Clinton steps up feud with Colbert.
Clinton steps up feud with Colbert.
Last year, Center for American Progress CEO John Podesta convinced Stephen Colbert to give the commencement address at Podesta’s alma mater Knox College. This year, Knox invited President Clinton to be the commencement speaker, and Colbert was livid:
Colbert launched the January 22 edition of his Comedy Central program, “The Colbert Report,” with a four-minute installment of the series he calls “Who’s Riding My Coattails Now,” on which he threatened to burn the honorary doctorate of fine arts that Knox awarded him last year.
“If you give [President] Clinton the same doctorate you gave me, I will be forced to burn [my degree] on the air,” Colbert said, contending that the former president had “stolen his thunder.”
This past weekend, Clinton gave his commencement address at Knox and shot back:
When Lincoln ran for presidency in 1860 — the truth is, that’s why he got this honorary degree, your college was trying to help get him elected, and you wanted to give him a little boost. One hundred and forty six years later, you gave Stephen Colbert a degree to give his ratings a boost. That’s what Al Gore now calls an assault on reason. 2007, you’re giving me an honorary degree so I can be attacked by Stephen Colbert.
Watch it:
Transcript:
And I was thinking that Knox has always been remarkably consistent. You know, this university was born in the throes of the anti-slavery movement, and was revolutionary from its beginning in being open to people of color and to women from the beginning. So this is not such a balancing act after all because if I had been alive when you gave the degree to Abraham Lincoln, I would have been a Republican. And if he were alive today, I kinda think he’d be a Democrat.
The last, the fifth debate which Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Douglas had here, was an interesting one because it contained at the time Lincoln’s most passionate attack on slavery. But that has tended to obscure what I think were the good intentions of his fellow citizen of Illinois, Stephen Douglas, as they were setting up what would later become their contest for the presidency in 1860, for both of them were moving away from the extremes of their parties, struggling to find a way to hold the country together. When Lincoln ran for presidency in 1860 — the truth is, that’s why he got this honorary degree, your college was trying to help get him elected, and you wanted to give him a little boost.
One hundred and forty six years later, you gave Stephen Colbert a degree to give his ratings a boost. That’s what Al Gore now calls an assault on reason. 2007, you’re giving me an honorary degree so I can be attacked by Stephen Colbert. John Quincy Adams once said after leaving the White House that there is nothing so pathetic as a former president.
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Is this TP taking a shot at Colbert for a joke he made? Is it because the joke was about a Clinton?
I don’t get this post at all.
I am sure the trolls willl love it though. Good job TP.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:37 pmBill Clinton: Greatest President of our generation. Thank you, Bill.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:38 pmClinton steps up fued [sic] with Colbert.
*sigh*
TP, I believe the word you are groping for is “feud”.
Again, I’m available if you should require my services as editor…and my rates are reasonable.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:40 pmI am also perplexed, Spudge Boy.
I like Stephen Colbert. He was only joking.
Does Clinto not realize Colbert is a fake?
Someone explain to me.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:40 pmI thought Prez Clinton was trying to be funny, especially after this line:
June 4th, 2007 at 5:40 pm
Comment by Spudge_Boy — June 4, 2007 @ 5:37 pm
No, this is TP trying to save face because they f-ed up put up a thread on Hilton.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:41 pmIt’s just a joke Spudge.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:41 pmNow, how is this site linked with the Clintons again? Or is that the connection of which we do not speak?
By the way, very witty there ex-Prez, and funny.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:41 pmI think Colbert and Clinton are showing respect by acknowledging the humor in each other like that.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:43 pmFor the irony-deficient among us:
Bill Clinton knew Colbert was joking (it’s only conservatives who think he’s serious) and shot back in kind.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:45 pmIt’s a display of the ever expanding humor that Colbert uses. How many times do you hear about Bill O’Reilly’s name being mentioned in commencement speeches?
Kudos to Clinton and to Colbert. Keep it running.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:45 pmIt’s ALL in good fun. It’s random and amusing. Not everything has to be serious all the time.
