NationStates Jolt Archive

It seems to me like Fox News is edging closer and closer to openly admitting to being a right-wing propaganda machine. Case in point: The Half Hour News Hour, which will air on FNC this Sunday.

Purported to be the right-wing counterbalance to the allegedly left-wing Daily Show, this piece of tripe is nothing but a series of lame and unfunny political jabs. Horrendously lame and unfunny political jabs. So horrendously lame and unfunny that it's almost funny. Maybe that's what they were going for.

Anyway, here are some preview clips to see what I mean:

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Smearing Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjIfaMwIFxU)

Promo vid: "Our show may offend the following..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3DA5lN1iwI)

Notice how all of the clips rely quite heavily on an overenthusiastic laugh track.

I got these clips from a write-up of the show (http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/02/14/conservative-comedy-show-so-bad-its-hilarious/) from Crooks and Liars, which also happens to have a running discussion of why the show falls flat. Really interesting stuff there: lots of speculation about the nature of political humor. One idea that kept coming through was the theory that left-wing humor is all about the small making fun of the mighty, and that people like that, while the right wing variety is more about the mighty making fun of the small, which just comes off as mean-spirited. Sorta like the difference between a bucket of mud being dumped on a poor housekeeper (tragedy) vs. a rich heiress (comedy). Anyway...

Thoughts?

Nauseating, of course, but what else would one expect from Fox?

It's been funny to see even the right-wingers on the internet saying this thing is a piece of shit. It makes the worst possible mistake a comedy show can make--it's not funny. About the only giggle moment that I saw was the Obama magazine cover shot where it says something like "My 18-month political struggle to the top" or something like that. The rest is just sad.

Edit: The Obama joke is "My Life in Politics: An 18 month journey." That's as good as it gets, folks.

Nauseating, of course, but what else would one expect from Fox?

It never ceases to amaze me that gems such as The Simpsons came from that network. Truly a flower that grew out of a pot of dirt (to quote one episode).

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Im not sure she was acting...the harpy.

More evidence that the right-wing has no sense of humor...

Coulter: "What did FDR say to Reagan?"
O'Rly: "What?"
Coulter: "Nothing he died in 1945."
*laugh track*

That is supposed to be funny? Just like conservatives to have such a flimsy cover so they can attack their political opponents. They should just start a tabloid so they can go after Democrats instead of trying to do such a pathetic copy of the Daily Show. Jon Stewart sure as hell doesn't need a laugh track.

I think it could be less funny.

One day this will be broadcast on our telescreens.

puerile, at best.

Sigh. Conservatives do something inane and idiotic and worse, not funny. Liberals proceed to spit blood and make pseudo-intelligent references to dictatorship.

Yanks… (http://www.sff.net/people/llsoares/Hillbilly%20Logan.jpg) :rolleyes:

The fact that this is on Fox News and not the Fox Entertainment channel is comment enough.

puerile, at best.

Did you expect anything else from Fox?

It never ceases to amaze me that gems such as The Simpsons came from that network. Truly a flower that grew out of a pot of dirt (to quote one episode).

Yep.

Sigh. Conservatives do something inane and idiotic and worse, not funny. Liberals proceed to spit blood and make pseudo-intelligent references to dictatorship.

Yanks… (http://www.sff.net/people/llsoares/Hillbilly%20Logan.jpg) :rolleyes:

Look, man, I've been to the dentist since that was taken and I've thrown out the hat. I'm doing my best...

The fact that this is on Fox News and not the Fox Entertainment channel is comment enough.

QFT.

Fox really needs to re-think its concept of humour.

Sigh. Conservatives do something inane and idiotic and worse, not funny. Liberals proceed to spit blood and make pseudo-intelligent references to dictatorship.

Yanks… (http://www.sff.net/people/llsoares/Hillbilly%20Logan.jpg) :rolleyes:

I'm offended! :mad:

Nicely done.

I can see this being a huge flop. I hope Jon Stewart and Colbert don't even acknowledge this piece of turd.

Sigh. Conservatives do something inane and idiotic and worse, not funny. Liberals proceed to spit blood and make pseudo-intelligent references to dictatorship.

Yanks… (http://www.sff.net/people/llsoares/Hillbilly%20Logan.jpg) :rolleyes:

Yawn.

Yawn. That was my reaction, basically.

im not suprised by now. i mean come on, it's fox

I can see this being a huge flop. I hope Jon Stewart and Colbert don't even acknowledge this piece of turd.
Interestingly enough, both of their shows will be on break for the next week. I wonder if it was planned...

Also, how is it that their promo presents a laundry list of left-wing types that will be offended, and then at the tail end of it calls the show an "equal-opportunity offender"? Stupid Fox...

That was my reaction, basically.

So you're bored by your own posts? Interesting.

Fox really needs to re-think its concept of humour.

Attacking those who disagree with them politically is funny to them. Then again even the FOX people have to see how lousy that show is and shouldn't air it as even the most partisan crazy conservatives won't watch that. Hell, that shit makes David Spade's Showbiz Show look funny.

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Okay, could somebody please explain to me how this makes sense?:

Limbaugh: "As President, I hereby promise you 4 years or more of commander in chief excellence. *laugh track* Not a moment too soon. After just 2 years of a democrat congress, America's international reputation is a shambles."

The hell? It doesn't make sense if it's meant like it's said and it doesn't make sense if it's meant to be sarcastic, either.

They put a laugh track after the first sentence? WHY?? There's nothing funny in there! The only way it would possibly be funny is if it was a jab at the previous administration - but surely they wouldn't make a jab at Bush's Republican administration? And even if they did, why the hell would the show's target audience laugh at that?

And the dig about how a Democrat congress ruined America's international reputation? Like, huh? Is a right-wing audience even conceding that America's international reputation *is* in shambles? And even if they do - call me crazy, but admitting to a failure and pinning it on the enemy seems cringeworthy rather than funny.

Am I missing something?

Lame.

Jon is probably laughing his ass off. At them, not with them.

And the dig about how a Democrat congress ruined America's international reputation? Like, huh? Is a right-wing audience even conceding that America's international reputation *is* in shambles? And even if they do - call me crazy, but admitting to a failure and pinning it on the enemy seems cringeworthy rather than funny.

Am I missing something?

couldn't tell you about the rest, but, being 'hawks' or whatever they call 'em, perhaps they believe a reputation as a warmongering behemoth is a good thing. confusing fear and trepidation with respect or something..

Am I missing something?

A lack of a cerebrum?

Okay, could somebody please explain to me how this makes sense?:

Limbaugh: "As President, I hereby promise you 4 years or more of commander in chief excellence. *laugh track* Not a moment too soon. After just 2 years of a democrat congress, America's international reputation is a shambles."

The hell? It doesn't make sense if it's meant like it's said and it doesn't make sense if it's meant to be sarcastic, either.

They put a laugh track after the first sentence? WHY?? There's nothing funny in there! The only way it would possibly be funny is if it was a jab at the previous administration - but surely they wouldn't make a jab at Bush's Republican administration? And even if they did, why the hell would the show's target audience laugh at that?

And the dig about how a Democrat congress ruined America's international reputation? Like, huh? Is a right-wing audience even conceding that America's international reputation *is* in shambles? And even if they do - call me crazy, but admitting to a failure and pinning it on the enemy seems cringeworthy rather than funny.

Am I missing something?
The laugh line after excellence is because that's Limbaugh's tag line on his radio show--or at least it was fifteen years ago when I listened to him. So it's an inside joke, see? Get it? ha ha? ha?

It's bad.

Lame.

Jon is probably laughing his ass off. At them, not with them.

Either that or he is horrified. His is a comedy show on a comedy channel and without really trying all that hard (being caught up on the "NEWS", having common sense, using things like "thought") it is beating real news channels from CNN to FOX at their own game. The point was for them to step up and actually do what they are supposed to be doing. Not copy the show which is mocking them.


Am I wrong? Am I missing something?

If you're an act, then what does that make me?

So, Fox is making a show that pretends to be something that is pretending to be someone who is pretending to be a pompous windbag?

My head hurts.

Either that or he is horrified. His is a comedy show on a comedy channel and without really trying all that hard (being caught up on the "NEWS", having common sense, using things like "thought") it is beating real news channels from CNN to FOX at their own game. The point was for them to step up and actually do what they are supposed to be doing. Not copy the show which is mocking them.


Am I wrong? Am I missing something?

Not at all.

Here's what the Fox people misunderstood. Stewart's show isn't liberal--it's just funny. They concentrate on the funny first and the politics second. In fact, their best gags aren't political gags--they're big media gags. The best bit last week was about how the media overdid the Anna Nicole Smith story, and one of their best of all time was the Jason Jones "Are you jackin' it?" bit, neither of which were political. And since the Democrats have come into power, Stewart's not been shy about going after them as well.

Not at all.

Here's what the Fox people misunderstood. Stewart's show isn't liberal--it's just funny. They concentrate on the funny first and the politics second. In fact, their best gags aren't political gags--they're big media gags. The best bit last week was about how the media overdid the Anna Nicole Smith story, and one of their best of all time was the Jason Jones "Are you jackin' it?" bit, neither of which were political. And since the Democrats have come into power, Stewart's not been shy about going after them as well.

OK, cool. I was afraid for moment that I lived in Bizzarro world and did not understand how things work.

Is that really the best the right wing can do? Where's P.J. O'Rourke when you need him?

I'm pretty right wing myself, and I'd much rather watch the Daily Show than Half Hour, or whatever it's called (are they trying to rip off Canada's "This Hour has Twenty-Two Minutes", or what?)

couldn't tell you about the rest, but, being 'hawks' or whatever they call 'em, perhaps they believe a reputation as a warmongering behemoth is a good thing. confusing fear and trepidation with respect or something..
Oh!

You may be right.

What twisted little minds these people have.


A lack of a cerebrum?Is this like a double negation or are you insulting me? *suspicious*


The laugh line after excellence is because that's Limbaugh's tag line on his radio show--or at least it was fifteen years ago when I listened to him. So it's an inside joke, see? Get it? ha ha? ha?

It's bad.Ah - didn't even think about that possibility. And I can happily say I have never had to endure one single second of a Limbaugh radio show. :)

(are they trying to rip off Canada's "This Hour has Twenty-Two Minutes", or what?)
What (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0084966/).

