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David Sirota is a political journalist and nationally syndicated newspaper columnist at Creators Syndicate. David writes about political corruption, globalization and working-class economic issues often ignored by both of America's political parties.
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May 30, 2008 5:00 AM
Colbert vs. Sirota: Did He Really Just Call Me Che Guevara?
As promised yesterday, here is a link to the video from my appearance on The Colbert Report. It's hard to come up with exactly the right word to describe what it feels like to be on Stephen's show. It's somewhere between fun and excruciating - and really, it's both at the same time (does saying that make me a masochist?).
Before the show, Stephen came by the green room to say hello and chat. He's much different off the air than on, in that he's not in character. The first time I went on (2 years ago) he made sure I understood his character is satirical (apparently, some guests - mostly conservatives - don't get the joke). This time around we just chatted about other things, and traded a few stories about living in the Willard dorm at Northwestern, where we both went to college.
When I was brought out to the stage, I think he could tell that I was nervous and he yelled out to the crowd "are you ready Sirota?" That calmed me down a bit - sorta took the edge off. But then when he came over and started doing the interview, I knew I was in for it. You'll notice in the clip above that he's aggressive right out of the gate, not letting me get out a full sentence for a little bit.
The trick of the show - which I'm curious if you think I succeeded in mastering - is getting your message across while not coming off as too serious and a party pooper.
I wasn't worried so much that he would humiliate me a la Bill Kristol as I was that I would have trouble trying to convey what the book is about. I was even more concerned about that with this appearance on his show, because my new book THE UPRISING is more of a nuanced story than my first book, which is more talking-point-able.
I thought the funniest moment in the interview was when Colbert called me Che Guevara, and asked whether I was looking forward to college students having my face on their t-shirts. It's inquiries like that which really throw you off. Such "questions" make the show hilarious but also make it impossible to prepare for his show - and make the lead up to being on his show more than a bit nerve-wracking.
I'm curious to know what you think - post your reviews in the comments here. If you like the clip, pass it on to your friends and let them know about the book. As I've always said, getting this book out there is going to be a grassroots campaign - and as you can see from the schedule, I'm trying to use the book as a tool to work with and build local grassroots groups. The Colbert Report is merely one of the vehicles to get the word out. You can get the book at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, or through your local independent bookstore.
On Monday, I'll be posting a combined update on my events in Connecticut and at the Riverside Church tonight here in New York (details here). I'll also post on my new column this week and on the first book excerpt that has now been published - they are both related to the Iraq War.
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About David Sirota
David Sirota is a political journalist and nationally syndicated newspaper columnist at Creators Syndicate. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Hostile Takeover. He lives in Denver, Colorado. His daily blog can be found at CREDO Action. He contributes regularly to the Denver Post's Web site, is a senior editor at In These Times magazine and is working on his second book. He has been profiled in Newsweek and the Rocky Mountain News and is widely known for his reporting on political corruption, globalization and working-class economic issues often ignored by both of America's political parties. Sirota serves as co-chair of the Progressive States Network, a 501(c)3 organization that supports state legislators and that is a partner of CREDO.
You can subscribe to Sirota's e-mail newsletter by going to davidsirota.com and signing up in the lefthand corner. To find out more about Sirota, download his official biography or see his recent media appearances. You can e-mail him at sirota@credoaction.com.
The views expressed on this blog are his own, and do not necessarily represent the views of Working Assets (publisher of CREDO Action) or the institutions Sirota works for.
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Discussion
Very good appearance.
Now, how do you get on Olbermann?
Well done! I enjoyed the appearence as did my wife who only knew of your work by my always talking to her about "David Sirota said..." or "David Sirota wrote..."
It was a good idea not to get painted as nothing more than an Obama talking head, gives much more credibility to the overal arguement.
UPS is supposed to deliever the book to me today, can't wait to read it, and hope to see you in Ohio next month.
Very nice, Dave.
You got lotsa message in; and hawked your tome.
Meanwhile Colbert got to be...well, Colbert.
You did a fine job David, certainly better than I could have done. Thanks for the insight into the character that is Stephen Colbert and good luck with the book sales.
Looks like someone is falling into Big Media's blackhole the more he goes on television. If you people really want reform, why not turn off your tellies and get a life? It's not as if Colbert's gonna get his job outsourced or for that matter get his ass thrown into the military or even lose his nice big mansion. One can look very nice and polished on the air but it doesn't make a god damn difference because who's gonna buy this book? Certainly not the blue collared workers who lose their jobs and listen to Sean Hannity and fall for his hate talk bait.
David, you did a fine job on a show that's all about political satire and comedy. Unfortunately once you start talking about the Uprising the politically correct police rear their ugly heads and try to dilute the agitating nature of your message, because even the media are scared to acknowledge the existence of this growing populist revolt. Your book is a true catalyst for change, unlike the blathering rhetoric coming out of the mouths of the Three Stooges running for president. The Declaration of Independence is truly the only manifesto we need to take our country back from the charlatans and demagogs who have hijacked our Constitution for their own purposes. Rise up!
David, you did a fine job on a show that's all about political satire and comedy. Unfortunately once you start talking about the Uprising the politically correct police rear their ugly heads and try to dilute the agitating nature of your message, because even the media are scared to acknowledge the existence of this growing populist revolt. Your book is a true catalyst for change, unlike the blathering rhetoric coming out of the mouths of the Three Stooges running for president. The Declaration of Independence is truly the only manifesto we need to take our country back from the charlatans and demagogs who have hijacked our Constitution for their own purposes. Rise up!
I thought it was great, knowing that it must be very difficult to be on the Colbert grill and that sometimes the information the interviewee is trying to get across is obscured by his insanity. I would love to read your book, and am curious what you think about "Zeitgeist"?
You did just great! You made your point and gave everyone the gist of it, in spite of distractions. Looking forward to the event on Monday at BNF & good luck with book sales!
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