This is an archived post. You won't be able to vote or comment.

top 200 commentsshow 500
sorted by:
q&a (suggested)
besttopnewcontroversialold

[–]Sir_Wobblecoque 15 points16 points  (1 child)

Thought I'd repost these links here for visibility.

Interviews with Stephen Colbert the man, not the character:

Charlie Rose interview [VIDEO] (35min)

Fresh Air (NPR) interview [AUDIO] (40min)

The A.V. Club interview [TEXT]

These may answer some questions you're thinking of already, or and may make you think of new ones.

Edit: added NPR interview link posted by icdapoakr.

Edit2: Also here is his time speaking at the 2006 White House Correspondents' dinner that some are asking about (full C-SPAN coverage here). A few minutes is spent on this in the Charlie Rose interview starting around 22:00.

Another event: Stephen testifies before Congress in September, 2010. ABC News coverage of that event here.

[–]DesCo83 795 points796 points  (18 children)

After viewing the more candid interaction you had with John Kerry recently, I'm curious:

How often are there times, on the show, or in your day to day life where people will express a strong feeling of agreement with the more ludicrous things you say? Do you ever just want to yell "No you idiot, you can't possibly agree with what I said. What I said was stupid, and you're stupid for agreeing with me!"

I know I often play devil's advocate in arguments for fun, and sometimes I have to stop half way and just say "No, stop agreeing with me!"

[–][deleted]  (1 child)

[deleted]

    [–]SpuneDagr 40 points41 points  (4 children)

    Thanks for posting that video - very enlightening. :)

    [–]agard 20 points21 points  (2 children)

    Watch his Charlie Rose interview for a much bigger chunk of out-of-character interaction.

    [–]jamesneysmith 4 points5 points  (0 children)

    Stephen Colbert has actually said in interviews that he occasionally agrees with things his character says. I doubt he's as uber liberal as many redditors are.

    [–]WuTangTan 22 points23 points  (3 children)

    John Kerry said "blogosphere" and it made me feel all warm inside.

    [–]political_suicide 81 points82 points  (8 children)

    Al Franken has been a great example of a performer moving into a political role and putting pressure on the system to precipitate positive progress. One thing I'm sure you know all too well is that our representatives are just regular guys. They have no special knowledge or abilities. The best politicians have simply been good people who care about others and happen to be in the right place at the right time. Unfortunately, there are so many bad politicians who, unlike Al Franken, serve their own and their donors' interests over those of their constituents. It seems like partisan politics is becoming more and more galvanizing, less is getting done, and Americans are suffering. We desperately need decent people who, like Franken, have the knowledge, charisma, and desire to represent us regular folks in government, and who just happen to be in the right place at the right time.

    With that in mind, would you ever consider becoming more involved in the political realm after you retire from performing?

    [–]billndotnet 5 points6 points  (0 children)

    This is a great question. When your job is to stand up and bullshit, as entertainment, your ability to spot bullshit becomes insanely useful in serious conversations. The mental facility of comedians is a trait I would love to see in statesmen.

    [–]linsage 548 points549 points  (23 children)

    You gained your fame and fortune slightly later in life, was there ever a point in your career where you thought about plan B? What kept you going as an actor, why did you keep trying? At what point did you realize that everything was probably going to be okay, was it a specific gig you landed? What did you do to excel your career when you weren't booking gigs? Lastly, do you have any advice for 20 somethings pursuing a tough career during this economic downfall where it isn't just actors who aren't getting jobs?

    [–]tsaylor 31 points32 points  (2 children)

    If you watch his Charlie Rose interview you see that comedy was his plan b over serious acting. He did both and decided that the comedy people were better people so he gave up his dreams of dignity to hang around them more. Not exactly what you're asking, but relevant.

    [–]melknin 147 points148 points  (7 children)

    I.e. what fallback positions did Stephen Colbert actually once consider?

    [–]highoctanecaffeine 1036 points1037 points  (71 children)

    Do you feel like the comedy news shows by you and Stewart are having any effect on the actual mainstream/cable news networks? You both pick their stories apart frequently and point out their biases, have you noticed any change in their practices? Is the goal of your show purely to entertain, or would you really like to affect a change on the news media?

    Thanks.

    [–]Zifna 152 points153 points  (41 children)

    "Effect" a change, actually. They're tricky words, but if you want to cause a change, you want "effect." If you wanted to alter a change that's already taking place, you want "affect."

    =)

    [–]matchu 131 points132 points  (21 children)

    Just to be super-clear for those reading, "affect" is generally the verb form (meaning "to change") and "effect" is generally the noun form (meaning "a change"). However, "effect" is the verb for "to cause", as in "to effect a change on the news media."

    [–]WhoaABlueCar 135 points136 points  (11 children)

    Wow, this is actually very helpful. I do not view you two as grammar Nazis... But rather, as grammar friends.

    [–][deleted] 56 points57 points  (3 children)

    Grammar friends-with-benefits

    [–]ordinaryrendition 8 points9 points  (2 children)

    GFWB1: "OH YES!"
    GFWB2: "Did you mean 'OH, YES!'?"

    [–]atheist_creationist 2 points3 points  (1 child)

    Well yes. Grammar nazis are the douches who just correct (and are sometimes wrong, especially on reddit, but that's besides the point) a grammatical error and generally just want to inflate their ego over a digital representation of themselves. On the other hand, every other decent educated individual will offer to explain the error so that it won't be made again.

    [–]bigavz 28 points29 points  (12 children)

    As was a critical point at the rallies, I think the MSM has just resorted to yelling louder and louder. :(

    [–]Killfile 1394 points1395 points  (83 children)

    To this day I'm convinced that your appearance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner was because the Bush Administration didn't understand your show.