More evidence that the right-wing has no sense of humor...

Coulter: "What did FDR say to Reagan?"
O'Rly: "What?"
Coulter: "Nothing he died in 1945."
*laugh track*

That actually made me laugh a little. Not out loud though. It's a rather cheap joke.

Not at all.

Here's what the Fox people misunderstood. Stewart's show isn't liberal--it's just funny. the "FOX people" live in some weird fantasy world.. they perceive everyone else to be Liberal.

Coulter: "What did FDR say to Reagan?"
O'Rly: "What?"
Coulter: "Nothing he died in 1945."

The ****? Not only is this joke not funny, it's not even original! I heard this joke from a guy in a bar before!

the "FOX people" live in some weird fantasy world.. they perceive everyone else to be Liberal.

Well, when you live in the ludicrous realm of the conservative side of the political spectrum, I suppose everyone else is liberal.

wow - I hadnt even heard about this show before this thread.

I don't think I will look further into it.

That actually made me laugh a little. Not out loud though. It's a rather cheap joke.

I'm sorry, I can't tell an unfunny joke even when I'm mocking a fucking toolbag. :(

It seems to me like Fox News is edging closer and closer to openly admitting to being a right-wing propaganda machine. Case in point: The Half Hour News Hour, which will air on FNC this Sunday.

Purported to be the right-wing counterbalance to the allegedly left-wing Daily Show, this piece of tripe is nothing but a series of lame and unfunny political jabs. Horrendously lame and unfunny political jabs. So horrendously lame and unfunny that it's almost funny. Maybe that's what they were going for.

Anyway, here are some preview clips to see what I mean:

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Smearing Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjIfaMwIFxU)

Promo vid: "Our show may offend the following..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3DA5lN1iwI)

Notice how all of the clips rely quite heavily on an overenthusiastic laugh track.

I got these clips from a write-up of the show (http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/02/14/conservative-comedy-show-so-bad-its-hilarious/) from Crooks and Liars, which also happens to have a running discussion of why the show falls flat. Really interesting stuff there: lots of speculation about the nature of political humor. One idea that kept coming through was the theory that left-wing humor is all about the small making fun of the mighty, and that people like that, while the right wing variety is more about the mighty making fun of the small, which just comes off as mean-spirited. Sorta like the difference between a bucket of mud being dumped on a poor housekeeper (tragedy) vs. a rich heiress (comedy). Anyway...

Thoughts?

...Fuck 'em...

so when this show fails, will FNC claim that the television audience has a liberal bias?

I know funny. I have done extensive studies of funny over my lifetime and the pieces of "1/2 Hour News Hour" seen here are at best in the 'mildly amusing' category. While watching said clips, at no time did I actually laugh. In fact, I could only feel my lips curling into a grin twice; Once on the first clip when Ann Coulter threatened to invade and convert, and again in the second at the 'BO Magazine' blurb, 'My life in politics; an 18 month journey'.

Perhaps if thse two bits of actual comedy ccould be removed from their husk of senseless drivel and be allowed to procreate, they might give birth to a show amusing enough to last a full season on television before being canceled due to lack of viewership. That is, unless Fox is idiotic enough to put it on DIRECTLY against The Daily Show. :p

so when this show fails, will FNC claim that the television audience has a liberal bias?

television audiences, the american public, reality itself...

the "FOX people" live in some weird fantasy world.. they perceive everyone else to be Liberal.

Pretty much.

That is, unless Fox is idiotic enough to put it on DIRECTLY against The Daily Show. :p

They'll do that after the show starts tanking. Then they can blame the failure of their program on The Daily Show directly.

television audiences, the american public, reality itself...

Considering the unfortunately high ratings some of their other shows get, it would be a particularly ridiculous arguement. But then we can't expect them to admit their show was stupid and unfunny now can we?

television audiences, the american public, reality itself...

So they'll basically admit that they're trying to oppose reality. And thus lying.

Now that's funny.

foxnews doesnt understand comedy.

instead of trying to make political people funny they need to hire some funny people and pay them to make fun of democrats.

funny is HARD. not everyone can do it. (obviously). its an art, a profession, a skill. you need to know how to write a joke, how to tell it, when to pause. you need to understand the role of the straight man (i was just watching larry wilmore 'senior black corespondant' from the daily show. stewart makes wilmore all the more funny by knowing how to react)

there is plenty to laugh at the democrats for (as evidenced by the daily show mocking them on a regular basis), foxnews should hire some funny people to do just that. maybe get dennis miller as a producer. this trying to make ann coulter funny is just lame.

Considering the unfortunately high ratings some of their other shows get..I heard O-reilly repeat this over and over..
Is there a link for the "ratings"

so when this show fails, will FNC claim that the television audience has a liberal bias?
They already have (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hPpYbAeGzKY).

Watch especially around the 2:15-2:30 and 3:30-4:15 marks.

foxnews doesnt understand comedy.

instead of trying to make political people funny they need to hire some funny people and pay them to make fun of democrats.

funny is HARD. not everyone can do it. (obviously). its an art, a profession, a skill. you need to know how to write a joke, how to tell it, when to pause. you need to understand the role of the straight man (i was just watching larry wilmore 'senior black corespondant' from the daily show. stewart makes wilmore all the more funny by knowing how to react)

there is plenty to laugh at the democrats for (as evidenced by the daily show mocking them on a regular basis), foxnews should hire some funny people to do just that. maybe get dennis miller as a producer. this trying to make ann coulter funny is just lame.FOX has Mucho dinero $$$$
they paid "whatever-It-Takes" to buy "the Simpsons"..
So.. I am sure they can find someone willing to sell himself.
they can definitely buy lots of writers.

FOX has Mucho dinero $$$$
they paid "whatever-It-Takes" to buy "the Simpsons"..
So.. I am sure they can find someone willing to sell himself.
they can definitely buy lots of writers.
It doesn't matter how many writers they hire -- as long as they're locked into a conservative mode of thought, the show will suffer.

Just look at the Daily Show. It has a liberal slant, yes, but it has no qualms about going after stupid Democrats, and even pokes fun at itself fairly often. Fox's show, on the other hand, will only make fun of liberals and treat the GOP like America's saviors. When your humor is so transparently one-sided, it loses a lot of its value, and becomes unfunny and lame.

Fox's show, on the other hand, will only make fun of liberals and treat the GOP like America's saviors. When your humor is so transparently one-sided, it loses a lot of its value, and becomes unfunny and lame.

And when they do make fun of the left, it won't be funny at all. I watched the promo clips...terrible. Just atrocious. I can't believe someone has their head far enough up their ass to think this will be funny and approve it.

Oh my that was rather painful.

Did somebody forget to tell them to get a comedian to handle the show? What about comedy writers?

The video on Annie C. getting pissed and walking of the hannity show was funnier then those three blips.

The show will die a fast death.

FOX has Mucho dinero $$$$
they paid "whatever-It-Takes" to buy "the Simpsons"..
So.. I am sure they can find someone willing to sell himself.
they can definitely buy lots of writers.

well they better get to it if they want the show to succeed.

i would watch a funny show on foxnews. if i remembered that it existed. maybe.

but if i want to watch something that is probably not going to be funny on any particlar episode, ill watch saturday night live.

FOX has Mucho dinero $$$$
they paid "whatever-It-Takes" to buy "the Simpsons"..
So.. I am sure they can find someone willing to sell himself.
they can definitely buy lots of writers.
There are asshat neocon comedians.
They just don't get alot of Comedy Central airtime because having an hour of jokes based around "heh, well that's liberals for ya'" is only really funny to one kind of crowd. The local radio personalities with their noses up Hannity and O'Reilly's asses know one and have him on regularly.

Oh my that was rather painful.

Did somebody forget to tell them to get a comedian to handle the show? What about comedy writers?

The video on Annie C. getting pissed and walking of the hannity show was funnier then those three blips.

The show will die a fast death.

One of the funniest things I heard was a radio interview where O'Reilly flew off the handle at a perfectly reasonable question (it was something about growing up in Boston or some other perfectly innocent question) and he stormed out of the studio.
O'REILLY: Well, I'm not going to sit here and be insulted.
O'Reilly leaves
pause...
INTERVIEWER: Well, uh, that was Bill O'Reilly. You're listening to...

Kind of says all you need to know, huh?

I heard O-reilly repeat this over and over..
Is there a link for the "ratings"

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/original/jan07ranker.pdf

Well, this gives the Factor a 2.1, I guess that adds up to about 2.4 million households.

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/original/jan07ranker.pdf

Well, this gives the Factor a 2.1, I guess that adds up to about 2.4 million households.thanks for the Link..
AFAIR.. O-reilly mentioned Colbert had an audience of 1 million.

thanks for the Link..
AFAIR.. O-reilly mentioned Colbert had an audience of 1 million.
He's also (repeatedly) mentioned that Fox News had done a study showing the majority of the Daily Show audience to be "stoned slackers", so I wouldn't really trust what else he says.

It seems to me like Fox News is edging closer and closer to openly admitting to being a right-wing propaganda machine. Case in point: The Half Hour News Hour, which will air on FNC this Sunday.

Purported to be the right-wing counterbalance to the allegedly left-wing Daily Show, this piece of tripe is nothing but a series of lame and unfunny political jabs. Horrendously lame and unfunny political jabs. So horrendously lame and unfunny that it's almost funny. Maybe that's what they were going for.

Anyway, here are some preview clips to see what I mean:

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Smearing Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjIfaMwIFxU)

Promo vid: "Our show may offend the following..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3DA5lN1iwI)

Notice how all of the clips rely quite heavily on an overenthusiastic laugh track.

I got these clips from a write-up of the show (http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/02/14/conservative-comedy-show-so-bad-its-hilarious/) from Crooks and Liars, which also happens to have a running discussion of why the show falls flat. Really interesting stuff there: lots of speculation about the nature of political humor. One idea that kept coming through was the theory that left-wing humor is all about the small making fun of the mighty, and that people like that, while the right wing variety is more about the mighty making fun of the small, which just comes off as mean-spirited. Sorta like the difference between a bucket of mud being dumped on a poor housekeeper (tragedy) vs. a rich heiress (comedy). Anyway...

