House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-OH) says he thinks it's weird that Democrats have "time to bring a comedian to Congress but they don't have time to end the uncertainty by extending the tax cuts." It's an amazing statement when you think about it even for a second. After all, is it possible that the tax cut issue is not really timely? In fact, is there any way to interpret Stephen Colbert's appearance before the House Judiciary subcommittee on his experience as an entertainer-turned-migrant worker as having anything at all, however remotely, to do with extending tax cuts for Americans making $250,000 or more a year? (And couldn't the alleged "uncertainty" be dispelled with a clear, uncomplicated, "You had your party for the past decade. Now get lost.")
Until I heard Boehner on "The Daily Show" I thought the silliest statement he would be able to come up with was in response to Chris Wallace's question as to whether he was aware that "a number of top economists say what we need is more economic stimulus." He replied, "Well, I don't need to see GDP numbers or to listen to economists. All I need to do is listen to the American people, because they've been asking the question now for 18 months, 'Where are the jobs?'"
But the orange-colored man continues to top himself, and I will know better than to underestimate him again.
The reaction to Colbert's appearance has been largely negative--just as it was when he spoke to the White House Correspondents' dinner. Washington does not like this character who captures the city so well--at least not in person. Like Mr. Boehner, but more coherently, committee members appeared to believe that the issue of hearing guests was more important than the conditions of farm workers.
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