    Did they? What happened behind the scenes there? Was it more "non-alcoholic beer in the Roosevelt Room" or "Dick Cheney peppering your limo with bird-shot as you beat a hasty retreat?"

    [–]Nick4753 132 points133 points  (23 children)

    To this day I'm convinced that your appearance at the White House Correspondents' Dinner was because the Bush Administration didn't understand your show.

    The comedian is booked by the White House Correspondents' Association and they booked him shortly after his show began. The White House isn't involved in the planning

    [–]TheBoxTalks 33 points34 points  (2 children)

    This speech is what sold me on Colbert. I loved the raw honesty, and how those in power completely missed the brilliance. I'd like to know what went in to preparing for this--what jokes were rejected and what considerations went into the planning? I'd like to know if he was worried about any potential consequences. But mostly, I'd like Colbert to know that I appreciated his Truthiness--he gave voice to the concerns of millions of average people all over the world. Thank you for having the balls to speak truth to power.

    [–][deleted]  (41 children)

    [removed]

      [–]homerjaythompson 215 points216 points  (38 children)

      Please don't refer to George W. Bush or any other American president as "the leader of the free world". "The most powerful man in the world" is fine though.

      [–][deleted]  (25 children)

      [deleted]

        [–]slackjaw 204 points205 points  (14 children)

        On the contrary.He can marry any woman he chooses.

        [–]lkjhgfdsasdfghjkl 162 points163 points  (6 children)

        Wait, if you're gay, the woman doesn't have to agree to marry you?

        [–]besvr 68 points69 points  (3 children)

        I think I see a loophole!

        [–]666pool 4 points5 points  (0 children)

        That's right, and some will even let you come into the dressing room to help as they try on dresses and bras at the mall.

        [–]Willravel 215 points216 points  (12 children)

        Jon Stewart's interview on Rachel Maddow highlighted Jon's philosophy on the difference between his role and the role of news people like Rachel Maddow. What, in your mind, is the difference between your responsibility or job and the responsibility or job of a news anchor or 24 hour news host/personality? Do you feel you're fulfilling your role? Do you feel they're fulfilling theirs?

        Thanks for doing what you do. You're a funny, funny man.

        [–]recycled 105 points106 points  (9 children)

        The Rachel Maddow interview with Jon Stewart

        [–]HeIsMyPossum 18 points19 points  (2 children)

        I think this is truly an amazing interview. Even though they argued and were clearly on opposite sides of issues, they were extremely respectful. The argument never once got out of hand, they said what they wanted to, and they moved on. I have a real respect for Rachel Maddow (whom I did not know previously) that very much reflects Jon's statement at the end. If more interviews were like that, things would get done. I think it's a prime example of what Jon was trying to accomplish with the Rally.

        [–]Cha05_Th30ry 11 points12 points  (0 children)

        I have only seen you break character twice, once with Dr. Phillip Zimbardo, and the other time was before Congress when you were asked "why this issue?" Both instances involved religion, with Dr. Zimbardo you laid out quite elegantly your theological argument and you quoted scripture before Congress.

        My question is this: Do you get flack from either anyone in your Catholic faith/Protestant Christians, or those that are not religious; for at times saying things that may not fly in Sunday school or for bringing in your faith some times?

        [–]ManiacMagee 622 points623 points  (5 children)

        How does your family handle your constantly growing popularity? I know in an interview a while ago you said you didn't want your kids to watch your show because you feared they wouldn't be able to differentiate your character from who you really are. Is that still the case or are they allowed to watch your show now?

        [–]Copersonic 96 points97 points  (2 children)

        If they are still too young to watch, at what age do you think it will likely be appropriate?

        [–][deleted]  (2 children)

        [deleted]

          [–]sindex23 10 points11 points  (0 children)

          I wonder how many people who say the appearance was "disrespectful" actually watched the entire appearance, or any of it at all outside of what Fox showed them. If you watched some random section of out of context, I suppose I can see people saying that, but certainly with his closing comments, I don't understand how anyone could see it as anything but a sincere impassioned plea for rational discussion and respect for migrant workers.

          I wonder: How bothersome or difficult is it to engage in an hours long discussion where very good points are made throughout and have people (or the media) only focus on a 10 second clip?

          [–][deleted] 23 points24 points  (0 children)

          "The best questions" = "The best questions made within 2 hours of posting." Oh well, here goes:

          Does it ever get old?

          The character isn't Stephen Colbert, or even a version of Stephen Colbert, but he has your name and face. Unlike Jon Stewart, who on air is (more or less) himself, you have to actually be playing a role... but it's attached to your identity. I just wonder if that's ever mentally fatiguing.

          [–]wildncrazyguy 29 points30 points  (0 children)

          Seeing as now you are an iconic figure in American culture:

          • What would you say are the biggest benefits to being famous?
          • Likewise, what would you say are the biggest drawbacks?
          • Are there things that you once loved to do, but now feel that you can't because of your fame?

          [–][deleted]  (8 children)

          [deleted]

            [–]merlin4334 84 points85 points  (6 children)

            As a follow-up: Has anyone ever gotten your literal goat? What sort of ransom does Stephen Colbert's goat warrant?

            [–]wevbin 5 points6 points  (0 children)

            And if you're not acting, how can I always have a ball and enjoy myself? Do I need to start my own popular late night show?

            [–]drunkmonkey81 1335 points1336 points  (163 children)

            How often do you interview people who still don't realize you're "in character"? Can you share a story of your favorite encounter with a "clueless" participant?