Thoughts?

Seems like a random non-partisan thing that pokes at right-wing perceptions of left-wingers...which might make it left-wing. Maybe it's cause you guys love the Daily Show and I've never seen it...I like the last one: "gay penguins". :D

Seems like a random non-partisan thing that pokes at right-wing perceptions of left-wingers...which might make it left-wing. Maybe it's cause you guys love the Daily Show and I've never seen it...I like the last one: "gay penguins". :D

Wait a minute... you've never seen the Daily Show? :eek:

Wait a minute... you've never seen the Daily Show? :eek:

All I know is that it's some cult show run by a chap named Colbert or something. (No, I'm not kidding.)

All I know is that it's some cult show run by a chap named Colbert or something. (No, I'm not kidding.)

No, it's been around for a while actually. You're thinking of the Colbert Report.

The Daily Show is an equal oppurtunity hater, no politician is safe.

I got up the entrance of Ann Coulter, threw up a little in my mouth, and stopped watching.

The difference between this and the Daily Show is that the Daily Show is satire that pokes fun at everyone, this is a show that displays the actual thinking of conservatives and will never poke fun at someone they agree with.

Hurray for right wing propaganda. Hip-Hip horrheil!

:headbang:

Im not sure she was acting...the harpy.

I think I'm going to throw up.

I got up the entrance of Ann Coulter, threw up a little in my mouth, and stopped watching.

The difference between this and the Daily Show is that the Daily Show is satire that pokes fun at everyone, this is a show that displays the actual thinking of conservatives and will never poke fun at someone they agree with.

Hurray for right wing propaganda. Hip-Hip horrheil!

:headbang:

Not of course, that NSG is left wing at all......:rolleyes:

Not that its my cup of tea either, and I assume Fox isn't noted for use of irony?

No, it's been around for a while actually. You're thinking of the Colbert Report.

The Daily Show is an equal oppurtunity hater, no politician is safe.

Same thing.

I like your sig btw. ;)

All I know is that it's some cult show run by a chap named Colbert or something. (No, I'm not kidding.)

I think I feel a tear come to my eye at the idea of your inexperience. This must be rectified at the earliest opportunity! Someone bring some Daily Show into here!

Seems like a random non-partisan thing that pokes at right-wing perceptions of left-wingers...which might make it left-wing. Maybe it's cause you guys love the Daily Show and I've never seen it...I like the last one: "gay penguins". :D

He's obviously oblivious to a number of things if he thinks this is non-partisan.
The very first clip is full of partisan hackery. Even the laugh track sounds like it is being threatened by the Russian mob.

This looks like the worst of SNL combined with the worst of Mad TV and starring political pundit partisan hacks. Zombie Mitch Hedberg couldn't make this funny.

All I know is that it's some cult show run by a chap named Colbert or something. (No, I'm not kidding.)

The Daily Show. (http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/index.jhtml)

Enjoy.

Same thing.

I like your sig btw. ;)

Aww thanks :D

*blush*

Not that its my cup of tea either, and I assume Fox isn't noted for use of irony?
The only irony Fox News uses is when they call themselves Fair and Balanced.

The only irony Fox News uses is when they call themselves Fair and Balanced.

I'm sure they will eventually shout "GOTCHA!" about the whole, Fair and Balanced bit.

I think I feel a tear come to my eye at the idea of your inexperience. This must be rectified at the earliest opportunity! Someone bring some Daily Show into here!
I'd direct him to YouTube, but it has been cleansed of all Comedy Central goodness by Viacom, so I'll have to do...

All I know is that it's some cult show run by a chap named Colbert or something. (No, I'm not kidding.)
Alright, here goes:

The Daily Show was originally a not-very-remarkable comedy program hosted by Craig Kilbourne (I never saw it during this time, so I can't really say much about it). AFAIK, it focused mostly on entertainment news with some current events.

Then Jon Stewart took over and turned the show in a new direction. It began focusing more and more on politics and current events and exposing the stupidity of new figures. Stewart was aided by a stellar team of comedic commentators, including Stephen Colbert, Steve Carrel, Jason Jones, Dan Bacchedal, and others.

After September 11th, the show went off the air for two weeks, then returned, with Stewart giving a powerful and emotional opening speech. It gradually became more critical of the Bush Administration's policies, much more so than the mainstream media, and even went after the media itself from time to time for its perceived irresponsibility and laziness.

In the lead-up to the 2004 election, Stewart appeared on CNN's Crossfire and blasted the host for their petty partisan hackery. CNN soon canceled the show.

The show earned much fame and accolades for its coverage of the 2004 elections, and has been a powerful political voice ever since, interviewing powerful figures such as Bill Clinton, John McCain, Bill Gates, and even the President of Pakistan. Many commentators have come and gone, but Stewart remains at the helm -- still his ironic, sarcastic, self-deprecating self.

In late 2005, veteran correspondent Stephen Colbert left the show to start his own program, the Colbert Report. While Stewart was generally the straight guy on his show, reacting sarcastically to the absurdity around him, Colbert was a parody of political absurdity itself, pretending to be a right-wing blowhard the likes of O'Reilly or Hannity.

In the show's brief run, Colbert has used his forceful personality and comedic wit to make a big impact on the world: he skewered the President and the news media at the White House Press Correspondent's Dinner (a perfect distillation of his humor), invented words like "truthiness" and "Wikiality", embarrassed over forty congressmen in his Better Know a District series, introduced the absurdist "Tek Jansen" cartoon show, and even confronted Bill O'Reilly on his own program. He is widely recognized as one of the most influential media figures of his time.

You can go to the shows' (http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/index.jhtml) websites (http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_colbert_report/index.jhtml) for free video clips, plus access to their entire video archive.

One idea that kept coming through was the theory that left-wing humor is all about the small making fun of the mighty, and that people like that, while the right wing variety is more about the mighty making fun of the small, which just comes off as mean-spirited. Sorta like the difference between a bucket of mud being dumped on a poor housekeeper (tragedy) vs. a rich heiress (comedy). Anyway...

Thoughts?
My thoughts are... that it is silly and affected. Not funny.

On the above, I find neither situation funny. And given how entrenched the American left is in power politics, I really do not think that idea is valid. I find parodies of leftist tools (e.g. many environmentalists) as funny as those of rightwing tools (e.g. many fundies), and likewise parodies of the rich as funny as parodies of the poor.

But this is all besides the point... is the Daily Show even leftwing to begin with? I think not. It satirises politicians regardless of affiliation, and mocks celebrities of all sorts.

I'd direct him to YouTube, but it has been cleansed of all Comedy Central goodness by Viacom, so I'll have to do...

- snip -

You can go to the shows' (http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/index.jhtml) websites (http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_colbert_report/index.jhtml) for free video clips, plus access to their entire video archive. *ahem*

The Daily Show. (http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/index.jhtml)

Enjoy.

Totally ignoring your efforts with that comeprehensive post. :p

*ahem*



Totally ignoring your efforts with that comeprehensive post. :p

The best-laid plans... :p

You can go to the shows' (http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/index.jhtml) websites (http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_colbert_report/index.jhtml) for free video clips, plus access to their entire video archive.

Entire video archive? I must be blind because I can only find about the last weeks shows and the various reporters little bits. If there is some way to go far back to see some of the older episodes I'd love to know how.

Entire video archive? I must be blind because I can only find about the last weeks shows and the various reporters little bits. If there is some way to go far back to see some of the older episodes I'd love to know how.
I know for certain that the Colbert Report's archives are complete -- there are sections for 2006 and 2005 in the video menu. The Daily Show, on the other hand... I guess they don't have everything beyond a few weeks ago. Too much bandwidth, maybe. Anyway, that should be more than enough to get a feel for the show, no?

I know for certain that the Colbert Report's archives are complete -- there are sections for 2006 and 2005 in the video menu. The Daily Show, on the other hand... I guess they don't have everything beyond a few weeks ago. Too much bandwidth, maybe. Anyway, that should be more than enough to get a feel for the show, no?

Yes, but there are some older Daily Show episodes that are a must. The episode where Stewart & Co. went nuts after Cheney shot that guy in the face? One of their best, Top 5 for sure. :D

Entire video archive? I must be blind because I can only find about the last weeks shows and the various reporters little bits. If there is some way to go far back to see some of the older episodes I'd love to know how.
Click on "videos" in the red menu on the left, then click on one of the video thumbnails, that will take you to the "MotherLoad" page of Comedy Central. Either you'll be sent straight into the Daily Show part of it or you'll have to click "Daily Show - Colbert" on the top of the thing on the right.
There it'll still be only a few videos straight available, but when you click on "Browse Daily Show - Colbert" on the top left of the box, you're finally there. :)

If there is an easier way, I've sadly proven too incompetent to find it.

Edit: Oh, and I doubt it's the entire video archive for the Daily Show. Even the website's previous video archive (i.e. before the "new style" from a few months ago) didn't go all that far back (no further than 2004, I think) and I doubt they since added older videos. The 9/11 one, for example, didn't used to be in there. Don't know if it is now.

It seems to me like Fox News is edging closer and closer to openly admitting to being a right-wing propaganda machine. Case in point: The Half Hour News Hour, which will air on FNC this Sunday.

Purported to be the right-wing counterbalance to the allegedly left-wing Daily Show, this piece of tripe is nothing but a series of lame and unfunny political jabs. Horrendously lame and unfunny political jabs. So horrendously lame and unfunny that it's almost funny. Maybe that's what they were going for.

Anyway, here are some preview clips to see what I mean:

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Smearing Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjIfaMwIFxU)

Promo vid: "Our show may offend the following..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3DA5lN1iwI)

Notice how all of the clips rely quite heavily on an overenthusiastic laugh track.

I got these clips from a write-up of the show (http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/02/14/conservative-comedy-show-so-bad-its-hilarious/) from Crooks and Liars, which also happens to have a running discussion of why the show falls flat. Really interesting stuff there: lots of speculation about the nature of political humor. One idea that kept coming through was the theory that left-wing humor is all about the small making fun of the mighty, and that people like that, while the right wing variety is more about the mighty making fun of the small, which just comes off as mean-spirited. Sorta like the difference between a bucket of mud being dumped on a poor housekeeper (tragedy) vs. a rich heiress (comedy). Anyway...

