19 Comments
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Karin Miller's avatar

1. Stephen Colbert is a total mensch. Thank you for confirming that. I too hopes he finds a new bully pulpit. 2. Seriously, Bess. You are the best writer on the planet. As a writer myself, I know you must consider pacing, flow, storytelling and every goddamn word, and you make it look absolutely effortless. Thank you for sharing your gift with all of us.

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Scott's avatar

Thanks for writing this. Colbert's in-person roast of Bush in 2006 was one of the sharpest, funniest things I've ever seen. I think people forget what a sloppy mess Bush and his administration were, and how liberals felt threatened by it. Colbert stood up in front of them and put them all on absolute blast. It was freedom of speech in its purest form. We need 100 Stephen Colberts hosting 100 Late Shows. This is a shocking, painful loss, and further evidence that we're all allowing this to happen. Not just the greedy cowards at Paramount/CBS, but the rest of us who just keep our heads down, waiting for it all to pass. It didn't for Stephen Colbert and his team. Will it pass for the rest of us?

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Scott's avatar

Sorry, I realize that was a lot. I'm just upset over it all.

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Sy Sussman's avatar

I knew Colbert back in his Chicago theatre / Second City days. He was funny and a mensch back then. I’m glad he hasn’t changed. And kudos to him for his courage. My bet is that he moves on to an even better gig.

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Linda Blatnik's avatar

Thank you. I really love him and this is devastating and scary.

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Jen Coleslaw's avatar

How many times can our hearts keep breaking from all the things *gestures wildly* Bess? I know that's how the light gets in, but by darlings, that light is getting dim. Love, Jen

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Archer's avatar

My parents have watched the late night shows, Jimmy, Jimmy, and Stephen mostly, since DJT took office the first time. They use it as sort of an AI summary of the news. Probably helps that we, as a family, enjoy dark humor...

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Julie BERG's avatar

Once again, Bess, you nailed the reasons I adore Stephen Colbert. Colbert oozes his humanity with goodness and a spirit of generosity with humor and grace. I will follow him wherever he lands. I canceled my Paramount subscription yesterday.

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Miranda's avatar

As always, thank you.

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Kathy Tallering's avatar

So well said! Thank you!

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Jacob Reed's avatar

Well said, thanks for writing this.

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Abby Maslin's avatar

This was so exceptionally insightful and well-written; it needs to be reverberated across the internet. Thank you for sharing your up-close experience with Colbert, and also for reminding us how this story fits into the larger picture - one we desperately need to wake up to.

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Robin Taylor's avatar

So true! My best wishes to Colbert--may he find an even bigger audience! We need him.

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Jackie Doucette's avatar

Thank you, Bess. All of this and then some.

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Linda Mendoza's avatar

Bess, beautifully written! God bless you, Stephen and Jimmy. We need your voices. 💜

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Cameron's avatar

❤️

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Mark Neistat's avatar

Stephen Colbert will be back in our "new media" environment. Sharper, more devastating, guerrilla-like, and, hopefully, viral.

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