The White House press corps has named inoffensive impersonator Rich Little to host this year’s correspondents dinner, confirming that the group has yet to recover from its unwarranted anxiety attack following Stephen Colbert’s performance last year. While some criticized Colbert for treating President Bush roughly, others—including Bill Maher—wondered why, in the first place, the press corps gets tanked every year at a party with the people it’s supposed to be covering.
Washington Post:
Stung by criticism that comedian Stephen Colbert went too far last year in his remarks at the White House Correspondents’ Association annual dinner, the group announced last week that it had lined up a different kind of entertainer for its next dinner on April 21: impersonator Rich Little.
The choice elicited two general reactions: Who? And why?
While the name is probably unfamiliar to people under 40, Little was a popular Las Vegas performer and guest star on TV variety shows of the 1960s and 1970s. He’s best known for impressions of celebrities (Johnny Carson, Jimmy Stewart, Jack Benny) and presidents (Nixon and Reagan) who are no longer with us.
But “edgy” Little isn’t. Even in his heyday, he didn’t do biting topical satire or searing political humor. As a performer, he’s more “Ed Sullivan” than “Daily Show.”
Which is why, according to Little, he was hired in the first place. “One of the reasons they picked me is because I’m not controversial,” he said yesterday from his home in Las Vegas. “They did get some flak about the guy they had last year. I don’t think they wanted someone political or controversial again.”
Yet after Colbert made waves—he compared the Bush administration to the Hindenburg disaster, among other things—some wondered whether choosing Little indicated that the rough, tough White House press corps was going soft, ensuring that its honored guests from the White House would suffer not even the slightest slight.
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By George S Semsel, January 22, 2007 at 8:16 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
By Steve Hammons, January 21, 2007 at 9:10 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
It’s no secret that major elements of the American press establishment have cooperated fully with the Bush administration in the run-up to the Iraq War.
Many journalists and media organizations apparently were active propagandists or mouthpieces for the neoconservatives and warmongers associated with the Bush administration.
Some of the reasons for this, and other aspects of this very serious problem, are explored in the article below:
Iraq War psychology: Exploring hearts and minds of American officials, journalists, average people
Steve Hammons
American Chronicle
September 15, 2006
By HeadlessHessian, January 21, 2007 at 8:32 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
These people have zero sense of humor, and no balls! Colbert was terrific!!!! I remember Rich Little doing Nixon…wayyyyyy back when. He issss very good, very funny..but yes he is not controversial.
Sorry Colbert..you told it like it was and they sure as hell were not ready to hear the truth!
By Tobiaz, January 21, 2007 at 8:31 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
”—some wondered whether choosing Little indicated that the rough, tough White House press corps was going soft, ensuring that its honored guests from the White House would suffer not even the slightest slight.”
Say what? Rough, tough White House press corps?
(Hee-Hee!)
As I recall, one of the most delighted attendees at last years function was George W. Bush, who was laughing at Colbert’s performance, right along with me ... until someone came over and whispered in his ear. Course we don’t know what was whispered, but it served to replace the mans enjoyment with a scowl. Which is too bad, because the one thing we can all say for sure is Bush does have a sense of humor ... sorta.
Rich Little, for those who don’t know, was well known for his impersonations of Nixon. He helped a generation of confused voters recognize the difference between sincerity and grandstanding with a few select slogans and “look at me I am so patriotic” gestures. Maybe that wasn’t his intention, but that was the result. Perhaps he has been overlooked for the recognition he deserves in helping us accept that it’s OK to laugh at a president. (Course, we’re still confused, as are our kids ... )
Gotta admire Little’s courage though. Last years fun is going to be a tough act to follow!
Note to White House Press Corp:
Lighten up guys. Do you really think anybody takes you seriously? Besides you’ve still got that embarrassment ... Bush crawling around looking for missing WMD’s ... in your history. You were scared to laugh last year, but thought Bush’s performance (which really WAS offensive) hilarious!
Can’t replace that with a new comedian, can you. That one will never go away!
By George S Semsel, January 22, 2007 at 8:16 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
The white house press corps is a joke.
Report thisBy chris mcgregor, January 21, 2007 at 10:49 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I prefer to think that the choice of Rich Little is proof positive that the White House Press Corps is doing much overdue penance.
Report thisBy Gordon, January 21, 2007 at 4:33 pm Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
From their response last year what did you expect? The msm have no cojones!!
Report thisBy michele, January 21, 2007 at 9:46 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
just a bunch of chicken brownnosers. defines neocons as well.
Report thisBy Steve Hammons, January 21, 2007 at 9:10 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
It’s no secret that major elements of the American press establishment have cooperated fully with the Bush administration in the run-up to the Iraq War.
Many journalists and media organizations apparently were active propagandists or mouthpieces for the neoconservatives and warmongers associated with the Bush administration.
Some of the reasons for this, and other aspects of this very serious problem, are explored in the article below:
Iraq War psychology: Exploring hearts and minds of American officials, journalists, average people
Steve Hammons
American Chronicle
September 15, 2006
http://www.americanchronicle.com/articles/viewArticle.asp?articleID=13668
Report thisBy HeadlessHessian, January 21, 2007 at 8:32 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
These people have zero sense of humor, and no balls! Colbert was terrific!!!! I remember Rich Little doing Nixon…wayyyyyy back when. He issss very good, very funny..but yes he is not controversial.
Sorry Colbert..you told it like it was and they sure as hell were not ready to hear the truth!
Headless
Report thisBy Tobiaz, January 21, 2007 at 8:31 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
”—some wondered whether choosing Little indicated that the rough, tough White House press corps was going soft, ensuring that its honored guests from the White House would suffer not even the slightest slight.”
Say what? Rough, tough White House press corps?
(Hee-Hee!)
As I recall, one of the most delighted attendees at last years function was George W. Bush, who was laughing at Colbert’s performance, right along with me ... until someone came over and whispered in his ear. Course we don’t know what was whispered, but it served to replace the mans enjoyment with a scowl. Which is too bad, because the one thing we can all say for sure is Bush does have a sense of humor ... sorta.
Rich Little, for those who don’t know, was well known for his impersonations of Nixon. He helped a generation of confused voters recognize the difference between sincerity and grandstanding with a few select slogans and “look at me I am so patriotic” gestures. Maybe that wasn’t his intention, but that was the result. Perhaps he has been overlooked for the recognition he deserves in helping us accept that it’s OK to laugh at a president. (Course, we’re still confused, as are our kids ... )
Gotta admire Little’s courage though. Last years fun is going to be a tough act to follow!
Note to White House Press Corp:
Lighten up guys. Do you really think anybody takes you seriously? Besides you’ve still got that embarrassment ... Bush crawling around looking for missing WMD’s ... in your history. You were scared to laugh last year, but thought Bush’s performance (which really WAS offensive) hilarious!
Can’t replace that with a new comedian, can you. That one will never go away!
Report thisBy Christopher Robin, January 21, 2007 at 8:03 am Link to this comment
(Unregistered commenter)
I thought they could go more avant guard, say with? Harriet Miers.
Report this