

"I can," Clinton said as she strolled onstage. She questioned an assistant about technical specifics before figuring out the problem. Then she called out a makeup artist to take care of Colbert's shiny forehead.

"Wow, Senator Clinton, you are so prepared for any situation!" Colbert exclaimed. "I just don't know how to thank you enough."

"I just love solving problems. Call me any time," Clinton replied. "Call me at 3 a.m."

She exited without ever sitting down _ exactly two minutes after she had entered.

"I'm sure she left her cell phone number," Colbert quipped.

Later, Colbert rapped Obama for belittling the questions he received in Wednesday's televised debate on ABC News. While campaigning Thursday in North Carolina, Obama complained that the debate fixated on matters like his controversial former pastor instead of issues affecting voters.

Clinton vs. Obama Philadelphia Debate Review

"Well, Stephen, I think the American people are tired of these political games and petty distractions," Obama said.

"Sir, speaking for the news media, we are not tired of it," Colbert retorted.

On Notice - Obama Takes on Distractions

Obama announced he was putting "manufactured distractions" on notice, and Colbert promptly added them to the notice board.

Backstage, Clinton shared a private chat with her old rival John Edwards, who also appeared on the program. Clinton aides wouldn't divulge what they discussed during the brief meeting.

Edwards has declined so far to endorse either Clinton or Obama _ an endorsement that would be welcome ahead of the May 6 primary in the 2004 vice presidential nominee's home state of North Carolina.

The Ed Words - Valued Voter

___

Associated Press writer Beth Fouhy in Greenville, N.C., contributed to this report.

Comments

[julianortega]

That was the BEST Colbert Report episode ever.

[ILliberalPedagogue]

Where is Garret Morris when you need him. "Introducing Lord and Lady Douchebag"

[RButler]

"Care for a cocktail. vinegar and water?"

[ailbhe]

Very funny, loved the Obama-Hitler connection!

The Daily Show is brilliant, it is bizarre that a fake news show has more real news than the supposedly real news media!!haha.....

[kcal2000]

Great Show!!

[user168]

Edwards put too much emphasis on "me and my pride/way". Clinton put too much emphasis on "me and my power/win". Obama is the only one to put thoughts on what is the right thing to do "of the people, by the people, and for the people".

[Marichu]

John Edwards was just fabulous. What a great sense of humor, (he can poke fun at himself), yet still deliver his heartfelt wish for the eradication of poverty in this country and healthcare for all. I think this country lost out on one terrific presidential contender.

[Kashathree]

Oh puleeeze! He's an idiot. He's reading a teleprompter cuz he has no sense of humor--only his hair. Can you spell p a r o d y?

[Marichu]

Kashathree

Yes, I do know how to spell parody-- p a r o d y.

And I also know its definition. The following is a cut and paste:
A parody in contemporary usage, is a work created to mock, comment on, or poke fun at an original work, its subject, or author, by means of humorous or satirical imitation.

This goes along with what I said that he can poke fun at himself

[jimsey]

He didn't just read the teleprompter, he delivered the lines perfectly. That is not so easy. If you've ever heard an amature reading a prepared speech you'd recognize the difference. Edwards was the funniest of the three, but they were all good.

[RButler]

You mean 'universal haircare'?

[Dark Angel]

Genius.

[natasyenehc]

Excellent ! Just Excellent !

[Gonefishing]

Summation, Clinton was relegated to the role of a stage hand. The only Iraqi vet in Congress endorsed Obama. Edwards had the best comedy segment. Obama wrapped it up with the most enthusiasm from the audience while instructing the media about 'distractions'.

Great night for Colbert

[madmaggie57]

Even though I am more of a JonStewart fan, I must give kudos to Colbert & his writers...His show from Philly was an inspiration...and last nights appearances were the climax of that brain storm...

[Phil4and8]

Clever stuff! You remember clever? Fun, funny, not purposely mean or spiteful. Thanks for the humor break. We all needed it!

[SkimaskBob]

Colbert is THE BEST 'entertainer' on television. Period.

[recruitgal]

Obama is going to be on The Daily Show on Monday night. Nice to see Jon evening up the score after Hillary did the same prior to TX/OH....

[weeblo]

I just find it horrifying that Obama, an African American man, would, on national television, command two working class white men by calling them "Boys". If he were a white politician and those two working individuals were black men - guess what - the democratic race would be OVER and Senator Clinton would be the nominee. But no, Mr Obama receives another free pass - and a bucket load of laughs in the process. I'm sorry - I just don't find that kind of humor funny.

[mthespian]

SENATOR Obama was clearly adopting the language of the show. When Stephen Colbert puts things on notice, he asks the "boys" to bring out the notice board.

Might I suggest getting over yourself?

[justfine]

Way, way too great a stretch. Would you have preferred "guys"? I'm afraid that your bigotry is showing just a bit.

[Unsui]

Really, weeblo? Really? You have got to be kidding with this crap...Jeeezus.

You remind me of Cardinal Richelieu of inquisition fame. He once claimed that if you gave him six words from the most honest man in all of France, he would find something for which to hang him. Relax a little boy-o, you're gonna drive yourself nuts.

[RButler]

I recall the Obama crowd bitching and moaning on this site when Hillary did The Daily Show the night before TX/OH. Now, they will cheer his performance no matter how lame.

[davemyers]

....soooo clever... www.discussrace.com

[speakyourmind]

If it weren't for the likes of Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart, there would be no point to television.

[cnick]

So true!!!!!! The honesty and truth is with the jesters.