Thoughts?


Comedy since the dawn of time has been about the those in an inferior position seeing what those in a superior position are doing wrong because those in a superior position don't care what happens to those at the bottom. Such a system is inherently leftist because the right champions the secure position of authority.

Action adventure stories work well as right-wing propaganda because it's all about strength being used to set things back to where they should be. Trying to create right wing humor is like trying to create a tragedy about a guy who does everything right, but still gets killed. It completly misses the point.

The clips weren't funny, and the laugh track was horrible.

Here's what the Fox people misunderstood. Stewart's show isn't liberal--it's just funny. They concentrate on the funny first and the politics second.
I agree.

The Daily Show. (http://www.comedycentral.com/shows/the_daily_show/index.jhtml)

Enjoy.

I know I do - on a regular basis :D

Daily Show > this BS.

I'd direct him to YouTube, but it has been cleansed of all Comedy Central goodness by Viacom, so I'll have to do...


Alright, here goes:

The Daily Show was originally a not-very-remarkable comedy program hosted by Craig Kilbourne (I never saw it during this time, so I can't really say much about it). AFAIK, it focused mostly on entertainment news with some current events.

Then Jon Stewart took over and turned the show in a new direction.

I did see the show during that phase. At the time the daily show focused almost entierly on making fun of the News. Not "the news," i.e. the stuff that happens. But The News, the shows that are supposed to tell you about it. For example, they did a bit about one lesbian who tried to kill her lover and the whole bit consisted of double entendre about oral sex. I didn't get it at the time, I thought it was just a juvinille bunch of jokes about a lesbian whose suffering was supposed to be funny because she was homosexual. Later I realized that it was a joke about the exploitative nature of news magazine-style interviews.

When Jon Stewart took over it did indeed become more of a current events show however, and Stewart had been Liz Winstead's (one of the creators of the show) first choice to host the show, but he was unavailable at the time.

The clips weren't funny, and the laugh track was horrible.

Oh cut them some slack. Do you have any idea how hard it would be to find a room full of people who would be dumb enough to find this shit funny and intelligent enough to find their seats?

Oh cut them some slack. Do you have any idea how hard it would be to find a room full of people who would be dumb enough to find this shit funny and intelligent enough to find their seats?

No! Yes! http://www.casual-gamers.de/cg/images/postimages/angry.gif

Oh cut them some slack. Do you have any idea how hard it would be to find a room full of people who would be dumb enough to find this shit funny and intelligent enough to find their seats?

They should be smart enough not to have this show to begin with as it is obviously going to stink bad enough that a noxious cloud will cover the entire East Coast. It is inevitable and we will all suffer because of this show's suckiness.

I once offered Fox a level of trust and credibility, that is gone. Fox News jumped the shark sometime in late 2003 and early 2004. Now it just sucks.

It never ceases to amaze me that gems such as The Simpsons came from that network. Truly a flower that grew out of a pot of dirt (to quote one episode).

Thank Tracy Ullman more then Fox.....

More evidence that the right-wing has no sense of humor...

Coulter: "What did FDR say to Reagan?"
O'Rly: "What?"
Coulter: "Nothing he died in 1945."
*laugh track*

Oh, f*cking-retch.

For a little lighter humour now, a hemmorhoid-ectomy.
Wait - Limblob already had that covered. That's how he skipped out of 'Nam.

Well, not really, it was actually a removal of a pilonidal cyst from his ass. Seriously.

Is this like a double negation or are you insulting me? *suspicious*


Double negative.


Oh, has anyone made a joke about the redundancy of Fox airing a fake news program yet?

Daily Show > this BS.

A session of Congress on CSPAN > this BS.

Yet another example of Bushevik overreaction. Just like when Michael Moore was hosting an apolitical film festival and some sheeple had to organize a jingoistic counter-festival in response.

Pathetic.

I think it could be less funny.

No it couldn't, that would tear a hole in the universe.

I once offered Fox a level of trust and credibility, that is gone. Fox News jumped the shark sometime in late 2003 and early 2004. Now it just sucks.

Think of it this way--if it goes any farther, it will be useful as an anti-news network. You can watch it with the full assurance that the opposite of what they say is accurate.

A session of Congress on CSPAN > this BS.CSPAN !!! are you kidding me?
Ohh man.. that gotta hurt. :D

my eyes are hurting afer more than 10 min of CSPAN.

On the other hand, Pauly Shore and Dane Cook finally have a show that makes them hilarious in comparison.

It seems to me like Fox News is edging closer and closer to openly admitting to being a right-wing propaganda machine.

Why is that when the right does it people call it right wing biggot propaganda but when the left does it it's called showing the truth with brilliant humor? :confused:

Why is that when the right does it people call it right wing biggot propaganda but when the left does it it's called showing the truth with brilliant humor? :confused:

Does the truth hurt?

Why is that when the right does it people call it right wing biggot propaganda but when the left does it it's called showing the truth with brilliant humor? :confused:

This show is neither humorous nor is it truthful....

I don't have a problem with a conservatively-bias media outlet, what pisses me off about fox is that they claim to be non-bias and accuse all other media to be totally left-wing bias. What they're doing is taking the center and shifting it way to the right, so that everything else seems left by comparison, its just under-handed....

Again, Jon Stewart > Fox.

:fluffle:to Jon Stewart.

Why is that when the right does it people call it right wing biggot propaganda but when the left does it it's called showing the truth with brilliant humor? :confused:

I don't think this is about left or right. It is about quality. Show us a quality show on par with Daily Show and then you can ask that question when all us lefties cry about it.

Why is that when the right does it people call it right wing biggot propaganda but when the left does it it's called showing the truth with brilliant humor? :confused:
Because it is rightwing bigot propaganda.

How funny would the Daily Show be if they had Al Franken and Cindy Sheehan come on as President and Vice President and make slanderous "jokes" about righwingers? That's right, it wouldn't be. This show is trash in the making.

Take your persecution complex and blow it out your ear.

Why is that when the right does it people call it right wing biggot propaganda but when the left does it it's called showing the truth with brilliant humor? :confused:

Because if you've watched the Daily Show over the last few weeks, you've noticed Stewart going after the Democrats as well as the Republicans. It's never been left vs. right with Stewart--it's been about needling the powerful, both in politics and in media. It's not his fault that before last November, the Republicans were the only ones with power.

Watching the bit with Limbaugh and that skank commentator was like having to endure nails being dragged across an old blackboard.

Why is that when the right does it people call it right wing biggot propaganda but when the left does it it's called showing the truth with brilliant humor? :confused:

It's really not a Left Vs. Right thing (as Nazz said) but a humor Vs. non-humor, or Funny Vs. Unfunny if you will.

I don't know yet, as I've only seen a few clips - but what I've seen is horrible. Just simply not funny, and the horrible laugh-track to boot. *Shivers* Not promising at all.

Oh, and the promise they make - to offend the so-called "Left" and the penguin - well, that's not promising either.

Thoughts?The thing that appears to be different from their normal "news" is that it's meant to be funny, which just kills the joke right there.

Oh man, Jon Stewart will rip this show to shreds...:D

That was quite awful.
"Otherwise we'll invade your countries and convert you all to Christianity!"
Oh. Haha. She's so funny. Quick, someone fetch the needle and thread-my side has split with laughter!




Well, yes. Jon Stewart should make easy mince meat of this.

Why is that when the right does it people call it right wing biggot propaganda but when the left does it it's called showing the truth with brilliant humor? :confused:Because "the left" does it to "the left" and the right. It isn't "the left's" fault that the right is more ridiculous.

Oh man, Jon Stewart will rip this show to shreds...:D
Too bad they're going on break next week... :(

You know what'd be really funny? If this show aired, was universally panned, and then canceled while The Daily Show was on break, and that Stewart & Co. came back on the next week as if nothing special had happened. :D

Actually, there's a bunch of good ideas in that program. They should expand the use of laughing cues to the rest of their shows. :D

Oh man, Jon Stewart will rip this show to shreds...:D

Not if he's smart--and he's absolutely that. You never hit someone smaller than you, because you just give them credibility. O'Reilly found that out the hard way with Olbermann--BillO went after Olbermann and the result now is that Olbermann is the guy who's making major gains in the ratings and O'Reilly, while still ahead, is falling fast. My bet is that Stewart will ignore this--he doesn't want to do anything to drive viewers toward that POS.

Not if he's smart--and he's absolutely that. You never hit someone smaller than you, because you just give them credibility. O'Reilly found that out the hard way with Olbermann--BillO went after Olbermann and the result now is that Olbermann is the guy who's making major gains in the ratings and O'Reilly, while still ahead, is falling fast. My bet is that Stewart will ignore this--he doesn't want to do anything to drive viewers toward that POS.

Even knowing this I still hope he will. Maybe Colbert will give it a mention, at least. I want to see them mock this. Oh please do I want to see them mock this...

Anyway, here are some preview clips to see what I mean:

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Smearing Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjIfaMwIFxU)

Promo vid: "Our show may offend the following..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3DA5lN1iwI)


Uh...that's bad, really bad.

Gay penguins? o.O

Uh...that's bad, really bad.

Gay penguins? o.O"An equal opportunity offender"? I didn't see the Republicans on that list...

Oh man, Jon Stewart will rip this show to shreds...:D

One cannot tear that which has no substance. He can splatter it, but FOX is splattering it pretty well to begin with.

Yanks… (http://www.sff.net/people/llsoares/Hillbilly%20Logan.jpg) :rolleyes:Did some one from England make a joke about people having bad teeth? Oh the irony!

Uh...that's bad, really bad.

Gay penguins? o.O

There is such a thing. Homosexuality has been observed in many species of animals, even in the wild.

Matter of fact, there it's been documented that females of at least one species of penguin practice a form of "prostitution."

There is such a thing. Homosexuality has been observed in many species of animals, even in the wild.

Matter of fact, there it's been documented that females of at least one species of penguin practice a form of "prostitution."It's a play on Lewis Black: "How homophobic do you have to be to have penguin gaydar? (http://onegoodmove.org/1gm/1gmarchive/2006/12/back_in_black_4.html)"

http://www.metacritic.com/tv/shows/halfhournewshour

Yikes.

