A reader writes:
I think that members of the press, such as Cohen, have completely missed the point with respect to the Colbert performance. Among my friends and family, I am known as the one who follows current events and politics. Although I try to get them involved, I would describe most people I know as apolitical. They catch the really big stories and might have what I would consider to be fairly incoherent opinions, but for the most part if an issue doesn‚Äôt directly affect them, then they won‚Äôt know anything about it. Sadly, I think in this regard they are fairly typical Americans. But here is the thing: everyone I know has been talking about this Colbert performance. My parents; my in-laws; my disaffected and apolitical friends; my colleagues; simply everyone I know. And while I would describe many of these folks as committed liberals and Democrats, they certainly aren’t all like that. And I don’t even need to bring Colbert up; these generally apolitical people are spontaneously asking me for my take on it. The buzz on his speech is tremendous. I can’t remember anything quite like it.
I think Colbert really touched a nerve. I suppose it is no surprise that many people are excited about what Colbert did. After all, we know from polls that most Americans no longer trust or approve of Bush. But I think this whole episode illustrates just how dissatisfied people are with both the President and the press. I think people are tired of his talking points and bullshit non-answers and are delighted that someone had the courage to call him on it to his face. For Cohen and others to dismiss the event in the way that they have (‘he wasn‚Äôt funny!’)‚Ķ well ‚Äì based on the reaction that I‚Äôve seen from virtually everyone I know, who are by-and-large ordinary, middle-class Americans ‚Äì I think they just don’t get it, still.
The Dish 