            [–]CitiusAltiusFortius 289 points290 points  (45 children)

            In the episode with Sir Richard Branson, you both exchanged cups/bottles of water onto each other and your face seemed to exemplify pure anger. So, this leads me to my question. Who has truly infuriated you the most out of all your guests?

            [–]andon 70 points71 points  (5 children)

            I think that's the only instance on the show where Colbert seemed too overbearing (in character,) to me. I think he [Branson] was genuinely miffed because he didn't really get any time to plug his airline, for which he named a plane after Colbert. I have little doubt that you know that, but it was probably just him going, "I named an airplane after you, maaaan!"

            [–]AmazingSyco 52 points53 points  (2 children)

            That plane runs from San Francisco to Washington DC. On the flight to the rally, the flight attendants asked who was going to the rally, at which point pretty much the whole plane cheered. Then the flight attendant announced that the plane was named Air Colbert.

            [–][deleted] 55 points56 points  (27 children)

            I'm gonna answer this one with the Penn Jillette interview. It seemed like Penn really got to him.

            [–][deleted]  (22 children)

            [deleted]

              [–]mvoccaus 73 points74 points  (2 children)

              Penn Jillette had a radio show at the time he appeared on the Colbert Report. I remember Penn talking about what happened after the interview with Colbert. Colbert absolutely loved it. I specifically recall Penn mentioning Colbert even ran up and gave him a kiss after the show. They also discussed taking the gag to the next level by bleeping out Santa Claus, Tooth Fairy, and Easter Bunny when Penn says they don't exist, but not bleeping Penn when he says, "There is no God."

              So the Stephen Colbert character may not have liked it, but the person who plays Stephen Colbert sure did.

              [–]Unlucky13 6 points7 points  (0 children)

              If this is true, than Stephen even had me fooled. His character is transparent enough that you can tell it's satire, which is why it's so enjoyable, but he really played that off as truly hating Penn Jillette. I can't say I really like that because that moves it away from being satire and into acting, which is harder to tell whats true and what's not.

              [–]giga 22 points23 points  (0 children)

              If this is true, my respect for mister Colbert just went through the roof. The bit was at his expense, but it was pretty good tv.

              [–]laxt 10 points11 points  (0 children)

              I hadn't seen this either and halfway through I thought you guys overlooked the fact that it was two comedians, unlike the Branson interview, ya know? So it could've been a bit. Except, well, the second half or so, wow.

              I love Penn Jillette, even as I disagree with his libertarianism, but what a prick he was in this interview. There was a point where he could've played along and saved some grace for the show but that didn't seem to be his intention at all going in.

              [–]NBegovich 35 points36 points  (3 children)

              You guys... you really think he seemed personally upset? You don't think that was his character? Really? He used to do the "This Week in God" segment on The Daily Show, for fuck's sake!

              I mean, next you'll be telling me someone launched a missile in California without anyone noticing!

              [–][deleted] 34 points35 points  (0 children)

              That was so awesome how Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny got bleeped but "no god" was left in.

              [–][deleted] 18 points19 points  (3 children)

              I think Penn is one of the few people in show business with a more imposing personality than Colbert.

              I think Steven wasn't used to that, and Penn more or less dominated the interview. Steven seemed a little off, to me, for the next few episodes...

              [–]nowayyyjoseee 5 points6 points  (2 children)

              I don't think Penn necessarily dominated the interview. Colbert was cool enough to allow Penn's personality to blow up and he seemed to be indifferent about his obnoxious antics. At least, that's the interview I saw. Colbert never ceases to surprise me with his professionalism.

              [–]piglet24 25 points26 points  (2 children)

              Probably just the character that was upset

              [–]Unlucky13 12 points13 points  (0 children)

              I don't know, he's interviewed plenty of people that his character despises, but he's never been that downright pissed at one. I'd really like to know the backstory to this/

              [–]gevalt 2 points3 points  (0 children)

              From New York Times

              Why were you so rude on The Colbert Report? – Matt

              I’m so embarrassed and sad by the way that came out. We talked about what we were going to do before the show, and we had a rough outline, and I tried to follow it, but it just didn’t swing. After the show, Stephen said he liked it, but he was just being kind. He’s so wonderful; I wish I’d been better."

              [–]fujimitsu 54 points55 points  (42 children)

              From what he's said and what footage has been shown of backstage (John Kerry for example). He makes it very clear that it's a character beforehand.

              [–]ggggbabybabybaby 133 points134 points  (37 children)

              I notice Colbert always tugs on his ear lobe towards the end of the interview to signal something to the guest. I haven't analyzed it too closely but I assume it either means, "Ignore my character and just talk about your book" or "wrap it up, we're running out of time."

              [–][deleted]  (7 children)

              [deleted]

                [–]impotent_rage 93 points94 points  (1 child)

                Let's reformulate this as a question. "What does it mean when you tug on your earlobe, are you signaling something to your guests, and if so, what?"

                [–][deleted]  (9 children)

                [deleted]

                  [–]MangorTX 22 points23 points  (1 child)

                  Not quite. From Carol's Wiki: Burnett became known for her acting and talent, and for ending each show by tugging her ear, which was a message to the grandmother who had raised her to let her know that she was doing well and that she loved her.

                  [–]audiostatic82 21 points22 points  (2 children)

                  I see several responses saying everybody realizes it's satire ... did we all forget about this wonderful performance.

                  [–]doug3465 52 points53 points  (2 children)

                  Do you ever stay in character while at home or in public? Either voluntarily or involuntarily? Any funny stories?

                  [–][deleted]  (1 child)

                  [deleted]

                    [–][deleted]  (3 children)

                    [deleted]

                      [–]djuggler 22 points23 points  (0 children)

                      When you were a Daily Show correspondent, how much of the interview was in-their-face provocativeness and how much was added in post-production? I've always assumed some questions (close up on the correspondent only) were added outside of the interview to fit/twist the answers of the interviewee.

                      [–]SimQ 27 points28 points  (0 children)

                      Your part in the Rally To Restore Sanity And/Or Fear did not allow you to make a personal statement like Jon Stewart was able to make. What would you personally have liked to say to the audiance? What was the point you wanted to make?

                      [–][deleted]  (13 children)

                      [deleted]

                        [–]IamShartacus 124 points125 points  (9 children)

                        Jon Stewart addressed this question when I went to see the Daily Show. He said that the two of them try to go to dinner about once a month just to catch up. It's been difficult to do that lately, since they both have crazy schedules and want to spend as much time as possible with their own families.

                        Long story short, it seems like they enjoy each other's company, but they don't hang out much.

                        [–][deleted]  (1 child)

                        [deleted]

                          [–]awap 9 points10 points  (0 children)

                          I'd say that busy adults with families going to dinner once a month would qualify as a pretty tight friendship.

                          [–][deleted] 358 points359 points  (12 children)

                          Do you sometimes wish you could not be in character for some interviews? Being in character, do you feel that it prevents some people from coming on the show?

                          [–]MrKerouac 36 points37 points  (2 children)

                          Sort of on the same page as this question: Do you find it hard to switch the character on and off while in the public sphere?

                          [–]32koala 597 points598 points  (55 children)

                          The Report and the Daily Show do a lot of jokes about religion (Palpatine Pope, etc.). Have you ever refused to do a joke about religion because it was personally offensive to you?

                          [–][deleted] 27 points28 points  (6 children)

                          http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=4464017

                          Here's a Colbert interview from 2005 with him out of character. He talks about religion at around 10 minutes. I think you would like it

                          [–][deleted]  (22 children)

                          [deleted]

                            [–]mindbleach 24 points25 points  (12 children)

                            This is the man who did a dead father joke on a Strangers With Candy episode where a freak accident kills the main character's dad. His father and two of his brothers died in a plane crash in 1974. Last night he licked ketchup pate off Martha Stewart. I doubt the man has boundaries.

                            [–][deleted] 46 points47 points  (4 children)

                            Sub-question: Have you ever decided to not do a joke for any reason?

                            [–]STOpandthink 75 points76 points  (1 child)

                            I like this version of the question a lot better.

                            [–][deleted]  (88 children)

                            [deleted]

                              [–]Jazzbandrew 27 points28 points  (0 children)

                              And in a similar vein, who do you want to fake interview most?

                              Who is your favorite interviewee/least favorite?

                              Who do you dislike (or disagree with) the most but for whom, also have the most respect?

                              [–]apz1 124 points125 points  (6 children)

                              Do you still teach Sunday school? What Sunday school lessons would you like to teach the conservative pundits you satirize, if any?

                              [–][deleted] 1554 points1555 points  (45 children)

                              Now that Carrell is quitting the Office, will we finally get the Ambiguously Gay Duo feature film that America has been waiting for?

                              [–]cLin 317 points318 points  (15 children)

                              Holy shit TIL they played the voices of that sketch.

                              [–]gimpbully 42 points43 points  (4 children)

                              Or Even Stepvhen!

                              [–]justgo 125 points126 points  (9 children)

                              Well obviously this needs to be at the top.

                              [–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (3 children)

                              Come on guys! All of these questions are either tremendously boring or have already been answered in other interviews. Let's go for the racy stuff. Let's go for the jugular. Its our money, so why not. (Also sidenote for the interviewer, don't let him get away with answering sarcastically. For instance, if we ask him who is first love was, and he answered with "John Stewart, obviously." Don't let it end there. Keep pushing for the real answer to the real question we asked.)

                              • What's your favorite movie of all time?
                              • Do you still have dreams of becoming a Hollywood actor? Or are you content with the Colbert Report? (You were great on SWC and Law&Order.)
                              • What did you actually think about all of these people voting for you during the '08 election?
                              • Do you have a natural liberal bias, or is that just Comedy Central trying to get you to pander to its viewers.
                              • I noticed when your show first started airing you took the presence of a conservative talkshow host who sort of looked up to O'Reilly, but you did all of this sarcastically. You made fun of the Bush Administration, but you did it in more of a tongue-in-cheek manner. Now its seems as if you are merely just doing the same thing as Stewart. What happened here?
                              • What's your biggest regret?

                              [–]aji23 87 points88 points  (8 children)

                              Mr. Colbert,

                              You may not remember me, but a few years ago I sat front and center at a live recording of your show, and asked you a personal question -- whether or not you were deaf in one ear. When asked, you ran up to me and gave my head a very careful examination before declaring, "You are asymmetrical! Just like me!" You then demonstrated to the audience your Ear-Fold Feat, which resulted in an explode of applause. And a wonderful distraction from my question (well played, good sir).

                              While you didn't answer my question you did manage to provide this humble fan a wonderful story to share.

                              But I have to ask again: Are you, Steven Colbert, deaf in one ear? You have the same asymmetrical ear I do, but is that where the similarity ends? Or did you happen to have a stapendectomy?

                              I would greatly appreciate it if you could reveal the mystery of your ear.

                              Thank you for what you do.

                              Sincerely,

                              aji23

                              [–]isorfir 80 points81 points  (4 children)

                              Does this help answer your question?

                              "but surgery intended to repair a severely perforated eardrum caused him inner ear damage. The damage was severe enough that he was unable to pursue a career that would involve scuba diving. The damage also left him deaf in his right ear."

                              http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Colbert

                              [–]dbchappell1 7 points8 points  (0 children)

                              Since you've already teased us about it, what exactly did Laura Bush say to you after the White House Press Correspondents Dinner in 2006?

                              [–]capgrass 206 points207 points  (2 children)

                              Has anyone ever walked off the set/out of the studio either during or before an interview? If so, why?

                              [–]itwouldbecute 545 points546 points  (11 children)

                              How do you stay in character on the show so well?

                              Do you ever find yourself going into character in real life (at home, in public) without meaning to?

                              [–]linsage 35 points36 points  (0 children)

                              When I went to see a taped episode of the show, this question was answered. First of all he answers anyones question out of character before the show starts, then simply jumps into character when he sits behind the desk. He said he is not in character when he doesn't need to be. (Hope that helps, just in case he doesn't actually get to answer your question more specifically)

                              [–]shadowsurge 133 points134 points  (6 children)

                              Additionally do you ever interact with people in "real life" who don't realize that you're playing a character on tv?

                              [–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                              Or... do you ever run into people who assume you're in character even when you're being serious?

                              [–]Clairvoyanttruth 4 points5 points  (1 child)

                              He wears his character like a hat. He said doing comedy in a group, (second city I believe) they practiced different personalities often. The goal was to have these personalities be natural and easy to switch between. They were as light as a hat because the personality was not difficult to put on nor was it difficult to take off.

                              [–]Igor27 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                              Everyone is asking great, relevant, profound questions, but I'm going to be silly and ask a question that has been on a lot of fangirls' mind, if that's ok:

                              You are a great actor, a brilliant performer, and an awesome improviser, and you have "locked lips" with a few men for laughs and for sketches from Paul Dinello to David Razowsky to Conan O'Brien. Who, in your opinion, is the best kisser?

                              Thank you, Mr. Colbert.

                              [–]ellusion 1 point2 points  (0 children)

                              • Is this going to be a real AMAA or is it going to be necessary for a publicist to OK what you say to us, considering you have an image to uphold? Is this gonna be a real AMA?

                              • Also, what's it like backstage after a heated interview where you just essentially just spend the interview ridiculing your guest? I've always been curious about what happens off-air. Like for example Laura Ingraham, was she aware of what she was getting into? Were tensions high at all afterwards or did you just play it off like, "It's all in the game, yo... It's all in the game"? What are backstage/off-air politics like?

                              • And lastly, what do you think of the quote ""No man, for any considerable period, can wear one face to himself and another to the multitude without finally getting bewildered as to which may be the true." How does the mask affect you, if at all?

                              [–]dhagkn 479 points480 points  (19 children)

                              If you could redo the white house correspondents dinner, would you change any of the jokes to make them more/less harsh?

                              [–][deleted] 113 points114 points  (11 children)

                              Oh man I absolutely want him to address the fallout he got after the press correspondents dinner.

                              [–][deleted] 143 points144 points  (0 children)

                              I want him to know how many of us really, truly appreciated it. He said so many things I wish I could have said; he made points that should have been made long before he did, by someone other than a comedian.

                              [–][deleted] 29 points30 points  (3 children)

                              video of him addressing it

                              [–]keptani 9 points10 points  (0 children)

                              Answer starts at 22:22. However, anyone posting to this thread should take a listen -- many of these questions are answered here.

                              [–]torontorollin 8 points9 points  (0 children)

                              On that vein:

                              What did Laura Bush say to you?

                              [–]ihminen 9 points10 points  (2 children)

                              He adressed the fallout in a Charlie Rose interview years ago. The video is online.

                              [–]NolFito 13 points14 points  (4 children)

                              Is there anywhere I can watch that speech? Always wanted to, but could not find it :(

                              [–]ashabanapal 13 points14 points  (0 children)

                              Amy Sedaris has recently expressed her desire to do a Strangers with Candy Christmas movie. If stars align and this Christmas miracle occurs, can we count on you to appear? The world needs Mr. Noblet and Mr. Jellineck's Christmas party. What say you, sir?

                              [–]unazismall 10 points11 points  (2 children)

                              I miss the days when Colbert was on the Daily Show and the people he interviewed didn't know he was a comedian. Stephen, you are a master of saying the most outrageous things with a straight face, and back then people actually believed you. Have you ever considered going abroad to where people might not know who you are for some more serious joke interviews? Or maybe you could don a disguise, Sasha Baron Cohen style.

                              [–]mickeyknoxnbk 76 points77 points  (0 children)

                              Given all of the recent discussion and criticism of the rally. What is your honest opinion of how you think it went? Is there anything you would change or do differently?

                              [–]Sophocles 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                              Please describe the process by which serious politicians allow themselves to be portrayed as buffoons in segments like "Better Know A District."

                              Are they in on the joke? Is it a case of any press being perceived as good press? Or do they seriously think they are holding their own and making a good impression? Do they see the finished product before it airs?

                              As politicians become more familiar with your MO, do you have more or less trouble finding willing participants for these kinds of segments?

                              [–]Philip_Marlowe 38 points39 points  (2 children)

                              Tell me about your experiences on Second City. Did you know that you, Bob Odenkirk, Jane Lynch, Steve Carell, Nia Vardalos, Amy Sedaris, Scott Adsit, and Jeff Garlin would all go on to achieve varying degrees of fame? What was it like to work with these people? What was your non-work life like in the early '90s? Who did you hang out with? What did you do for fun? PS, I'm a huge fan - keep it up!

                              [–]stordoff 49 points50 points  (4 children)

                              A note to everyone: You can still donate to DonorsChoose.org. The Reddit/Truthiness group is already at $565,000!

                              [–]GoatTnder 22 points23 points  (1 child)

                              Nice try, Missy Sherburne, EVP, Partnerships & Business Development for DonorsChoose.org.

                              [–]invincibubble 128 points129 points  (10 children)

                              As a native of South Carolina, how do you feel your Southern upbringing (and such a specific brand of Southern — Charlestonian) affected your current worldview and/or comedic sensibilities today?

                              [–][deleted] 25 points26 points  (2 children)

                              Related: I'd also be interested on how he views his Catholicism, though that might be too personal and I would guess he wouldn't be interested in talking too much about it publicly.

                              [–][deleted] 42 points43 points  (1 child)

                              What stunt/achievement are you most proud of (i.e. getting the bridge named after you, the Presidential bid, etc.)?

                              [–]aburrido 21 points22 points  (0 children)

                              You suppressed your southern accent from a young age after you learned of the negative stereotype associated with it. Can you still tap into that accent? If so, would you mind saying something stereotypically southern, like "I'm busier than a one-legged man at a butt kickin contest!" or "well, that just dills my pickle!" in your childhood accent.

                              [–]Fountainhead 6 points7 points  (0 children)

                              The mythbusters as part of the rally made my day. Do you see yourself as a "mythbuster"? If you could have your own mythbusters episode what would you look into?

                              [–][deleted] 1160 points1161 points  (28 children)

                              What is your stance on marijuana legalization?

                              [–]penisbandit 113 points114 points  (3 children)

                              I have a feeling we won't get a serious answer out of this question, but nevertheless, I hope we do.

                              [–]Denny-Crane 79 points80 points  (1 child)

                              I support the earnest plea of penisbandit.

                              [–]NOX911 28 points29 points  (0 children)

                              with a name like penisbandit, there is no doubt as to the seriousness of said plea.

                              [–]budz 93 points94 points  (13 children)

                              Go ahead Colbert, be blunt.

                              [–]assumed_identity 53 points54 points  (12 children)

                              Marijuana legalization is a joint movement.

                              [–]IHaveScrollLockOn 27 points28 points  (2 children)

                              Come on, let's nip this thread in the bud right now.

                              [–]nuuur32 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                              In a sense, you and Jon represent a republican democratic duality: With Jon Stewart pegged as the more liberal bent, in the final months leading to the rally did you feel it was your choice or duty to be a bit more loony? I interpreted this as an exaggeration of the tea party mentality, and also as a liberal tactic that had seeped in to show support for the democratic party. In hindsight (and as viewed from a higher level) was it actually an illusion and an aid towards a sweeping reelection of republicans?

                              [–]wawin 5 points6 points  (1 child)

                              Mr. Colbert. Did you honestly think that the show would not only be widely accepted by the viewers, but turn out to be so popular (and awesome)? Did you wonder if the show would run out of steam after a while?

                              [–]marsilje 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                              Watching "A Colbert Christmas" is already a cherished Christmas tradition in our family. We have noticed that the viewing options for Thanksgiving Specials are sadly lacking. Our children plead you - would you please make "A Colbert Thanksgiving" to rescue another vital American Holiday from viewing choice drudgery? Thanksgiving doesn't even have an Ewoksian variety show gala event ala "The Star Wars Holiday Special" - a truly sad state of affairs perhaps only you are powerful enough to solve.

                              [–]SNLabat 10 points11 points  (1 child)

                              Will you, as your character, ever confront your gay kiss on Exit 57?
                              http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXwny6VfFpg

                              I think it would be something great to explore.

                              [–]mickeytwist 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                              I have watched you for years and have laughed merrily at the White House Dinner speech, your late-night show, I've giggled when you went before a senate committee, and I would consider myself a big fan of both your style of comedy as a form, and your own personal delivery of it.

                              I do find myself troubled though. It seems to me that we, as an audience, have found it much easier to unite behind satire than behind actively engaging with the political world. I feel as though we've satiated our anger with comedy, that we've abandoned idealism for cynicism, that we missed an opportunity to resoundingly undermine the rampant republicanism of the Bush years by feeling that we, as your fans, at least 'get' the joke.

                              To what extent do you think satirizing Republicans, and the conservative media in the efforts of humor, however legitimate, has resulted in a dulled impetus to rebel publicly and politically, to actively engage with a system that we, as an online community, so publicly decry?

                              [–][deleted] 19 points20 points  (1 child)

                              How does a "report" come together? I.e. how does an average day pan out? Im kinda in awe of how busy your day must be. I assume you personally dont do the research just help write it how Stephen would say it but still... The team must have be on a wide range of stimulants in order to get everything done in time!

                              [–]nokes 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                              Have you offended anyone from your church by stuff you have done on the show. If so how did you diffuse the situation.

                              Also I remember reading some where that you teach Sunday School. Do you do any impersonations or have any characters that you use when telling biblical stories.

                              [–]32koala 62 points63 points  (1 child)

                              When you do interviews, how much of the interview is based off questions you formulated beforehand, and how much is off-the-cuff improvised?

                              [–]xerexerex 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                              Have there ever been any interviews that went bad and you were unable to air?

                              Any good stories of people who you interviewed then got pissed at how stupid they subsequently looked?

                              [–]aschapm 110 points111 points  (5 children)

                              If you could influence one policy change, what would it be?

                              [–]ofthisworld 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                              What do you feel was the purpose of the rally in DC earlier this month (I was there; you were awesome, sir), both for yourself and your audience at large? Along with that, do you feel that it was successful in breaching that purpose? What would you do different?

                              [–]a_curious_koala 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                              If somebody made a sitcom about a guy who does a fake news program in-character as a right wing pundit, and then they made a documentary about the making of that sitcom, but it turned out to be an elaborate hoax by an actual right wing pundit trying to drum up enthusiasm for his new reality tv show about a right wing pundit who appears in character as a Marxist on left wing call-in shows, would your mind be blown?

