Stephen Colbert is one of the most refreshing comedians working today. He maintains his character’s obnoxiousness during his own show, riffing and improvising during interviews with everyone from Bill O’Reilly to Elijah Wood, building his character to deadpan heights even with Jane Fonda’s tongue in his ear.
But in the hot seat himself, as an interviewee on Letterman, Oprah or even with Playboy magazine, Colbert is authentic, candid, funny and a fast-on-his-feet smartie. In early December Colbert visited Google’s New York offices and taped an interview for At Google Talks. Colbert fans will want to check out the unedited version recently posted by Google. As a guest, Colbert is funnier than Jon Stewart and we get an honest look at the bright guy behind the buffoon. The uncut interview has its highlights, including the point when Colbert’s reaction to Eric Schmidt’s suggestion that The Colbert Report launch its own YouTube show. His answers to questions from the audience are engaging, funny and revealing. It’s wonderful to hear the personal story about the moment he realized he wanted to make people laugh.
Colbert was also conducting business. The interview was part of his book tour to promote America Again: Re-Becoming the Greatness We Never Weren’t. Below, you can see Colbert give his comedic pitch for the book. And, if you want to download a free audio copy, you can always do so by starting a Free 30-Day Trial with Audible.com. We have details here.
Kate Rix writes about digital media and education. Read more of her work at katerixwriter.com and at thenifty.blogspot.com.
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