Colbert is The Force in American socio-political humor

You want three reasons Stephen Colbert is the prime political satirist and pure entertainer of our time. These are the final three "scenes" of the four-part episode.

First, this part of tonight's "Word" as the segment's called. He essentially apes Bill O'Reilly's talking points, where the text on screen is suggestive and "summarizes" (or adds to) or Bill's thoughts. Anyway, Colbert shows his razor sharp social commentary in discussing the near expiration of some of the Patriot Act and how Obama is advocating to continue the powers, but that's just basically a further civil liberty issue Obama (and the entire party frankly) has reneged on a promise on. (The three videos all have the same preview screenshot -- with Tiger Woods -- but they should be different.)



Here, Stephen interviews Steven King in his "Better get to know a Steven" series (Stephen Colbert meets a Steven with a V). He chats with Steven King. Colbert shows why he's such a great interviewer in this absurdist character he plays. The improviser in him comes out when responding to a guest, though usually the question is just a trap and puts the guest in a no win position. But that's not always an easy feat. Plus, the horror "visions" of Stephen's are hilarious.



And here why he's also an extremely intelligent, concerned citizen watching Rome burn and wondering what the hell is happening. He's with Tom Brokaw talking about the failures of the last decade. Who's to blame? Brokaw cops out and says everyone. Brokaw also tears into the decisions that were pretty obviously impacted by the Bush administration. But he refuses to place blame. Anyway, Colbert shows his depth here, yet he never loses to comedic touch.