By Manila Ryce
Published Tuesday, October 16th, 2007, 4:15 am
Filed under: Videos: Political, Society/Culture, Videos, US Politics

40 Responses to “Kucinich on The Colbert Report: Helpful or Harmful?”

1. Dennis did a great job! He shows he has a sense of humor and can go ‘off-road’ if he needs to. Besides, I can give his campaign stump speech at this point…and I do…as often as I can get an audience. Now he’ll get some Colbert bump and move on to TDS where Jon should give a more in depth issues related interview. If Stewart hasn’t been totally co-opted by Hillary! LOL

   NAndo
   10/16/07 at 5:49 am
   
2. 

   @NAndo
   I hope you’re right. I’d still like to see Colbert have a real interview with Kucinich. Perhaps a petition is in order.

   Manila Ryce
   10/16/07 at 5:55 am
   
3. 

   He needs to get his name out there, and for that reason alone it was worth it. And I agree with you, Manila, maybe we should be asking for a more in depth interview in the near future for Kucinich.

   Lo0048
   10/16/07 at 6:19 am
   

4. I think a petition is definitely in order. I was very disappointed with that. It appeared to be entirely scripted and Kucinich didn’t have a chance to say anything.

   Andy
   10/16/07 at 6:26 am
   

5. […] Kucinich on The Colbert Report: Helpful or Harmful? […]

   Colbert Report: Dennis Kucinich: By the Pocket’s Red Scare (link) « Dandelion Salad
   10/16/07 at 6:26 am
   

6. I think he showed a strong self-awareness, an ability to perform a skit in character with one of todays top satirists… but he looked kinda pissed at the end– didn’t break character but no conciliatory grin either. I think that he should be on the Daily Show next. I doubt Kucinich’s target audience registers in many polls– but they will tune in to appearances like this, and many more will be there watching as well.

   tom
   10/16/07 at 9:17 am
   

7. Manila,

   I thought he did great and showed that he can send himself up. No great harm was done, indeed I’d say no harm at all. Granted it would have been nice to hear more from him about policy, but I think we can accept that’s not what he was there for. He proved himself a good feed for Colbert to play off. And proved he can laugh at his critics and send himself up more than they can.

   Kel
   10/16/07 at 10:52 am
   

8. […] Kucinich on The Colbert Report: Helpful or Harmful? […]

   How Sh*t Works » Colbert Report: Kucinich: By the Pocket’s Red Scare + Helpful or Harmful? By Manila Ryce (link)
   10/16/07 at 1:09 pm
   

9. […] Kucinich on The Colbert Report: Helpful or Harmful? - Largest Minority: “Kucinich was seemingly forced by Colbert’s writing staff to be a poor man’s Carrot Top. Sure, being the butt of jokes has gotten Kucinich a fair amount of media attention in itself, but once you get that attention you’re supposed to step out of the caricature and address real issues. I use to think any publicity was good publicity for Dennis, but now I’m not so sure. I don’t have a problem with the gnomish typecasting, but I think there’s a serious problem when that’s all you’re brought on for. What do you think?” […]

   No Fact Zone.Net » Stephen Colbert in the Zeitgeist: 2nd Anniversary Eve Edition
   10/16/07 at 2:35 pm
   
10. 

    I’m relieved that nearly everyone disagrees with me… and I mean that sincerely. I thought this appearance was a missed opportunity, but I’m glad most viewers didn’t see it like that.

    Manila Ryce
    10/16/07 at 3:01 pm
    

11. I am very pleased with Presidential Candidate Dennis Kucinich’s appearance on the show.

    The intention was comedy. Yet, I do not see , at all, that Dennis was the butt of the joke. The following points were made, which helped Dennis, considerably.

    1.George Bush has shrunk the Constitution.
    2. Dennis takes the Constitution very seriously.
    3. Dennis is a card-carrying member of the AFL-CIO.
    4. Dennis is an honorary member of the Teamsters Union.
    5. Cobert said “vote for Kucinich”.

