I was on the Colbert Report last night, and think I survived the encounter with at least 40% of my dignity in tact. But I'm curious to hear what y'all think and get your tips on how best our team at 350.org can take advantage of the Colbert Bump. There's no better group to turn to than the Kossaks, so let us know.
In the span of just a few years, Stephen Colbert and his Colbert Report have become institutions in the American media landscape. But interesting institutions--the show is comedy, and it's also slightly anarchic. Colbert is brilliant, and more than a little wild: it's not like going on normal, predictable television. That's the drama, and it's why people tune in.
It's also why I was a little more nervous than usual as my evening in the guest's chair approached. I can usually predict the questions I'll be asked--I've heard most of them before. But last night they were coming fast and furious, and out of left field. "What if I state 349.org?" With a lot of help from friends who'd coached me and psyched me up, I got through just fine--and even made Colbert laugh when I inquired if his self-styled Nation wanted to join the 80 other governments that are backing our target. Best of all, it worked--our servers hummed with thousands of new colleagues.
If you have friends who aren't necessarily inclined to earnest environmental preaching, this might be a good clip to send them as you try to recruit new activists for Oct. 24. We're enormously grateful to Stephen and his crew for helping us spread the word!