(cross posted at The Dead Guy)
On tonight's The Colbert Report, Dr. Stephen T Colbert D.F.A. played host to four very strong Democrats - Senator Hillary Clinton, Senator Barack Obama, Former Senator John Edwards and Congressman Patrick Murphy. Below is a blow-by-blow analysis (with video!!!):
Senator Hillary Clinton opened the show by fixing the biggest problem of the day - the feed for The Colbert Report's big screen. Though the delivery was stilted, the writing skit was funny. I am still very surprised that Clinton approved dropping a joke about getting a 3 a.m. phone call. Started 2 minutes in and lasted 1 minute 42 seconds of air time - Grade: C-.
Congressman Patrick Murphy of PA. An Iraq War veteran and Obama superdelegate, stayed on message about getting our troops out of Iraq as well as promoting Obama's candidacy. We all know how disarming Stephen can be and his ability to pull people off-track - but Congressman Murphy was dedicated. Also, I have to say that I have seen him on many talk shows and I am very impressed by him. I believe this man is a rising star in the party. Started 11 minutes in and lasted 3 minutes 40 seconds - Grade: A+.
Former Senator John Edwards made a surprise appearance presenting his own version of THE WØRD (an almost daily commentary on the show) aptly titled THE EDWØRDS. Talking about the all important demographic that is deciding the Democratic Primary in 2008 - the working-class white male vote. Well, actually, it was about HIS vote and his want of jet skis in exchange for his endorsement. But seriously, he was able to be self-deprecating while talking about the real issues facing the United States. Started 18 minutes in and lasted 4 minutes 55 seconds - Grade: A.
Finally, closing out the show, Senator Barack Obama joined the show via satellite - on the very screen that Senator Clinton "fixed" at the beginning of the show (which, of course, Stephen ironically added, "Won't Senator Clinton be happy that she fixed our screen"). After briefly discussing last night's ABC Debate (for The Dead Guy's critique - see: ABC Debate Analysis) - Senator Obama put "manufactured distractions" ON NOTICE (an off and on segment on the show that Stephen uses to list his disdain/distrust for certain issues/people/things). Obama stated "these distractions won't fix our economy, won't help people get healthcare, won't get us out of Iraq." Obama agrees with Stephen that Grizzly Bears are the biggest threat to America and had Stephen replace James Brady (because he's a good guy) with Distractions at the top of the ON NOTICE Board. Obama was able to show his humorous side while staying on message. Started 27 minutes in and lasted 2 minutes 35 seconds - Grade: A.
At the end of the show, and Stephen's final day broadcasting from Philadelphia, through the thunderous applause Stephen demanded, "Thank you Pennsyvlania! We've told you how to think, Now go vote!" Overall a great show and a great coup to get three of this year's most influential Democrats and one rising star all on one show! Show Grade: A.