So does this mean that Bill Clinton will soon be on the Colbert Report before/during/after Colbert burns his degree? That would be HILARIOUS.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:45 pmOnce again, democrats show how to poke fun at their own. Something the other side doesn’t seem to be able to do.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:46 pmJeez, Clinton can’t take a joke.
He’s acting like the Repukes after Colbert spoke at the press dinner last year.
But then the Clintons are DLC DINOs and are not much better than Repukes anyway.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:48 pmStephen Colbert rocks!
And so does Bill!
:-)
June 4th, 2007 at 5:50 pmAll of Colbert, Clinton and Think Progress are joking.
Jeez guys, it’s supposed to be Feminists and Reichtards that have no sense of humor, not progressive liberals!
June 4th, 2007 at 5:50 pmI am also perplexed, Spudge Boy.
I like Stephen Colbert. He was only joking.
Does Clinto not realize Colbert is a fake?
Someone explain to me.
Comment by trueblue
I think Bill Clinton was just being funny. I’m sure he loves Stephen Colbert.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:57 pmBill Clinton: Horniest President of our generation. Thank you, Bill.
Comment by Oversight is a Bitch
June 4th, 2007 at 5:57 pmNo, this is TP trying to save face because they f-ed up put up a thread on Hilton.
Comment by Mr. President
Right, it’s a vast liberal attack on comedy. Whatever.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:57 pmHey anon – whatcha got against feminists? I consider myself one and I think Stephen Colbert is great. Very attractive too with those twinkling blue eyes.
When women are asked, they usually say that a good sense of humor is the most important trait they look for in a guy.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:58 pmBill Clinton knew Colbert was joking (it’s only conservatives who think he’s serious) and shot back in kind.
Comment by KRank
Right. All of Colbert’s real anger is against Barry Manilow for stealing his Emmy. Craig Ferguson on CBS is also angry at Manilow. Manilow better watch his back, these are dangerous guys.
June 4th, 2007 at 5:59 pmSo does this mean that Bill Clinton will soon be on the Colbert Report before/during/after Colbert burns his degree? That would be HILARIOUS.
Comment by Ted
Now that would be something to see. Both the show where he burns his degree and the show with Clinton.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:01 pmI think the dawg is just playing along with Clobert. I’m not taking it too seriously as a rift, I think the dawg is smart enough to no Clobert is a caricature. A comment at Colbert will be rebutted, obviously. This leads to Bill being on The Report.
(this is my first post on TP, I love the site)
June 4th, 2007 at 6:04 pmHey anon – whatcha got against feminists? I consider myself one and I think Stephen Colbert is great. Very attractive too with those twinkling blue eyes.
When women are asked, they usually say that a good sense of humor is the most important trait they look for in a guy.
Comment by margaret
Margaret, if you think Colbert is attractive you should watch Craig Ferguson on CBS after Letterman. Handsome in the same kind of way and smart and funny. He also lost the Emmy to Barry Manilow.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:04 pm#18: perhaps. But I see you didn’t disagree with “GREATEST.” Thanks for the endorsement.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:04 pmmargaret sez:
That’s what got me my wife…
…that, and my dynamite a$$. ^_^
June 4th, 2007 at 6:04 pmIs this a slow news day or what? Both are joking, no “fued”…
June 4th, 2007 at 6:05 pmBut then the Clintons are DLC DINOs and are not much better than Repukes anyway.
Comment by Tom3
It’s a joke, Tom3. See #7.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:07 pmIt’s just a joke Spudge.
Comment by Admin
Spudge has syphilis (late stage)
June 4th, 2007 at 6:07 pmSigns and symptoms of the late stage of syphilis include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia.
That’s was funny. President Clinton still has a sense of humor. And yeah, he was a good President. Can’t say the same about boy Bush.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:07 pm#26. Hilarious!
June 4th, 2007 at 6:08 pmHow far we have fallen!