    Debra Poss
    10/16/07 at 6:28 pm
    
12. 

    @Debra Poss
    True, all of those points were made last night, but they were also made during two other segments when Colbert challenged Kucinich to appear on the show. The fact that Kucinich belongs to the AFL-CIO and takes the constitution seriously were already known by Colbert’s regular audience. For those familiar with Colbert but unfamiliar with Kucinich, not one new thing about Dennis was learned last night.

    Manila Ryce
    10/16/07 at 6:34 pm
    

13. second watch…it’s actually hilarious!
    Pocket Rosetta Stone! Too funny. Oh yeah, Dennis is a serious cat. I met him in Ventura and was all dressed up in a suit for the chance to met him and he scanned me up and down before he let his guard down. I probably looked like a republican, but he checked me out before he just opened up and talked freely. He is not fooled and doesn’t take anyones guff. He would be the strongest and most courageous candidate.

    Kucinich ‘08!

    NAndo
    10/16/07 at 6:57 pm
    

14. I’m with NAndo on this one. I thought it was a very good appearance for Kucinich, showing a witty side to the otherwise serious persona he presents. I too thought it was hilarious and although the interview didn’t touch on policy issues, Colbert didn’t play him as his usual foil, so he came off looking very good.

    JudiPhilly
    10/16/07 at 7:25 pm
    

15. He was funny and this is a Comedy show, so dont forget that… I really think he showd a side that we rarely see on politicians… a human side

    EvilDevil
    10/16/07 at 8:38 pm
    

16. OK, Dennis played the game and got a good reception on Comedy Central…he was funny and came off as genuine, more than we can say for most other candidates. I think that is good publicity for him, but I agree it is time to have him back to talk about real issues.

    Rick Olshak
    10/17/07 at 4:48 am
    

17. A masterful job. Few guests can master the “dual” formula (things are the reverse of what they seem) of the Colbert program. Kucinich did a wonderful job.

    Bob

    Bob
    10/17/07 at 10:17 am
    

18. I’m all for Kucinich. He’s been so marginalized by the media that he will take advantage of any media opportunity to show himself, whether he gets to discuss the “issues” or not. Don’t be so upset with him because he decided to “play along” with Colbert. He’s authentic and speaks truth to power. Liberals are a minority in this country but could be a much more powerful minority if they had better leadership. Pelosi is scum and not the leader of Liberals that she needs to be. Kucinich is THE LEADER for liberals and needs the opportunity to serve his country as president.

    Lord Byron
    10/17/07 at 11:31 am
    

19. I enjoyed it. Kucinich is the real deal. It would be great to see him in more in depth conversations of course, but i don’t think it hurts him at all. It would also be great to see jon stewart have him on and do something toward a discussion on impeachment.

    Rick
    10/17/07 at 1:55 pm
    

20. I think he was hilarious and it showed what a good sport he is! If people can’t see the humour in this, then they need to lighten up.

    Chickadee
    10/17/07 at 1:58 pm
    

21. The thought he was great. Very funny. It was not supposed to be an interview, just a funny segment. Don’t read so much into it.

    Buddy Fazzio
    10/17/07 at 2:27 pm
    
22. 

    It’s funny how all of the belongings in his pocket tell so much about him, but we’ve reduced him to a joke simply because he carries things that every one should, specifically the pocket constitution. The reason it has become a joke is because hardly any Americans know the constitution any way. Tv has ruined everything. But I thought the interview was very funny and not harmful at all.

    tigertooth
    10/17/07 at 2:45 pm
    

23. Dennis was great! Write to Stephen Colbert and ask him to do a full interview with Dennis at the Round Table! Thanks, Manila!

