Ever Wonder Why Politicos Do the Colbert Show?

Posted on Jul 5, 2006

No matter how silly Stephen Colbert makes politicians look on his show, an appearance on “The Colbert Report” is the best (and maybe the only) way to make young voters pay attention and respond to their representatives in Congress, according to The Washington Times.

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The Washington Times:

No matter how hard members of Congress who appear on the “Better Know a District” comedy segment try to beat the system, Stephen Colbert makes them end up looking silly. But several lawmakers said doing the spoof spot on “The Colbert Report” on TV’s Comedy Central actually has raised their profiles back home, particularly among young folks.

“You have to have the right attitude,” said Rep. Phil Gingrey, Georgia Republican, whose 11th District was featured on the cable show in April.

“It’s a comedy show; he’s a comedian, and you’re not,” he said. “Even though I tried to be funny, all my funny stuff ended up on the cutting-room floor. I just had to leave hoping that when they slice and dice and put it all back together again, I wouldn’t look too stupid.”

Indeed, any publicity is good publicity.

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