Uhm, this is called “tongue in cheek.” It’s a kind of humor that often involves “sarcasm,” which means, we say something other than what we really mean, for effect.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:08 pm29. Comment by Flaco — fking rolling!!!! Good one.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:09 pmI fully expect these guys to assault each other with super soakers next.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:09 pmBill gets sexier and more adorable every time I see him. A perfect argument for cloning!!
June 4th, 2007 at 6:11 pm“I think Stephen Colbert is great. Very attractive too with those twinkling blue eyes.”
Comment by margaret
Are his eyes really blue?
June 4th, 2007 at 6:11 pmMaybe it’s time for me to get a new monitor…….
Flaco sez:
Fortunately for Spudge, syphilis is treatable.
Unfortunately for you, there is no cure for STUPID.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:12 pmBill Clinton: Greatest Serial Rapist of our generation. Thank you, Bill.
Comment by Oversight is a Bitch.
Here I fixed it. Heh
June 4th, 2007 at 6:12 pmSpudge has syphilis (late stage)
Signs and symptoms of the late stage of syphilis include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia.
Comment by Flaco — June 4, 2007 @ 6:07 pm
And what would any of those have to do with not getting a joke?
29. Comment by Flaco — fking rolling!!!! Good one.
Comment by JTitor — June 4, 2007 @ 6:09 pm
Yes absolutely hilarious, like when I repeatedly point out that the both of you are stupid fu*ks. ROLFMAO dee dee dee.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:15 pmI wish I could have heard the entire speech. President Clinton is a great orator, unlike the bumbling boy Bush.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:16 pmThat’s what got me my wife…
…that, and my dynamite a$$. ^_^
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — June 4, 2007 @ 6:04 pm
Well it’s not the humility! LOL
June 4th, 2007 at 6:26 pmSigns and symptoms of the late stage of syphilis include difficulty coordinating muscle movements, paralysis, numbness, gradual blindness, and dementia.
Comment by Flaco
Quite the self-analysis Flako. Especially the dementia part.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:27 pmThe title of this feud is a joke, and the way Bill played it, it was a joke.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:29 pmAs others put it, Bill Clinton is the best potitican-orater of our time, he is also honestly self depricating, something that some(?) would take as a weakness!
…that, and my dynamite a$$. ^_^
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — June 4, 2007 @ 6:04 pm
That’s NOT where to put dynamite! Perhaps you meant DynOMite (credit to Jimmy Walker)
June 4th, 2007 at 6:30 pm“Hey even Presidents git horny” President Clinton
June 4th, 2007 at 6:31 pmshane sez:
My wife’s words, not mine. Heck, I can’t even see what it looks like, what with it being behind me and all… ^_^
June 4th, 2007 at 6:36 pmBubba Clinton sez:
Zooey gives me a chubby. Heh ;-)
June 4th, 2007 at 6:37 pmI want to see the Clinton Colbert Debate (pronounced Clinnon Colber Debay).
June 4th, 2007 at 6:38 pmFlaco says… “I just love me some boy Bush. We have so much in common, like being stupid.”
June 4th, 2007 at 6:40 pm“Hey even Presidents git horny†President Clinton
Comment by Flaco — June 4, 2007 @ 6:31 pm
Well that explains the Gannon overnights…
Bubba Clinton sez:
Zooey gives me a chubby. Heh ;-)
Comment by Flaco — June 4, 2007 @ 6:37 pm
We all know seeing the other males at the zoo gives you a chubby. How is it being a “homosexual” animal, in the party of “pretend-straight-white-men”? (cough) Son?
June 4th, 2007 at 6:42 pmPresident Clinton’s integrity?
Oxymoron for sure! Heh
June 4th, 2007 at 6:42 pmMr. President the commentating troll apparently has the same genetic abnormality that disallows him from sensing humor. To paraphrase Randi Rhodes: “When you’re a Liberal, you are released and become funny.” Pity the poor troll, hiding under his bridge and poking his paltry pieces at those walking in the sun above.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:42 pmThat’s what got me my wife…
…that, and my dynamite a$$. ^_^
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — June 4, 2007 @ 6:04 pm
You’re gonna back up that statement with a link, aren’t you?
