Weekly Video Roundup

This week, our selection of Truthdig-flavored videos includes a preview of Fox’s answer to “The Daily Show”; The Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines speaking about artistic courage to the ACLU; and Chris Hedges laying a smackdown to Colbert and the Christian right.

No. 1: Fox Previews Right-Wing ‘Daily Show’ 

Check out this quick clip of “The 1/2 Hour News Show”—Fox’s right-leaning answer to “The Daily Show” and “The Colbert Report.” It was created by the right-wingers behind “24.”

(Lots of info at Huff Po)

Watch it:

Check out another preview clip here

No. 2: Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines Talks Liberty to the ACLU

In light of the five Grammy awards the all-female band picked up on Feb. 11, we decided to post this video: It’s the Dixie Chicks’ Natalie Maines accepting the ACLU’s Bill of Rights Award in December—for defending liberty and the right to free speech in the face of overwhelming pressure. Lead vocalist Natalie Maines said she’s proud to be a card-carrying member, adding “It hasn’t taken courage to stand strong, just a first-grade education.”

Watch it:

No. 3:  Hedges Explores Colbert’s Alternate Reality

Here at Truthdig, we can’t get enough of Chris Hedges and his takedown of the radical Christian right. (See our interview with him.) So here’s the “American Fascists” author (No. 29 at Amazon.com) holding his own against Stephen Colbert’s absurdist onslaught.

Watch part 1:

Watch part 2:

No. 4: John Oliver Nails Iran’s Weapons Source

Amid a discussion of Bush’s dubious claims about Iranian influence in Iraq, “The Daily Show’s” “senior military speculator” hilariously divines the point of origin of Tehran’s armaments.

Watch it

Check out our A/V booth for more videos on the Iran-Iraq weapons issue.