It's a play on Lewis Black: "How homophobic do you have to be to have penguin gaydar? (http://onegoodmove.org/1gm/1gmarchive/2006/12/back_in_black_4.html)"

That was a great bit. I say we watch the premiere Sunday so we can stare at it like one does at two trains about to collide. Might be amusing to see how bad this show is going to fail.

That was a great bit. I say we watch the premiere Sunday so we can stare at it like one does at two trains about to collide. Might be amusing to see how bad this show is going to fail.

No thanks. Good ratings will only encourage them.

No thanks. Good ratings will only encourage them.
I wouldn't think it'd matter, as long as no one is in a Nielsen family.

Although... can they monitor TiVo for ratings? I suggest that anyone with TiVo take a pass. :p

No thanks. Good ratings will only encourage them.

True... I'm sure someone here will provide clips anyway so we can ridicule the show afterward.

It seems to me like Fox News is edging closer and closer to openly admitting to being a right-wing propaganda machine. Case in point: The Half Hour News Hour, which will air on FNC this Sunday.

Purported to be the right-wing counterbalance to the allegedly left-wing Daily Show, this piece of tripe is nothing but a series of lame and unfunny political jabs. Horrendously lame and unfunny political jabs. So horrendously lame and unfunny that it's almost funny. Maybe that's what they were going for.

Anyway, here are some preview clips to see what I mean:

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Smearing Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjIfaMwIFxU)

Promo vid: "Our show may offend the following..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3DA5lN1iwI)

Notice how all of the clips rely quite heavily on an overenthusiastic laugh track.

I got these clips from a write-up of the show (http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/02/14/conservative-comedy-show-so-bad-its-hilarious/) from Crooks and Liars, which also happens to have a running discussion of why the show falls flat. Really interesting stuff there: lots of speculation about the nature of political humor. One idea that kept coming through was the theory that left-wing humor is all about the small making fun of the mighty, and that people like that, while the right wing variety is more about the mighty making fun of the small, which just comes off as mean-spirited. Sorta like the difference between a bucket of mud being dumped on a poor housekeeper (tragedy) vs. a rich heiress (comedy). Anyway...

Thoughts?


Your points lose all validity the moment you state the "Daily Show" as being "Allegedly" left wing.

Your points lose all validity the moment you state the "Daily Show" as being "Allegedly" left wing.

Prove "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" has a left-wing bias, please, as I'd love to hear all about it.

(Hey, weren't you the one I bet 20 bucks that Stewart would make fun of the Dems once they took power? I think you owe me some money. :) )

Your points lose all validity the moment you state the "Daily Show" as being "Allegedly" left wing.

Your points lose all validity the moment you write them.

But seriously, the fact is, as has been shown multiple times in this thread, that the Daily Show targets power, not party, and they have gone after the Democrats increasingly so since the November elections. So what's so left-wing about the Daily Show now?

Your points lose all validity the moment you state the "Daily Show" as being "Allegedly" left wing.

To be fair, your "Response" isn't validated through gratuitous usage of "Parentheses" and "Capitalised Words and/or Phrases", either.:rolleyes:

I think this ploy by Fox proves that the right media in the US has lost all political authority by putting it's obviously bias points through in 10 second sound bites like 'He's an anti-family gay!' and the like. And doesn't in any way try to make credible and well thought out political points that last more than the average attention span of a 'conservative' hick. 'Leftists' if I can use such a term, whatever you think of them (myself included) do have one thing over the right, they actually debate and put complex and well-thought statements, even if they are condemned as 'intellectuals' for doing so, like that is actually a valid criticism.

To be fair, your "Response" isn't validated through gratuitous usage of "Parentheses" and "Capitalised Words and/or Phrases", either.:rolleyes:

Neither does your use of attacking a position..... I never made.... Or your use of emoticons. =/

they paid "whatever-It-Takes" to buy "the Simpsons".. Wait... what?

The Simpsons started as little bump cartoons during The Tracy Ullman Show, which was a Fox variety show. As Tracy's ratings declined, they realised that many people were watching the show specifically for the Simpsons bumps, and decided to give Matt Groening a shot at a full length 30 minute show.

In other words, they didn't "buy" the Simpsons. They've always had them.

Prove "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart" has a left-wing bias, please, as I'd love to hear all about it.

(Hey, weren't you the one I bet 20 bucks that Stewart would make fun of the Dems once they took power? I think you owe me some money. :) )

Erm, the overwhelming majority of left-wing guests, "This week in god" (Which sort of makes fun of religion in general, though the christian right gets the butt of it all), The Host being a liberal, the current administration being 96% of the shows material (Most of which is entertaining) It's sort of hard not too see...



I dont recall taking that bet....

Your points lose all validity the moment you write them.

But seriously, the fact is, as has been shown multiple times in this thread, that the Daily Show targets power, not party, and they have gone after the Democrats increasingly so since the November elections. So what's so left-wing about the Daily Show now?

In that case, i'd say the feeling is mutual. =/

Left wing, as pertaining too progressive/seccular humor alot of the time... Or they could just be working for the Greens....

Uhh, New Ausha, America is secular, how exactly is that 'progressive' or radical?

(Hey, weren't you the one I bet 20 bucks that Stewart would make fun of the Dems once they took power? I think you owe me some money. :) )
Not quite... (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=513517&page=10) (read the whole page)

In that case, i'd say the feeling is mutual. =/

Left wing, as pertaining too progressive/seccular humor alot of the time... Or they could just be working for the Greens....

So in other words, you don't actually watch the show. You just repeat what others tell you about it. Glad we cleared that up.

Uhh, New Ausha, America is secular, how exactly is that 'progressive' or radical?

America is Seccular? Is that why the majority of Americans believe in a higher power in the universe?

I never stated Seccularism was "radical".... 'Progressive' sort of goes hand in hand with seccularism nowadays....Unless your one of those "traditional seccularists" =/

So in other words, you don't actually watch the show. You just repeat what others tell you about it. Glad we cleared that up.

I have seen over 50 episodes. I think I've seen about 35 of Colberts...

Not quite... (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=513517&page=10) (read the whole page)

...So you're look a thread Necropheliac, right?

America is Seccular? Is that why the majority of Americans believe in a higher power in the universe?
It's government is secular (which means there is no particular State religion, and a division of Church and State). Its people are not irreligious however. There is a difference, believe it or not.

Wait... what?

...they didn't "buy" the Simpsons. They've always had them.but.. but.. I saw Homer "sign" with multi-millionaire Murdoch :D
Your knowledge is deeper than mine.

...So you're look a thread Necropheliac, right?
Nah, just a Googlephile with a good memory. :p

Not quite... (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=513517&page=10) (read the whole page)

...oh, right, I said:
And time will tell on the Daily Show bit. Trust Nazz and me: Jonny will lampoon the Dems. And if he doesn't, I will give you twenty dollars via Paypal.
No mention of him giving me any money. Damn it. :(

In any case, I think I can sufficiently disprove New Ausha's remarks about the Daily Show being left-wing with the footage from it back during the Clinton administration. Stewart took the reins during the last couple of years of that administration and I'm sure he lampooned them a lot.

But mainly, the show makes fun of what's funny. It mocks the media, it mocks the administration, it mocks the Dems...it really mocks anything and anyone that can be made a fool out of because it's funny. That's why they make fun of religion, especially Christians because it's the most relevant religion in our society right now.

This Fox News program on the other hand...it only makes fun of Democrats and percieved liberals. It doesn't mock Republicans, it doesn't mock the administration, it only makes fun of the Dems and percieved liberals, and not very well at that. The clips we saw were overwhelmed with a laugh track. I guarentee you, every single laugh you hear while watching the Daily Show or the Colbert Report is NOT a laugh track: it's a real, living breathing audience member.

I can remember them making fun of themselves very recently, too. John Oliver pointed out during the bit on the turning off of lights on the Eiffal Tower that he was standing in front of a green screen rather than on the scene as they typically promote it and they even showed him standing just to the left of Stewart's desk. It was hilarious, really. I don't think we'd be seeing "President" Limbaugh or "Vice President" Coulter making fun of themselves, now would we?

Why is that when the right does it people call it right wing biggot propaganda
Same reason that when it's a spade, people call it a spade.

but when the left does it it's called showing the truth with brilliant humor? :confused:
I dont know that the left do this kind (make propaganda and try to pass it off as a comedy show) of thing...if they do, we can only suppose that the right is sufficiently absurd that even when one is engaged in biggoted propaganda against them, it comes off instead as showing the truth with brilliant humour.

Its not even funny ... what a flop I was hoping for at least a chuckle

Hell that ending about killing leaders and converting everyone to Christianity sounds like they meant it rather then it being a joke. What a horrid ending.

America is Seccular? Is that why the majority of Americans believe in a higher power in the universe?

I never stated Seccularism was "radical".... 'Progressive' sort of goes hand in hand with seccularism nowadays....Unless your one of those "traditional seccularists" =/

"Traditional secularists" Like Jefferson? and a good cross section of the founding fathers?

Hell that ending about killing leaders and converting everyone to Christianity sounds like they meant it rather then it being a joke. What a horrid ending.

*cough (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/anncoulter167043.html)*

Same reason that when it's a spade, people call it a spade.


I dont know that the left do this kind (make propaganda and try to pass it off as a comedy show) of thing...if they do, we can only suppose that the right is sufficiently absurd that even when one is engaged in biggoted propaganda against them, it comes off instead as showing the truth with brilliant humour.

They don't. Jon Stewart isn't a lefty propagandist. He makes fun of things that are absurd. He makes fun of John Kerry, he's cracked jokes about Al Gore's boring personality to his face. But his jokes are always based in reality.

Take a listen to the things Limbaugh is joking about. "after two years of Democrat rule our country's reputation is in shambles," and "after Cindy Sheehan's cross country shooting spree." If the right want's to make fun of the left they have to make stuff up. Like when 6th grade boys say you smell like shit, and if you deny it then they make fun of you for having a lame comeback (because "you smell like shit") is so witty. Or if you have a name that sounds like (and not even very much like) something unflattering. You know, like if your name was Obama, they'd call you Osama. Or to mock Osama himself they'd say "Osama Yo' Mama." Most of us grow up and stop doing that sort of thing. The rest of us become conservatives.