June 4th, 2007 at 6:46 pmBubba Clinton sez:
Zooey gives me a chubby. Heh ;-)
Comment by Flaco
Get bent, limp dick.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:48 pmMy wife’s words, not mine. Heck, I can’t even see what it looks like, what with it being behind me and all… ^_^
Comment by TripMaster Monkey — June 4, 2007 @ 6:36 pm
Now I have a visual of you trying to see. That’s hot. (My Paris (ick) Hilton imitation.)
June 4th, 2007 at 6:50 pmZooey – hummm… not sure I’m interested in seeing TMM’s “dynamite a$$. ^_^” even though it may be lovely and all… I do appreciate TMM’s sense of humor and intelligence.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:50 pmOh how I long for the days of having President who can speak clearly, put sentences together and understands the English language…..
June 4th, 2007 at 6:52 pmGet bent, TINY limp dick.
Comment by Zooey — June 4, 2007 @ 6:48 pm
Fixed that one, whew.
It’s like the chicken or the egg. Do people become neocons because they have no sense of humor or do they have no sense of humor because they’re neocons. Oh, who really cares.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:53 pmZooey – hummm… not sure I’m interested in seeing TMM’s “dynamite a$$. ^_^†even though it may be lovely and all… I do appreciate TMM’s sense of humor and intelligence.
Comment by Coffins draped with flags — June 4, 2007 @ 6:50 pm
Aw shucks, many of the ladies here would like to take a peek. Just act like a neocon and close your eyes and you won’t see anything.
June 4th, 2007 at 6:55 pmJeez guys, it’s supposed to be Feminists and Reichtards that have no sense of humor, not progressive liberals!
Comment by anon — June 4, 2007 @ 5:50 pm
…
#
Hey anon – whatcha got against feminists? I consider myself one and I think Stephen Colbert is great. Very attractive too with those twinkling blue eyes.
When women are asked, they usually say that a good sense of humor is the most important trait they look for in a guy.
Comment by margaret — June 4, 2007 @ 5:58 pm
Q: How many feminists does it take to screw in a light bulb?
June 4th, 2007 at 7:03 pmA: That’s not funny!
Shane,
Thanks for fixing that comment. I don’t know WHAT I was thinking. Whew.
Yeah, I’d take a gander at TMM’s ass. Just to make sure he’s telling the truth, of course.
June 4th, 2007 at 7:04 pmQ: How many feminists does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: That’s not funny!
Comment by anon
Dude,
Not fair! We feminists on TP are very funny.
And I’m not talking about looks. :D
June 4th, 2007 at 7:06 pmThey are really having fun with each other…heehee
June 4th, 2007 at 7:14 pmWhat is funny is all the people that missed the humor.
HAHAHA
Clinton is setting up a great Colbert rant, maybe tonight!
Then Colbert will have Clinton on with some great laughs.
I still laugh when I think about Sean Penn pulling out a pair
of Bush’s blood soaked underwear out of his pocket, WITH
the poet laurate Pinsky playing along!!
P.S. I would have watched the whole speech also.
June 4th, 2007 at 7:17 pmAnd yes, how nice to have a president who can speak in whole sentences, oh wait, Clinton is not president.
“Q: How many feminists does it take to screw in a light bulb?”
I’m having some difficulty with this one… is it an incandescent bulb, or an LED?
June 4th, 2007 at 7:17 pmIt’s one of those new fangled curly corkscrew type flourescents, heyzeus..
June 4th, 2007 at 7:22 pm“Q: How many feminists does it take to screw in a light bulb?â€
A: Just one, as long as the light bulb consents.
June 4th, 2007 at 7:33 pmSurely this thread is a farce. Colbert was playing his role as the sanctimonious rightwinger, a la O’Reilly. Surely Clinton recognizes satire when he sees it.
June 4th, 2007 at 7:37 pmPerhaps this thread is not to be taken seriously, but instead plays along with the “feud” between Colbert and Clinton.
