It must have seemed like such a good idea at the time. Stephen Colbert is in Philadelphia, his show is being taped there for the debates - why not do one of those funny walk ons that politicians love to do.
And so - at first- it was brilliant. Hillary opened the show with a bit of business, she got a warm laugh - and she was off. She'd fixed a tech problem with the set, got to make a joke about being on call - "even at 3am" and strode off the stage looking confident and Presidential.
But hmm... one wondered.. would the sharp tongued Colbert really let her get in and out without a sit down interview? Clearly Clinton's handlers weren't going to expose her to his wry and often deadly whit. No way. She was in and out - with a scripted bit and back in the limo.
But, no so fast.
Next up - Philadelphia congressman Patrick Murphy.
Back from Iraq - and looking, as Colbert put it, like the kind of guy that would vote for Hillary. Nope. Murphy proclaimed Barack Obama one of the most exciting politicians of generation and proclaimed his support for Obama. Ouch, that must have made for some uncomfortable green room banter backstage.
So - had Hilary given Colbert his I'm sure much requested interview, this screen time would have been hers. Comic payback is a bitch.
But, it gets better - just wait.
As Colbert dug in to the election - he played a medley of news clips about the election turning on the White Male Vote. And then, proclaimed it would be "one White Male." Out strode a shocking upbeat John Edwards. Wow - where's he been? And WHAT is HE doing in Philadelphia not endorsing anyone?
Boy - now i REALLY want those Green Room snapshots.
Not only did Edwards look great- but his 3 min long "Ed" Words segment was maybe one of the most brilliant bits of writing I've heard in a long time. Funny, self-deprecating, and strongly political all at the same time. This is no easy act to pull of, and he was masterful. All of a sudden, Hillary's bit about the broken video screen seemed like both lame politics and lame comedy. Edwards was on fire!
And just Who will be the Vice President - we are wondering. Hmm... Didn't Edwards take a swing at that spot once before. Seems like he may have some posters lying around.
So, for those of you keeping score at home.
Hilary opens with a laugh.
Patrick Murphy looks heroic, boyish, charming, and endorses Obama.
Edwards makes a political speech about two Americas while hitting all his laugh lines and begging for a Jet Ski from either Hilary or Obama.
So, the bookers at The Colbert Report must be feeling pretty good right about now.
Colbert is signing off - and then - behind him - looming VERY large. Its Barack Obama.
Grinning. Last Laugh. Colbert says "Hilary must be wishing she didn't fix the screen right about now." Indeed.
And then, Obama delivers the line of the night - playing off a long running Colbert joke where he puts "On Notice" things that are no longer culturally acceptably. Said Obama: "Manufactured political distractions, you are officially on notice!"
Wow. Somebody buy the Colbert writing staff a drink. Someone deserves a bow. Clinton handlers - probably not trying to out smart (or out funny) the political satirist might be a better plan next time.
Ps: If Edwards doesn't have at least 4 jet ski's on his lawn by mid-day, i'd be stunned. Big red bow, Jet Ski, the Edwards house - stat. (the closest dealership is: http://performanceeastinc.com/ - quick they may sellout.)
Loading comments…
Posted April 18, 2008 | 01:16 AM (EST)