- Yesterday, CBS announced that Stephen Colbert, the flag-waving, eagle-loving faux-conservative comedian, will replace David Letterman as the next host of the Late Show.
- Although Colbert made his name on Comedy Central by impersonating a right-wing pundit, he'll play it straight when he gets to the big time. Some people are questioning whether plain ol' Stephen Colbert will be as funny as his Republican alter ego. (Others wondered why Colbert would take such a big risk, when he's got a good thing going already.)
- But as The New York Times notes, he has strayed from political comedy before-sort of.
- Colbert's ascension to the vaunted late-night seat riled up a lot of people. Rush Limbaugh, in particular, did not hold back, decreeing that CBS was "declaring war on the heartland of America" by hiring Colbert.
- Another right-wing writer compared Colbert's Republican persona to actual blackface, what he calls "Conservativeface." "His show is about pure hatred for conservatives in the same way that blackface was about pure hatred of blacks."
- Bill O'Reilly had a pithier response. "I hope Colbert will consider me for the Ed McMahon spot," he told Time.
- Twitter, as usual, was a clearinghouse for all sorts of discontent with CBS's pick. "In spite of being white, male, straight, popular, competent, and rich, Stephen Colbert has overcome the odds and succeeded," writer Teju Cole tweeted.
- It is a fair question: Will a non-white, non-male ever get a network late-night gig?
- On the other hand, the news did give many a list aggregator the chance to delve into Colbert's extensive oeuvre. Remember his star turn on Law and Order?
Daily Meme: Who's Afraid of Stephen Colbert?
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