How many northern californians does it take to screw in a lightbulb?
Northern californians don’t screw in lightbulbs, they screw in hot tubs.
Which just shows you how old I am.
June 4th, 2007 at 7:39 pm“Q: How many neocons does it take to screw in a light bulb?â€
A: How much kick-back is involved?
June 4th, 2007 at 7:42 pmIt is so refreshing to listen to such an intelligent politician!
June 4th, 2007 at 7:59 pmQ.: How many trolls does it take to screw in a light bulb?
June 4th, 2007 at 8:00 pmA.: (What’s the point…….)
” [...] you gave Stephen Colbert a degree to give his ratings a boost. That’s what Al Gore now calls an assault on reason. “
um… was that a jab at gore? … too bad, bill…
is everybody taking things TOO seriously here?
stephen will surely have to say SOMEthing tonight…
June 4th, 2007 at 8:01 pmQ: How many neocons does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A: Do you really want them to breed?
June 4th, 2007 at 8:04 pmQ.: How many trolls does it take to screw in a light bulb?
A.: (What’s the point…….)
Comment by heyzeus
How about this one?
Q.: How many trolls does it take to screw in a light bulb?
June 4th, 2007 at 8:04 pmA.: Arrrrggghhhh! The light — it burns!!!
*scurries back under bridge*
TMM,
Still waiting for that link…..it’s been over two hours…..
June 4th, 2007 at 8:05 pmWe all owe Stephen Colbert a debt of gratitude for the invention of the word “truthiness”!
June 4th, 2007 at 8:12 pmZooey #74
We have a winner!
June 4th, 2007 at 8:12 pmComment by Zooey — June 4, 2007 @ 8:05 pm
Sorry, Z, but my wife has recently reclassified that intelligence. ;)
June 4th, 2007 at 8:17 pmI concur!
June 4th, 2007 at 8:22 pmSorry, Z, but my wife has recently reclassified that intelligence. ;)
Comment by TripMaster Monkey
*sniff*
At least I did well with the lightbulb question.
:-D
June 4th, 2007 at 8:29 pmI think they are both joking
June 4th, 2007 at 8:38 pmbill clinton the biggest sex offender of the 90’s
I did not have sexual relations with that woman,but i did with this one,and this one.
June 4th, 2007 at 9:38 pmYou’re probably right heyzeus, I think his eyes are brown – but they sure do twinkle!
And Trip – there’s a lot to be said for a nice a$$! lol
Thanks for the tip Shane! :D
June 4th, 2007 at 9:53 pmDid you see Sharon Stone flirting with Bill the other day? She looked like she was laying it on thick.
I suspect Bill’s conquests were with willing participants. If Hillary’s okay with it then so am I.
June 4th, 2007 at 10:02 pmMan I love Bill! I miss having a smart president, sigh. Can’t wait to see Colbert’s response.
June 4th, 2007 at 10:36 pmBill Clinton has got to be a guest on the Colbert Report. Clinton versus Colbert would be the ultimate smackdown: charisma and sharp wit versus deadpan delivery of outrageous rationalizations.
Favorite Colbert phrase: “flaccid w/ rage.” That is the epitome of Dubya.
June 4th, 2007 at 10:50 pmI suspect Bill’s conquests were with willing participants. If Hillary’s okay with it then so am I.
Comment by margaret
Amen! What’s wrong with people worrying about their own marriages and staying out of others.
June 4th, 2007 at 11:05 pmI think calling this a feud is a bit harsh. Looks like comedic discourse to me.
June 4th, 2007 at 11:25 pmit is a joke people.
June 4th, 2007 at 11:26 pmAwesome. Best fake Colbert feud since Willie Nelson.
So when’s Clinton going on the Report?
June 5th, 2007 at 1:36 pmit is obvious that all parties are just havein a laugh. C’mon people.
June 5th, 2007 at 2:53 pmI was there. It was joke.
Only the humor-impaired could possibly think that it was anything other than a joke.
June 5th, 2007 at 6:03 pm