Friday, September 24, 2010

Rep. Jason Chaffetz: Stephen Colbert testifying in Congress on immigration "is a joke"

Stephen Colbert testifying in Congress (in character)
Stephen Colbert has just finished testifying in Congress on the issue of immigration, as I reported on yesterday.

Stephen Colbert Testifies Before Congress on "Vast Experience" as a Migrant Laborer
Comedy Central's Stephen Colbert testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee hearing in character this morning, speaking on the topic of working in America's fields.

Colbert, testifying next to the president of the United Farm Workers (UFW), discussed his "vast experience spending one day as a migrant farm worker," adding that he was "happy to use [his] celebrity to draw attention to this important, complicated issue."
...
But while most of the Congress members present seemed pleased with Colbert's appearance before the committee - which potentially brought more national attention to the cause than it might have otherwise received - not everyone was laughing along with his jokes...
- Watch Video of Stephen Colbert testifying in Congress
- Listen to Rep. Jason Chaffetz calling the Colbert "ordeal a joke" on CBS' 'Washington Unplugged'
Read Rep. Jason Chaffetz reservations on the Colbert invitation here - Stephen Colbert Testimony "Sad," a "Joke," Says Congressman

This isn't the first time people who usually dabble in the absurd have had to deal with criticism once they enter the serious world of politics. Watch how Comedians Al Franken, Wrestler Jesse Ventura and Action Star Arnold Swarchenegger handled criticism when they entered politics - Answering the critics: Jesse Ventura, Al Franken and The Terminator. Its worth noting that some Republicans were happy to use Colbert's appearance to sincerely endorse their goals.

Stephen Colbert breaks kayfabe and speaks to the issue seemingly out of character
VIDEO: Colbert explains why he is advocating for migrant farmworkers

No comments: