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Colbert: The New Bob Hope

Iraq stint brings back predecessor's 'easy-going' style

By Matt Cantor, Newser Staff

Posted Jun 12, 2009 7:36 AM CDT

(Newser) – Taping his show in Iraq this week, Stephen Colbert channeled Bob Hope in an "unexpectedly charming" series of shows, writes Alessandra Stanley in the New York Times. Colbert largely stayed in ultra-right character, though he let it slip in places. His interviews were “pleasant, not barbed,” and his standup was “as easygoing and good-natured as many a Bob Hope performance.”

One big difference between the two comics: their intended—and actual—audiences. While Hope was focused on entertaining troops cut off from the outside world, Colbert wanted to remind viewers that there are still 130,000 US troops in Iraq. And while Hope grabbed 60% of the TV audience with Vietnam shows, Colbert has a small audience, but his “cachet” with viewers “who despise conventional politics” was enough to win participation from presidents past and present.

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

In this photo taken Sunday, June 7, 2009, released by the U.S. military, comedian Stephen Colbert is shown taping the first of four shows in front of U.S. soldiers at Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq. (AP Photo/Steve Manuel, HO)

In this handout photo taken Sunday, June 7, 2009, released by the U.S. military, comedian Stephen Colbert gets a military-style haircut from General Raymond Odierno in Baghdad. (AP Photo/ Steve Manuel, HO)

Colbert appears on the cover of Newsweek. (PRNewsFoto/NEWSWEEK)

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Mr. Colbert’s skits and stunts—a mock stint in basic training, a haircut administered by Gen. Ray Odierno —were designed to hold the attention of easily distracted audiences back home. - Alessandra Stanley

Normally celebrities go to combat zones with the U.S.O. In this case Mr. Colbert took the U.S.O. on a trip with Comedy Central. - Alessandra Stanley

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Colbert: The New Bob Hope