And another piece of fiction the show's humor was based on, "now that the grownups (republicans) are in charge."

Erm, the overwhelming majority of left-wing guests, "This week in god" (Which sort of makes fun of religion in general, though the christian right gets the butt of it all), The Host being a liberal, the current administration being 96% of the shows material (Most of which is entertaining) It's sort of hard not too see...



I dont recall taking that bet....

If every time I see a guy covered in blood laughing maniacly holding a smoking gun standing next to a guy with a big bloody hole in his body yelling "you shot me! You F*#&ing shot me!" and assume that the guy with the gun shot they other guy, then it doesn't mean I have an anti-laughing-guy-covered-in-blood-holding-a-smoking-gun bias. It means I paid attention.

The fact that the Daily Show makes fun of more right-wingers than left does not mean that they have a left wing bias. They had Zell Miller on the show for cryin' out loud. They've had Bill O'Reilly on it. They have right-wingers on whenever they can. But most right-wingers are afraid to because they're afraid that they'll be made to look more foolish. Remember, he asked Ken Mellman (republican big wig gues of the Daily Show) to please try to get Bush to come on the show. He's always very deferrential to right wing guests.

He also goes out of his way to find things to make fun of with Democrats and leftism in general during slow news cycles (when such stories are hard to come by).

90% of the jokes being at the expense of the administration is not because of a bias. It's because Bush is always doing something rediculous. Just like houses on fire tend to be hot, comedians discussing current events tend to make fun of Bush. They're not biased against his politics. His politics are rediculous. Literally "deserving of redicule."

*cough (http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/anncoulter167043.html)*

That link didn't work for me, so... http://www.washingtonmonthly.com/features/2001/0111.coulterwisdom.html

Her self-referencing bilge is contained in the first paragraph, so you needn't worry unduly.

Its not even funny ... what a flop I was hoping for at least a chuckle

Hell that ending about killing leaders and converting everyone to Christianity sounds like they meant it rather then it being a joke. What a horrid ending.


I've explained this before on another thread.

Comedy works by making you aware of contradictory positions. Like the dignified losing control, or the gentle being hateful, or simple statements being misunderstood. Baisicly, illusions being overthrown.

That's why its funny if the millionaire banker get's covered in shit but not the poor old lady. Not because bad things are happening to people who are in a good position, but the unspoken premise is that the millionaire banker is using his money to isolate himself from the poorer aspects of society and surround himself with luxury and laboring under the impression that he can use his money to control the world. The bucket of shit, in one physical moment, shows that his wealth brings him no prestige, no isolation, and no control, only the illusions of such.

It's also considered funny if that sweet little old lady turns out to be a horrible racist. So it's not just a matter of "the poor are better than the rich."

It doesn't have to be the poor taking down the rich. A real joke against the left would be to portray them as unified, consious, determined, and empathic. Then point out that the abortion rights people often don't care about the prison-rights people. The labor-unionists are antithetical to the arts people and the environmentalists. As the Daily Show put it "coming together and overcoming their differences. That is, until you point out their differences." That's funny. But it wouldn't be if it wasn't true.

That's why this show isn't funny. It's got no premise. It would be like cracking jokes about "those dumb lefties. They're so pro-Democrat they think that even the sky is blue." Yes, it has the cadence of a joke. It's got the sound of exaggerating the supposed blindness of a group of people to the point that they cannot even see the most obvious refutation of their beliefs i.e. the color of the sky that's available for everyone to see. The problem is, once you take a look at the sky you see that the belief the lefties are mocked for holding is quite true. Same thing with all the other Right-wing variations on this theme. You just have to look slightly harder than you would look for the sky.

I really hope the daily show makes fun of this.

And woa, this guy above me knows what he's talking about.

Erm, the overwhelming majority of left-wing guests,
As opposed to the right-wing guests who probably refuse to appear on the show - they can't get people on who don't want to come one because they don't have a sense of humor and know they will get their asses handed to them.

"This week in god" (Which sort of makes fun of religion in general, though the christian right gets the butt of it all),
Persecution complex. It's like Arthur yelling "Help, help! I'm being repressed1" while man-handling Dennis.

The Host being a liberal,
Based on what?

the current administration being 96% of the shows material
Yeah, that couldn't possibly be because they are the current administration. Comedy isn't funny if it isn't relevant.

It's sort of hard not too see...
Yeah, if you're a crackpot looking for shapes in the clouds.

Persecution complex. It's like Arthur yelling "Help, help! I'm being repressed while man-handling Dennis.


That would be more of an effective reference if Dennis hadn't, in fact, been the one doing the yelling. Remember? Arthur was the one who yelled back, "Bloody peasant!"

That would be more of an effective reference if Dennis hadn't, in fact, been the one doing the yelling. Remember? Arthur was the one who yelled back, "Bloody peasant!"

Read it again, it would be like Arthur saying it instead of Dennis.

Read it again, it would be like Arthur saying it instead of Dennis.

It would be more effective if you wrote your original example as you have here in this quote, then.

Just sayin'.

It seems to me like Fox News is edging closer and closer to openly admitting to being a right-wing propaganda machine. Case in point: The Half Hour News Hour, which will air on FNC this Sunday.

Purported to be the right-wing counterbalance to the allegedly left-wing Daily Show, this piece of tripe is nothing but a series of lame and unfunny political jabs. Horrendously lame and unfunny political jabs. So horrendously lame and unfunny that it's almost funny. Maybe that's what they were going for.

Anyway, here are some preview clips to see what I mean:

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Smearing Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjIfaMwIFxU)

Promo vid: "Our show may offend the following..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3DA5lN1iwI)

Notice how all of the clips rely quite heavily on an overenthusiastic laugh track.

I got these clips from a write-up of the show (http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/02/14/conservative-comedy-show-so-bad-its-hilarious/) from Crooks and Liars, which also happens to have a running discussion of why the show falls flat. Really interesting stuff there: lots of speculation about the nature of political humor. One idea that kept coming through was the theory that left-wing humor is all about the small making fun of the mighty, and that people like that, while the right wing variety is more about the mighty making fun of the small, which just comes off as mean-spirited. Sorta like the difference between a bucket of mud being dumped on a poor housekeeper (tragedy) vs. a rich heiress (comedy). Anyway...

Thoughts?

These guys should go die in a hole. Preferably a foxhole in a war.

Yeah, if you're a crackpot looking for shapes in the clouds.

It is easier for the conservatives to simply dismiss Jon Stewart as a biased liberal because his jokes are so hard hitting. Easier to try to go after someones character then to attack the arguement. Bush and his cronies do so many stupid things the material just lands in his lap! It would also help if they actually watched the show occassionally and then they'd see that he goes after Democrats as well, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton, are simply a couple of people who really need jokes made on. Stewart provides this needed service.

It is easier for the conservatives to simply dismiss Jon Stewart as a biased liberal because his jokes are so hard hitting. Easier to try to go after someones character then to attack the arguement. Bush and his cronies do so many stupid things the material just lands in his lap! It would also help if they actually watched the show occassionally and then they'd see that he goes after Democrats as well, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton, are simply a couple of people who really need jokes made on. Stewart provides this needed service.

Very true.

In fact, one of the things I love most about the Daily Show is that they'll have a guest on, a famous guest, and do the whole interview, and then come back the next day, and if that guest has done something stupid and noteworthy in the past 24 hours, they'll MAKE FUN OF HIM. Regardless of whether it's Al Franken or Bill O'Reilly, Al Gore or Condoleeza, Clinton or Bush.

Edit: Not that Bush has been on the show, but MAN would that be an interview.

It seems to me like Fox News is edging closer and closer to openly admitting to being a right-wing propaganda machine. Case in point: The Half Hour News Hour, which will air on FNC this Sunday.

Purported to be the right-wing counterbalance to the allegedly left-wing Daily Show,

I think we should give the show a chance, it may be funny.... and, why do say "allegedly left-wing" when referring to the daily show? I don't think there is any question as to their left-wing bias..

from Crooks and Liars, which also happens to have a running discussion of why the show falls flat.

So you are quoting a blog that titles itself "liberal and progressive" that makes frequent links to the daily show, and still stating "allegedly left-wing" when talking about the daily show... Lets just be honest here..

So you are quoting a blog that titles itself "liberal and progressive" that makes frequent links to the daily show, and still stating "allegedly left-wing" when talking about the daily show... Lets just be honest here..
We are being honest. The Daily Show jabs at those in power, politically and in the media. Period. End of story. Liberals like it because 1) it's funny, 2) in recent years, the Republicans have been in power, so the show has largely hit at them, and 3) because we have enough of a sense of humor to laugh at ourselves when we do stupid stuff. But from the looks of the Fox version of the show, conservatives just don't get what comedy is based on.

You know, now that I think about it, I wonder if this is some sort of ploy. It's going to be so and so unfunny that it'll flop almost instantly, and then Fox gets to b**** about conspiracy this and left-wing that.

You know, now that I think about it, I wonder if this is some sort of ploy. It's going to be so and so unfunny that it'll flop almost instantly, and then Fox gets to b**** about conspiracy this and left-wing that.

What - how the left-wing is conspiring to force FOX to produce shoddy programming? Nice for them if they could swing that shit far enough for the average FOX viewer to start parroting it back at the water-cooler Monday morning.

We are being honest. The Daily Show jabs at those in power, politically and in the media. Period. End of story. Liberals like it because 1) it's funny, 2) in recent years, the Republicans have been in power, so the show has largely hit at them, and 3) because we have enough of a sense of humor to laugh at ourselves when we do stupid stuff. But from the looks of the Fox version of the show, conservatives just don't get what comedy is based on.

I think I would say I am more conservative than most that post on this forum, and I must say I LOVE the daily show...... some things are just plain funny, regardless of who they are aimed at... I think there are conservatives with terrific senses of humor as well, so I would like to at least give the new show a chance, who knows...

For a brief moment, I read "Daily Show Strip-Off", and pictured Jon Stewart dressed in nothing but a tie.

It was kind of hot.

Perv. :p

Come on...you've got to admit he's pretty sexy.

For a brief moment, I read "Daily Show Strip-Off", and pictured Jon Stewart dressed in nothing but a tie.