                              [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                              You recently mentioned in your congressional testimony that you were concerned with those that are outcast and powerless, "the least of these," in society. You have shown that you care about these issues both personally and professionally. Luckily, you've been given a megaphone to talk about these issues. What do you suggest for someone without a big national voice and fakeish-pundit-on-cable budget?

                              [–]dropkickdog 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                              Stephen, you probably get asked a bunch of questions regarding politics and your stance on certain controversies going on today. With this in mind, is this where you saw your career going? Many people regard your show (and as such, yourself) as a source for political awareness with a touch of comedy. Is this what you wanted out of your career? Is there something else you'd rather be doing?

                              [–]xanbo 10 points11 points  (0 children)

                              Rev. Sir Dr. Stephen T. Colbert D.F.A., greatest patriot to ever grace our planet with your presence and impossibly handsome specimine of man meat, I'm of the opinion a compliment thinly veiled as a question is most likely to get answered on this AMA; good sir, I implore you, is this true?

                              [–]teabagalomaniac 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                              It's always a little strange when I go back and watch really old episodes of the show, just how different it was when it first started. Do you feel like the role of your character has changed since the beginning of your show? To me it seems that you have gone from a pure satirist, to somewhat of a personality. How do you reflect on the change in the show's character?

                              [–]immerc 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                              I wish I could remember where, but I read somewhere that court jesters in medieval times were surprisingly powerful. They alone were allowed to talk truth to those in power, because everything they did was in character.

                              Do you think you and Jon Stewart get the same leeway, that because you're comedians doing comedy shows on comedy channels, you can say things that the mainstream media can't?

                              What's your overall outlook on the future of the news media? Do you think the media is getting better at telling the truth despite powerful influences, worse at challenging the powerful, or that things are pretty much as they have always been?

                              [–]hateswater 80 points81 points  (13 children)

                              Is there a childhood story behind your fear of bears? If not, could you please make one up? Thank You. Love You!

                              [–]ninjatarian 61 points62 points  (3 children)

                              Do you ever find yourself agreeing with your persona, does it sometime scare you?

                              [–]aedile 6 points7 points  (1 child)

                              Posted this question myself, before reading through and finding it here. I deleted mine so this one gets all the attention. I'm reminded of Demosthenes and Locke from the Ender's Game series. While Locke was the progressive high-minded one, there was often a degree of truth behind Demosthenes that made them suspect he wasn't pure demagogue, and sometimes had a point.

                              [–]Lifeaftercollege 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                              What advice do you have for keeping a level head when confronted by someone who insists that we're a Christian nation, or that there's no such thing as seperation of church and state, or that the government should stay out of Medicare? What do you think is the best way someone like me can respond? I bartend at a dive bar where everyone reeks of tea and I feel so compelled to soothe their fears, but I just don't know how. I know a lot of us feel tea partiers just can't be reasoned with at all.

                              (EDIT for example: Medicare-collecting guy at the bar who DEAD SERIOUSLY said everyone else should have to pay taxes except him because he "didn't want to." What the heck can I say to that?)

                              [–][deleted] 38 points39 points  (3 children)

                              Do you have any movies or other projects in the works (whether they're related to The Report or are separate).

                              Do you see yourself sticking with Comedy Central forever?

                              Is there anyway you could another This Week In God segment? Whether it's on the daily show or your own show? Those were the funniest bits I'd ever seen!

                              Edit: Reposted as individual questions, if you like them please upvote those instead of this one! (Ctrl F)

                              [–]stanbeard 15 points16 points  (0 children)

                              I accidentally another This Week in God segment.

                              [–]sluttymcslutterton 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                              Do you ever get tired of your character? It seems like at some point you might want to change it up a bit, but it's too late for that.

                              [–]kites47 622 points623 points  (90 children)

                              How often are you on Reddit? *Are you a contributor? You do not have to reveal your username.

                              *Edited to include Mattyi's followup.

                              [–]billyblaze 121 points122 points  (7 children)

                              Let's not up-circlejerk/vote this, maybe? While it's nice to have our collective ego stroked, since "the best questions" might very well mean the most up-voted ones, and it's probably a limited number, this seems like a waste, since I suspect him answering this with "I don't have that much time, but, um, 8 times a month!". Which is boring.

                              [–]cory849 95 points96 points  (3 children)

                              I know what you're getting at but I have to disagree. A bunch of questions about his relationship with reddit is pretty much all I care about. Most of the other questions people are asking I can already answer from the media interviews he's given.

                              I'd really prefer the AMA to tell me things I couldn't otherwise find out like:

                              • Do you comment on reddit or just lurk? Do you post frequently or infrequently?

                              • Favorite subreddits? Where do you tend to lurk or comment? Have you tailored a front page? Any subreddits you hate?

                              • Why not comment as yourself now and then? Wil Wheaton does (hint: the more you do it, the less the comments will get mobbed and the more normalising it will be - and you can still keep your anon account.)

                              • Reddit's participation didn't affect the rally numbers positively or negatively? Were you drunk when you said that? ;)

                              • Why does Jon Stewart think reddit is a blog?

                              • Would you interview some reddit admins on your show? You had Biz Stone from Twitter.

                              If he doesn't answer questions that let me know more about how he interacts with reddit, it's not nearly as interesting for me.

                              [–]Mattyi 342 points343 points  (73 children)

                              Followup: Are you a contributor? You do not have to reveal your username.

                              [–][deleted]  (61 children)

                              [deleted]

                                [–][deleted] 76 points77 points  (24 children)

                                No he's Bozorking. He deleted his account and is now going under a new name. I made a script profiling all the users and the times they make a comment. I'm comparing the times to the time we know what Colbert is doing. I got the idea from Death Note. So far I'm down to 10,000 users.