    Susan
    10/17/07 at 3:24 pm
    

24. The fact that Kucinich does not hold a commanding lead in the polls is a function of a corrupt corporate media which refuses to provide real coverage that links candidates to the issues that truly matter–the middle and working classes. This forces candidates to troll for the corporate dollars to acquire the millions needed to purchase expensive yet deceptive 30 second ads that swell the coffers of the conglomerates who exercise a monopoly power over the airwaves. An intriguing blind poll which presented where Democratic candidates stand on issues but not their names produced startling results. One candidate received a whopping 58%–Dennis Kucinich, the only candidate who supports single-payer health care that would eliminate for-profit health care insurers who account for 31% of the spiraling costs–all “universal coverage” plans amount to subsidy schemes for the health care insurance industry. He is the only candidate calling for a repeal of NAFTA & the WTO–devises by which our wealthy elites have betrayed American labor by outsourcing our manufacturing base in an endless search for the $2/day laborer while what remains is Wal-Mart-ized. Where Hillary/Obama/Edwards envision U.S. troops in Iraq in 2013, Kucinich, who has consistently opposed every measure to authorize or fund this imperial conquest, has a detailed plan to pull out not only all troops but contractors, leaving Iraq to the Iraqi’s and a multi-national
    Arabic speaking peace force under the aegis of the UN. He is short in stature but substantively stands head and shoulders above the rest.

    Stop being deceived by this nonsense that you have to vote for someone simply because the media tells you they are leading. Vote your own interest–Dennis Kucinich.

    Ernest Canning
    10/17/07 at 4:23 pm
    

25. I think it was a good decision to appear on this show - gotta agree with many of you on that. The things he carried in his pocket symbolized the things he stands for . . . some of them, anyway - was the Rosetta Stone a statement to his spirituality . . . I mean, I thought this was great - he was calm and collected and carried out the punchline well - anyone with Colbert in their pocket can’t be too far gone. I think this Dennis K. dude is gonna surprise the hell out all of us. Having nothing to do with his appearance here, he is still the only one of the candidates that I trust at all . . .

    Fresh2o
    10/17/07 at 7:06 pm
    

26. This bit was brilliant.
    Colbert is a comedian and his show is a comedy show and Kucinich was funny, not assinine.
    And the quote at the end was the clincher.

    RickinSF
    10/17/07 at 8:03 pm
    

27. To be able to laugh at ones self is so powerful, I am sending some money and maybe even work for Kucinich. Kucinich and Gravel are the only two candidates that feel like humans, they seem to have real feelings and concerns compared to the rest of the candidates who seem to bed promote and support the same old pablum.

    Leefeller
    10/18/07 at 7:18 am
    

28. Your smart aleck about the piano wire and daycare is just plain sick and wrong.
    Suggest you spend time meditating then think about what your real values are.

    Ruddy

    Ruddy
    10/18/07 at 8:36 am
    

29. Lighten up, for God’s Sake! Mr. Kucinich has already displayed more intelligence, integrity and common sense that almost any of the other candidates from BOTH parties. Please allow him to also show that he is funnier than the others. What a concept- a candidate with WIT. Why don’t you just enjoy it?

    Richard Bigelow
    10/18/07 at 9:33 am
    

30. JW, while I disagree on the point that Kucinich’s ‘interview’ on the Colbert report was damaging, I do agree that in part it could have been more substantive. With mini-Colbert announcing support for Kucinich, it should have led up to a follow up interview announced there and then where Stephen gave him some serious opportunity to talk about real issues.
    There may be those that argue that it shouldn’t be done on a political comedy show such as The Colbert Report, but check out the interview with Gary Kasparov to see exactly how you can make a great piece of comedy while hitting the people with some serious and important messages about politics and democracy.
    Even though the substance of the interview covered only 2 minutes at the most, I found Colbert showed a more serious degree of respect than he has in any other interview, putting to Kasparov, “You’re playing a very interesting game right now,” with regards to Kasparov’s bid for the Russian Presidency.
    Kasparov, in turn responds in the spirit of the show, delivering us with an important, yet hilarious comparison, “In America you have problems running as a third party candidate. In Russia you have problems running as a second party candidate.”
    Kasparov nailed it when he said, “You have to make statements.” He has full knowledge that a win is outside of the realms of reality, but to speak your mind, to say and do what you believe is the essence of freedom.
    Please post this vid for everyone to check out, it’s one of Colbert’s finest.