It was kind of hot.

Perv. :p

I dunno, I think pictures of colbert with nothing but a tie might be better. Get a glimpse of the eagle :D.

that guy makes me want to become an american republican, if I wouldn't hate myself for being an immigrant and numerous other kinds of minorities. :P

I dunno, I think pictures of colbert with nothing but a tie might be better. Get a glimpse of the eagle :D.

that guy makes me want to become an american republican, if I wouldn't hate myself for being an immigrant and numerous other kinds of minorities. :P
He's so blah! Plus his politics make him even uglier.

He's so blah! Plus his politics make him even uglier.

You fail comedy.

He's so blah! Plus his politics make him even uglier.

You fail comedy.

You fail comedy.

Wait...what are you saying? Are you saying he's JOKING?? No. I'm not buying that. It's like saying I can't get accurate news from the Daily Show and the Onion.

Stop trying to undermine my confidence in television.

So you are quoting a blog that titles itself "liberal and progressive" that makes frequent links to the daily show, and still stating "allegedly left-wing" when talking about the daily show... Lets just be honest here..
Wait, so... because I found these video clips on a liberal blog... that has mentioned the Daily Show in the past... that means that the Daily Show is liberal?

Wait, so... because I found these video clips on a liberal blog... that has mentioned the Daily Show in the past... that means that the Daily Show is liberal?

I'M SO CONFUSED!!!!!!!

and all this time I was thinking that Fox News was already comedy network...
It isn't?

*head explodes*

It seems to me like Fox News is edging closer and closer to openly admitting to being a right-wing propaganda machine. Case in point: The Half Hour News Hour, which will air on FNC this Sunday.

Purported to be the right-wing counterbalance to the allegedly left-wing Daily Show, this piece of tripe is nothing but a series of lame and unfunny political jabs. Horrendously lame and unfunny political jabs. So horrendously lame and unfunny that it's almost funny. Maybe that's what they were going for.

Anyway, here are some preview clips to see what I mean:

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Smearing Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjIfaMwIFxU)

Promo vid: "Our show may offend the following..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3DA5lN1iwI)

Notice how all of the clips rely quite heavily on an overenthusiastic laugh track.

I got these clips from a write-up of the show (http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/02/14/conservative-comedy-show-so-bad-its-hilarious/) from Crooks and Liars, which also happens to have a running discussion of why the show falls flat. Really interesting stuff there: lots of speculation about the nature of political humor. One idea that kept coming through was the theory that left-wing humor is all about the small making fun of the mighty, and that people like that, while the right wing variety is more about the mighty making fun of the small, which just comes off as mean-spirited. Sorta like the difference between a bucket of mud being dumped on a poor housekeeper (tragedy) vs. a rich heiress (comedy). Anyway...

Thoughts?

and all this time I was thinking that Fox News was already comedy network...

It seems to me like Fox News is edging closer and closer to openly admitting to being a right-wing propaganda machine. Case in point: The Half Hour News Hour, which will air on FNC this Sunday.

Purported to be the right-wing counterbalance to the allegedly left-wing Daily Show, this piece of tripe is nothing but a series of lame and unfunny political jabs. Horrendously lame and unfunny political jabs. So horrendously lame and unfunny that it's almost funny. Maybe that's what they were going for.

Anyway, here are some preview clips to see what I mean:

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Smearing Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjIfaMwIFxU)

Promo vid: "Our show may offend the following..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3DA5lN1iwI)

Notice how all of the clips rely quite heavily on an overenthusiastic laugh track.

I got these clips from a write-up of the show (http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/02/14/conservative-comedy-show-so-bad-its-hilarious/) from Crooks and Liars, which also happens to have a running discussion of why the show falls flat. Really interesting stuff there: lots of speculation about the nature of political humor. One idea that kept coming through was the theory that left-wing humor is all about the small making fun of the mighty, and that people like that, while the right wing variety is more about the mighty making fun of the small, which just comes off as mean-spirited. Sorta like the difference between a bucket of mud being dumped on a poor housekeeper (tragedy) vs. a rich heiress (comedy). Anyway...

Thoughts?

and all this time I was thinking that Fox News was already a comedy network...

Wait, so... because I found these video clips on a liberal blog... that has mentioned the Daily Show in the past... that means that the Daily Show is liberal?

It is the curse of the liberal. Everything they show an interest in and liking toward turns liberal. I remember when I was in eighth grade, I told a girl I liked her. To this day, not a month goes by when she doesn't get an abortion, whether she needs one or not.

It is the curse of the liberal. Everything they show an interest in and liking toward turns liberal. I remember when I was in eighth grade, I told a girl I liked her. To this day, not a month goes by when she doesn't get an abortion, whether she needs one or not.

Not many realise the habit forming nature of baby killing and minority placating....till its too late...

It is the curse of the liberal. Everything they show an interest in and liking toward turns liberal. I remember when I was in eighth grade, I told a girl I liked her. To this day, not a month goes by when she doesn't get an abortion, whether she needs one or not.

So, liberals turn other people into liberals, inexplicably? Does that make them...Liberators?

Not many realise the habit forming nature of baby killing and minority placating....till its too late...

To this day, I remember her father's (the King) words:

"O fairy," he begged, "take away this horrible golden gift! Take all my lands. Take all my gold. Take everything, only give me back my little daughter."

So, liberals turn other people into liberals, inexplicably? Does that make them...Liberators?

Well, we have to like the other people... liberals are fickle.

To this day, I remember her father's (the King) words:

"O fairy," he begged, "take away this horrible golden gift! Take all my lands. Take all my gold. Take everything, only give me back my little daughter."

To quote "Joliet" Jake Blues, "Your women. I want to buy your women. The little girl, your daughters... sell them to me. Sell me your children. "

So, liberals turn other people into liberals, inexplicably? Does that make them...Liberators?

technically, but nobody ever greets them as such. usually it's just a "hi steve, how's it going?"

To quote "Joliet" Jake Blues, "Your women. I want to buy your women. The little girl, your daughters... sell them to me. Sell me your children. "

I can't have the memory of that scene of the movie and not have it brighten my day.

To quote "Joliet" Jake Blues, "Your women. I want to buy your women. The little girl, your daughters... sell them to me. Sell me your children. "

That's weird...I just used this quote on a stranger recently and freaked them out :D

America is Seccular? Is that why the majority of Americans believe in a higher power in the universe?

I never stated Seccularism was "radical".... 'Progressive' sort of goes hand in hand with seccularism nowadays....Unless your one of those "traditional seccularists" =/

The US is secular because the Constitution says so, not because some people believe in God. The Founding Fathers knew that if the US was to be free, it's official religion would have to be no religion or believe at all, to be neutral, it wasn't meant to make people comfortable, it was meant to make them free. Tyranny by majority certainly doesn't constitute freedom, ever heard of the separation of church and state?

It seems to me like Fox News is edging closer and closer to openly admitting to being a right-wing propaganda machine. Case in point: The Half Hour News Hour, which will air on FNC this Sunday.

Purported to be the right-wing counterbalance to the allegedly left-wing Daily Show, this piece of tripe is nothing but a series of lame and unfunny political jabs. Horrendously lame and unfunny political jabs. So horrendously lame and unfunny that it's almost funny. Maybe that's what they were going for.

Anyway, here are some preview clips to see what I mean:

President Limbaugh and Vice President Coulter (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F49e64yq8lI)

Smearing Obama (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YjIfaMwIFxU)

Promo vid: "Our show may offend the following..." (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w3DA5lN1iwI)

Notice how all of the clips rely quite heavily on an overenthusiastic laugh track.

I got these clips from a write-up of the show (http://www.crooksandliars.com/2007/02/14/conservative-comedy-show-so-bad-its-hilarious/) from Crooks and Liars, which also happens to have a running discussion of why the show falls flat. Really interesting stuff there: lots of speculation about the nature of political humor. One idea that kept coming through was the theory that left-wing humor is all about the small making fun of the mighty, and that people like that, while the right wing variety is more about the mighty making fun of the small, which just comes off as mean-spirited. Sorta like the difference between a bucket of mud being dumped on a poor housekeeper (tragedy) vs. a rich heiress (comedy). Anyway...

Thoughts?

The Daily Show sucks anyway,Steven Colbert FTW.

I dunno, I think pictures of colbert with nothing but a tie might be better. Get a glimpse of the eagle :D.or.. get a glimpse of some good old eagle porn (colbertondemand.com/videos/The_Colbert_Report/Eagle_Porn) :D

Interesting quote I found on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_1/2_Hour_News_Hour):

"We're not looking to be balanced. Those shows are, and we're not. That's fine for them to want to go after everybody. For our show, it's a specific thing that we are delivering."

That's straight from HHNH creator Joel Surnow (source (http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=566470)). So he's simultaneously admitting that The Daily Show and its ilk are nonpartisan while his own show is as one-sided as can be.

I wonder what Daily Show detractors have to say about that...

The Daily Show sucks anyway,Steven Colbert FTW.
You mean Stephen Colbert? :p

AWOOOGA... AWOOOGA...

Ten minute warning... :p

AWOOOGA... AWOOOGA...

Ten minute warning... :p

I don't know if I want to watch it...It might get good ratings.....yikes.

AWOOOGA... AWOOOGA...

Ten minute warning... :p

Thank you!

I don't know if I want to watch it...It might get good ratings.....yikes.
Eh, don't worry... as long as you're not in the Nielsen ratings program or have TiVo, nobody will find out. ;)

Please, those of you who have televisions that are free, watch the first episode. Please let us know just how absolutely bad it is. And if you can...MST it via text. Please?

Please, those of you who have televisions that are free, watch the first episode. Please let us know just how absolutely bad it is. And if you can...MST it via text. Please?

I can actually see the dignity of the actors leaving their bodies.

Dear God, why oh why did I have to watch this?!

Please, those of you who have televisions that are free, watch the first episode. Please let us know just how absolutely bad it is. And if you can...MST it via text. Please?
I know how you feel... I got a phone call that lasted precisely from the end of the clip I had already seen until the beginning of the first commercial break. :rolleyes:

Did catch the ACLU thing, though. Funny how they consider free-speech protection "twisting the Constitution".