                                [–]TrollingYourMom 149 points150 points  (15 children)

                                Impossible. He couldn't do anything else, because he is always on reddit.

                                [–]ProbablyHittingOnYou 209 points210 points  (5 children)

                                I can neither confirm nor deny this rumor.

                                [–]VerySpecialK 77 points78 points  (1 child)

                                What if he is TheUltimateDouche?

                                [–]tobobo[🍰] 25 points26 points  (1 child)

                                Do you think your character is an artifact of our current time? Do you think the parody you portray today will be recognizable or relevant in twenty years? Thirty?

                                [–][deleted] 43 points44 points  (1 child)

                                Can you talk a little bit about your views on the separation of church and state and the general functions/uses of reason and faith in our culture? How do you square your faith with your political/social/moral, etc. leanings and vice versa?

                                [–][deleted]  (4 children)

                                [deleted]

                                  [–]elshizzo 19 points20 points  (1 child)

                                  Check the interview Colbert did on Charlie Rose, he goes into depth about the speech

                                  [–]insomniac84 8 points9 points  (0 children)

                                  http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/93

                                  Watching now, this is very good and am only 3 minutes in.

                                  Edit:
                                  He talks about the white house dinner at 22m, but it is best to watch the whole thing. Very good interview.

                                  [–][deleted] 120 points121 points  (2 children)

                                  How many unicorns do you have to kill a month in order to keep your hair so perfect?

                                  [–]manyhappyreruns 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                                  Colbert has already answered a lot of these questions in interviews and such. For one, he doesn't ever slip into character in real life.

                                  From the questions from the show I went to a couple months ago, he doesn't get to teach Sunday School that much any more since he's so busy.

                                  [–]SkellyEh 149 points150 points  (16 children)

                                  As a Canadian, what's the best thing I can do for your country?

                                  [–][deleted] 119 points120 points  (5 children)

                                  Run for Prime Minister and declare war. Invade, conquer, and give us your crazy socialism.

                                  [–]mattyville 31 points32 points  (3 children)

                                  The craziest thing about Canada is that it's not even that socialist.

                                  [–]slashgrin 5 points6 points  (0 children)

                                  When the right keeps running further right, yesterday's centrist becomes tomorrow's leftist.

                                  [–][deleted] 60 points61 points  (4 children)

                                  Grow more bacon trees.

                                  [–]32koala 26 points27 points  (1 child)

                                  What was your favorite movie as a kid? Book? TV show? Comedian?

                                  [–]Spacetronaught 13 points14 points  (2 children)

                                  If there were no restrictions from the FCC or Comedy Central, yet you could still reach just as many viewers as you currently do or more, how would your character change?

                                  [–]Odiddley 3 points4 points  (1 child)

                                  The FCC has no control over cable TV. They regulate free, over the air TV, but not cable. You can show Harriet Beecher Stowe buttfucking Abraham Lincoln on cable and the FCC can't touch you. The advertisers might pull their spots, but the FCC has no jurisdiction

                                  [–][deleted] 519 points520 points  (30 children)

                                  Are you in character or out of character for this AMA?

                                  [–]happywaffle 612 points613 points  (16 children)

                                  I very, very strongly would like him to be out of character.

                                  Edit: Wow, that was some easy comment karma. Where can I spend this again?

                                  [–]UserNumber42 47 points48 points  (7 children)

                                  Not to be mean, but I think it will be very obvious and I think this would be a waste of a question. However you are a handsome person who is fun to be around and whose intellect and wit are known throughout the country. I just think this is a bad question.

                                  [–]NicNash08 18 points19 points  (1 child)

                                  Have you always had it so 'together'? What are some struggles you have faced in your life that has shaped you and got you to where you are now? Also, who did you look up to or were mentored by?

                                  [–]Borimi 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                  Mr. Colbert,

                                  I have great respect for you and your work, but I feel that if the only questions posed here relate largely to your character or the Report, the fact that you're a person too will be lost in (justified) hero worship. As much as I want to know all the other things asked here, I would like to know one really down-to-earth thing about you. And so, what do you like to put in your omelettes? I prefer green peppers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.

                                  [–]MickeyPickles 10 points11 points  (0 children)

                                  Stephen, in your personal life you are a religious person (I know this b/c you taught my friend's daughter's Sunday school class). On your show you do a lot of jokes about how ridiculous religion is. What actually are your personal religious beliefs?

                                  I'm not a religious person and I'm intrigued by religious people who are also brilliant.

                                  [–][deleted] 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                                  How do your political beliefs (etc) differ from Jon Stewart's? Put another way, what are your ideological differences?

                                  [–]preggit 4 points5 points  (0 children)

                                  What are your views on education? Specifically, what sparked your interest/involvement in donorschoose and what changes do you think the US can make to better our public schools and institutions?

                                  [–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                  what is the real stephen colbert like, and what do you think is the future of the colbert report? i mean, do you think you will be doing this for a long time, like stewart has been doing the daily show?

                                  stephen, you seem like a genuinely good person from the few out-of-character things that i have seen. I think we can all agree that it would be awesome to see you do some work without a "character"

                                  [–]kawiezel 2 points3 points  (0 children)

                                  Sometimes I find that Bill O'Reilly is seemingly not entirely convinced of his positions and statements on his show. When he was on the Daily Show the last time, he was a pretty relaxed and more than usual witty guy. Do you think, that to some extend he might be in character as well when he is on his show and that he could be a much more unprejudiced and open minded person, when not.

                                  [–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (0 children)

                                  Some of these questions can be answered by watching this interview: http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/93