    Vay Nadarajah
    10/18/07 at 10:10 am
    
31. 

    @Rudd
    Why? I’m a piano repairman. I have no idea what would be so offensive about that.
    @Richard Bigelow
    I actually did think it was funny. The comedic value of the piece was not my beef. You’re welcome to disagree, and as I stated above, I’m glad everyone who commented here does.
    @Vay
    Thanks, I’ll post that interview later on today.

    Manila Ryce
    10/18/07 at 1:12 pm
    

32. I am from Northeast Ohio and have always known Kucinich and his wife to be outstanding citizens and representatives of not only those in the district. But this Rep has a global view unlike most CP’s. I am glad to see that everyone here has enjoyed the Colbert piece as much as I have. And more importantly, of course, I am glad to see as well an understanding that Kucinich is indeed the philosopher/statesman/politician that this country desparately needs but which most Americans are too blind to see.

    G D Wymer
    10/19/07 at 12:20 pm
    
33. 

    No harm done at all.

    Look, Dennis talks about all the serious issues all the time, like say, when he’s slaughtering the other candidates in any given “Debate.” Anyone who hears him speak out on which ever issue he’s on at the time knows he is articulate and passionate about these issues. He is, in my observation, the hardest working candidate out there.
    So to see him so easily, naturally, and fluently slip into a more relaxed, genuinely funny dialogue, it shows quite a lot about the man’s character!

    Kucinich/Paul 2008!!

    PapaFigue
    10/21/07 at 11:38 am
    

34. Though I thought Kucinich did a good job with the comedy, I have to admit being shocked that the contents of his pockets was the primary basis for the visit. I expected comedy combined with issues.
    I wouldn’t say it was damaging but it was a missed opportunity.

    Danielle
    10/29/07 at 10:59 am
    

35. There are ALWAYS issues to comment on, but lightness of heart and mind are a sign of a well balanced human. Striving for every single possible opportunity to get points across is indicative of a driven personality, and can make souls even more weary in this challenging world.
    Considering the context of this appearance, I think Dennis was totally on. He was going with the flow - very pleasant and natural, and I was even surprised Colbert was so amiable towards him.

    This is good publicity and favorable exposure. It shows how flexible Kucinich can be, to be able to embrace this - just another of a variety of public scenarios.

    Renee
    10/29/07 at 7:28 pm
    

36. It was this interview that actually got me looking into Dennis Kucinich. The fact that someone claimed of him being an honest politician intrigued me. I found out about his policies and his plans to end the Iraq war. I’ve been mostly disillusioned with the American political system but with people like Kucinich, it makes me want to believe as well. Kucinich ‘08 for me.

    Loc
    10/30/07 at 2:02 pm
    
37. 

    Thanks Loc. It’s good to know that this interview made a positive impact on you. Once again, I stand corrected.

    Manila Ryce
    10/30/07 at 2:06 pm
    

38. Just Googled this after hearing about it at a DK fundraiser today. Didn’t anyone notice the possible implications of Stephen being “in Dennis’s pocket?” Mini-Steve even said “Vote for Dennis Kucinich!” Anyone suppose the REAL Mr. Colbert might have been making a sly, oblique endorsement?

    Carolyn
    11/11/07 at 10:52 pm
    

39. He handled himself well and, more importantly, I know who he is now. If yesterday you made the wild claim that Denis Kucinich used to be one of the American Gladiators, I probably would have said something like, “Denis who?”

    When a political race has this many candidates, just being -known- is a gigantic boost.

    Eugene
    11/12/07 at 2:36 pm
    

40. Автор молодец! Тема почти раскрыта. Приглашаю почитать мою статью о авиалегкобыстром автомобиле будущего

    Авиалегкобыстрый автомобиль
    09/24/08 at 11:45 pm
    

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