Friday, September 24, 2010

Nation's Best Conservative Media Figure Schools Congress On Farmworkers (And Corn-Packers)

It was hard to believe someone would go along with this: A comedian called to testify -- in character -- before a Congressional committee concerning proposed legislation.

But Dr. Stephen Colbert was willing to go slumming in the service of his grateful nation today, testifying formally on Capitol Hill concerning federal treatment of migrant field workers (after Colbert's day as a vegetable picker with the United Farm Workers):

Although Dr. Colbert's opening statement is impressive, his most insightful point might have been expressed later, during questioning, when Rep. Steve King (of Iowa's Lower Jesusland district) asked why a YouTube video depicted Colbert unloading (instead of filling) crates of corn. Colbert responded that he had indeed picked corn -- "I was a corn-packer, sir" before informing Rep. King: "I know that term is offensive, to some people, because corn-packer is a derogatory term for a gay Iowan."

Colbert drew applause -- in a room of Democrats (constantly attempting to hide smiles and giggles) and Republicans (easily maintaining their pursed-lip stoicism) -- with the conclusion of his opening statement to members of Congress: "I trust that following my testimony, both sides will work together on this issue in the best interest of the American people. As you always do."

UPDATE: Colbert answers Congressional questions (left). FOX's Megyn Kelly, meanwhile, shows why she is a pro (right), struggling to pull the stick out of her ass long enough to get through a probing interview of Rep. King concerning Colbert's testimony.


Infinonytune:Ironic, Alanis Morissette

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

Infy---

Steve King (R)- Western Republic of Iowa is probably jealous that he can't say those things publicly......

Can you put up Jon Stewart from the Daily Show last night? It, too, is a classic!