You know, I figured there had to be someone out there who could do entertaining, right-wing satire well and make it informative at the same time. God only knows the left offers up its own share of stupidity that rivals that of the right...

I was wrong.

All details, please. I can't watch any of it right now because both televisions in my house are occupied--one by my parents, the other by my little sister. Otherwise I'd be watching...and cringing like the rest of you.

Did catch the ACLU thing, though. Funny how they consider free-speech protection "twisting the Constitution".

It's kind of funny, they accuse the ACLU of being left-wing bias, then gripe about them supporting ultra-right-wing groups....

Hehe.. Obama supported by Marion Barry. :p

All details, please. I can't watch any of it right now because both televisions in my house are occupied--one by my parents, the other by my little sister. Otherwise I'd be watching...and cringing like the rest of you.

They showed a bunch of crap about Obama, about a fictional magazine called BO, now they're saying electric cars are worthless.

Stuff about how Che is on T-shirts, yet he imprisoned people without giving them a trial. Snipes at for hollywood supporting various humane causes.

Making fun of Global Warming, gross caricature of a scientist who believes in global warming.

I'm watching this right now, its more like an ultra-conservative sitcom than a plotical show. Everybody acting and its painfully unfunny. This is a new low for fox.

It's actually not that bad. They just got done talking to a tshirt salesman who sells shirts depicting mass murderers and crackpot dictators. One shirt had a picture of Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with a caption reading, "Shiite Happens".
"Yeah, get it? It's like 'bull-shiite'!"

*raucous laughter*

It's actually not that bad. They just got done talking to a tshirt salesman who sells shirts depicting mass murderers and crackpot dictators. One shirt had a picture of Iran's Mahmoud Ahmadinejad with a caption reading, "Shiite Happens".

They showed a bunch of crap about Obama, about a fictional magazine called BO, now they're saying electric cars are worthless.

So apart from the Obama bit, is there anything about current events that have happened in the past couple of days, or are they just talking shit about everything they can think of first?

I can actually see the dignity of the actors leaving their bodies.
http://ccinsider.comedycentral.com/cc_insider/2007/02/12_hour_comedy_.html

So apart from the Obama bit, is there anything about current events that have happened in the past couple of days, or are they just talking shit about everything they can think of first?
I read somewhere that the most recent "current event" mentioned on the show happened back in January.

EDIT: From the Philadelphia Enquirer (http://www.philly.com/mld/philly/16718773.htm):

The show might be better suited for the History Channel. The most recent occurrence mentioned tomorrow is the destruction of Suzanne Somers' Malibu, Calif., house in a Jan. 8 fire.

So apart from the Obama bit, is there anything about current events that have happened in the past couple of days, or are they just talking shit about everything they can think of first?

Yup, sub-par acting mixed with vicious, unfunny slander.....

The thing is, I bet people will love it.....

I am so glad I decided not to watch it.

.. I lost intrest, came back, and it was over.

Yup, sub-par acting mixed with vicious, unfunny slander.....

The thing is, I bet people will love it.....

http://www.metacritic.com/tv/shows/halfhournewshour?q=news%20hour

http://www.metacritic.com/tv/shows/halfhournewshour?q=news%20hour

Well, that's a little comfort. I would not at all oppose a funny right-bias comedy show, but this just isn't funny.

Oh oh oh! They're going to do "hilarious highlights" of the show! :(

Oh oh oh! They're going to do "hilarious highlights" of the show! :(
How can you have "highlights" from a thirty minute show, with commercials? That'd be hard to do even if the show in question were funny to begin with.

EDIT: Holy crap, they're actually doing it! :eek: I thought you were kidding...

Oh oh oh! They're going to do "hilarious highlights" of the show! :(

Oh do tell. I'd love to hear the most hilarious bits from this show. Presuming, of course, we speak in relative terms.

Oh right, that thing was on. I forgot.

OMG, those poor, poor people.

I expected to dislike the show, even be offended.

I didn't expect to pity everyone involved.

Didn't get to see the show. I'm sure I can catch a rerun if I really want to. Though I think that I will just be seeing a nails on chalkboard kind of program so maybe it is for the best that I didn't get the chance in seeing just how bad it actually was.

Oh oh oh! They're going to do "hilarious highlights" of the show! :(

If someone hacks into whatever they use to air the stuff and replaces it with footage of crickets chirping, I will declare them my new god.

As much of a flop as it has been, it's fairly clear why they felt a need to try.

As much of a flop as it has been, it's fairly clear why they felt a need to try.
Not really. The creator of the show himself said that Stewart, Colbert, et al are not partisan, and that he wants his show to break that mold. Fox doesn't want to "balance" anything -- they just want a right-wing comedy show out there.

Not really. The creator of the show himself said that Stewart, Colbert, et al are not partisan, and that he wants his show to break that mold. Fox doesn't want to "balance" anything -- they just want a right-wing comedy show out there.

If the creator wants a right-wing comedy show then he should hire better writers.

If the creator wants a right-wing comedy show then he should hire better writers.

Unless this really is the best they can do.

Unless this really is the best they can do.

Well, it is FOX News we are talking about. Quality isn't exactly high on their list when they air programming.

Not really. The creator of the show himself said that Stewart, Colbert, et al are not partisan, and that he wants his show to break that mold. Fox doesn't want to "balance" anything -- they just want a right-wing comedy show out there.
Well, I could explain why.
O'REILLY: You know what's really frightening?
STEWART: You've been reading my diary.
O'REILLY: You actually have an influence on this presidential election. That is scary.
There's a perception - and I'm not going to say it's wrong - that Stewart et al have had a surprising impact on public opinion through their shows. The Republican Party has taken a beating in the polls in the last election, and Fox News' ratings have been sliding; they hadn't tried this yet, and it's been a big hit among young adults on other networks' shows.

Fox doesn't do comedy, well they do, but as the butt of the joke. The Daily Show isn't left wing, it isn't right wing, it's funny, plain and simple. They throw punches at both sides and don't hold back, when Clinton was in office they ripped on Clinton, now that Bush is in office they rip on Bush. The only reason why the Daily Show would seem left wing is because they jump on the news stations every time they mess up, Fox just does it a lot more often than others. Like when Anna Nicole Smith died, I watched NBC and CBS, each was saying "We do not at this time know the cause of her death." when I went to Fox I heard "We can now confirm that Smith died of a drug overdose." Wrong again.

BTW, I'm a conservative but I HATE Fox, especially O'Reilly.

Well, I could explain why.

There's a perception - and I'm not going to say it's wrong - that Stewart et al have had a surprising impact on public opinion through their shows. The Republican Party has taken a beating in the polls in the last election, and Fox News' ratings have been sliding; they hadn't tried this yet, and it's been a big hit among young adults on other networks' shows.

Yes, but it's been funny on those networks. And from everything I've been hearing this is at best a few chuckles.

Just watched the replay. Horrible as expected. There wasn't even at least a real interview or any clips. Acting was obviously acting, unlike the Daily Show and the editing was like a sitcom with laughable cut-aways. Crappy production values too and disjointed canned laughter.

Well, I could explain why.

There's a perception - and I'm not going to say it's wrong - that Stewart et al have had a surprising impact on public opinion through their shows. The Republican Party has taken a beating in the polls in the last election, and Fox News' ratings have been sliding; they hadn't tried this yet, and it's been a big hit among young adults on other networks' shows.

But thoes other networks have QUALITY comedy ...

Fox doesn't do comedy . . .

*cough* -The Simpsons- *cough*

Also,

*cough* -Futurama- *cough*
*cough* -Family Guy- *cough*
*cough* -House- *cough*

*cough* -The Simpsons- *cough*

Also,

*cough* -Futurama- *cough*
*cough* -Family Guy- *cough*
*cough* -House- *cough*

I think he meant Fox News, not Fox. Also, Arrested Development.

I'll tell you what, if God really is like how the conservatives tell us, when I die I will have to tell him alot of things. I'll tell him he's a intolerant, racist, bigot, islamophobe, homophobe, warmonger, classist, anti-populace reactionary. Thankfully though I am pretty sure he's not like that.

i honestly hate biased media, but i loved how msnbc called fox news biased.

its like the pot calling the kettle black. :p

yeah well when the revolution occurs we'll see what happens to Fox...

i honestly hate biased media, but i loved how msnbc called fox news biased.

its like the pot calling the kettle black. :pNah, not really. All American "news" channels are biased, but Fox manages to top them all.

i honestly hate biased media, but i loved how msnbc called fox news biased.

its like the pot calling the kettle black. :p
If you're talking about "analysis" shows, then maybe you have a point, but MSNBC still does a lot of straight news, while Fox has given up any pretense of that now. There's still a difference between the two.

Making fun of Global Warming, gross caricature of a scientist who believes in global warming.You have got to be kidding me. Seriously? Oh my God. *blood pressure spikes*

You have got to be kidding me. Seriously? Oh my God. *blood pressure spikes*

Lol.. I was looking for the video on foxnews.com and I saw an ad for "Lower Blood Pressure" and giggled... No link that I could see though.

Here's the Obama thing: http://www.foxnews.com/video2/player06.html?021307/021307_hc_halfhour&Hannity_Colmes&Special%2520Preview%2521&Special%2520Preview%2521&Hannity%2520%2526%2520Colmes&-1&Shows&193&&&exp

Lol.. I was looking for the video on foxnews.com and I saw an ad for "Lower Blood Pressure" and giggled... No link that I could see though.Hehe, excellent tie-in, have to give them that. :p
And no, please, no video. That would just be too much.

i honestly hate biased media, but i loved how msnbc called fox news biased.

its like the pot calling the kettle black. :p

No, it's like the kettle calling the pot black. MSNBC is a conservative media outlet, but they try to pretend that they've still got some connection to reality. But they're the guys who fired Donahue (their most profitable talent) when he was criticizing Bush's lead up to the Iraq war.

But it wasn't MSNBC as a whole that called FOX biased. It's not like how FOX had promos asking "is MSNBC America's news network?" after they had an interview with a General who said that Bush's plan was a bad one. "Support the troops by ignoring what they have to say about our president"?

Hehe, excellent tie-in, have to give them that. :p
And no, please, no video. That would just be too much.

Too bad, the part where they made fun of electric cars was just oh so funny.