Colbert Humors, Annoys Congressmen

Comedian Stephen Colbert was asked to leave during testimony on Capitol Hill. For more, click here: abcnews.go.com/...

[@SaintRawman]

Trivializing? Seriously? You think he was trivializing the issue? He was trivializing the US government's response to the issue. He was mocking the average conservative's response to migrant workers. He was making a strong point, and if our government officials were too stupid to see that, perhaps they shouldn't be in fucking charge of the government.

[@pchou]

Well said. ABC shame on you. What craptastic report was that.

[@andrewshotathompson5116]

Indeed, if anything that is what congress deserves at this point

[@stuna91]

God dammit took the words right out of my mouth. I wish I can up vote ya up more than once!!!

[@wilaustu]

Yeah, actually Colbert was drawing attention to how this issue has already been unjustly trivialized.

[@PaintedHoundie]

*Comedian* *Wise Cracking* "Oh he must be making a mockery of something serious." That's really all they needed to run with that story.

[@highvelocity123]

The point Colbert was making was obvious, but saying it with levity makes it an easier pill to swallow. And did he slam the politicians a bit, sure he did, but it seems only a guilty person would take offense.

[@scottpedroley5851]

guilty....?

[@toxicdane]

+Scott Pedroley as in guilty of not reading the bills, because that's the only way you'd take offence to him saying "like most congress members I haven't read the bill."

[@toddleshane]

+highvelocity123 Preach!

[@toxicdane]

XmictianX That's a really dumb comparison lol, if you're one of the congress who actually does read all the bills you probably feel the same as Colbert. Again, you'd only get offended if it was true.

[@MicaylaRuby]

Yeah, Im kinda glad be pulled their hair a little, no one else is doing it. (I know this comment is old but the video came up in my feed)

[@pineapplepeanuts]

I don't think Colbert gets enough credit as an actor. The dude is playing a fucking character in real life situations like this - no lines, no director, dynamic situations, and he nails it. Its because of his improv training that he's able to take his character anywhere.

[@sierra6588]

Nails it he does! Self-serving people in Congress hate that...aaawww poor, poor things

[@PanthraxIV]

He's an underrated genius. Hopefully, 50 years from now, people will remember him for his satirical skill.

[@JimTLonW6]

Panthrax He's even funnier than Will Rogers...

[@Zirrealz]

One of the first things I watch that has Steve Colbert in it and its one of the greatest things I have seen. He is an extremely talented actor.

[@tadm123]

I think he had a script. Funny as hell though, I bet he made it.

[@adorablecreature79]

Steve King: "..he mocked the hearing process..." Mr. King, the hearing process has been a mockery long before Colbert came to town.

[@peoplezk1]

Thank you for that comment adorablecreature79. You made my day.

[@adorablecreature79]

It's what I do (tips hat... walks off into sunset)

[@peoplezk1]

/slowandlongclap there goes the next colbert

[@adorablecreature79]

lol! Thanks man! I actually saw Colbert this past December. The man went from himself to his television character at the drop of a hat.

[@kevinbrown4640]

XACTLY... LOL

[@newstart49]

The one place where the truth does not want to be heard. Colbert was not the joke here.

[@koko969w]

Well said! Very well said.

[@ngpb17]

newstart49 specially at the end when he sarcastically said "republicans and Democrats working together for the benefit of the people like they always do" everyone in the crowd started laughing

[@g0679]

newstart49 ... Iowa’s Steven King certainly is a joke.

[@davidnco1]

Colbert is just a plastic puppet man. He has no material other than one subject. Only thing he could do funny is stand out in the sun.

[@davidnco1]

Colbert is not a joke. It is the people who are lacking critical thinking that listen to the paid puppet that are a joke. Colbert is just a paid plastic man phony.

[@hutch1111111]

He did not mock anything, he called it right.

[@em2012ish]

He called it mocking to deflect the fact that he was being called out.

[@DaDunge]

Oh he mocked the hell out of it but he also had brief moments of sincerity when he got it right. Now it's been a while since I saw it but he said something along the lines of "If we give them livable working conditions then perhaps Americans will want to do these jobs again" and I think he hit the nail on that.

[@pamelamacmullen1440]

I’m afraid the people in our Congress simply do not have the intellect not even close to the intellect of Colbert does it’s really frightening for all of us

[@chaosrave]

so the government gets comedians to testify on serious issues and then says he trivialized it? what a joke lol

[@adultjames3097]

+jason bourne He nailed the issue to be honest. Most people don't respond the situations unless theres humor

[@jackal5359]

+Mohammad Almtab who is a comedian

[@nicolesong6199]

+Random combat evolved elite Stephen Colbert, the one who's giving the speech

[@AngelOfMusic20]

Jake M. How the fuck are THEY comedians?!

[@blindsony2]

I bet most comedians are smarter then you...X)

[@drfrodo]

Stephen Colbert is a badass. Not afraid to go toe to toe

[@mastermo141]

Your display pic and username is the greatest combination of *EPICNESS* on the interwebs. Well done, Sir. Well *fucking* Done

[@TheCrankydragon]

mastermo141 le good day to you too kind sir! Le tips fedora gingerly

[@mastermo141]

TheCrankydragon Does le curtsy

[@joesmoke4658]

Except against bears!

[@evandouglas7420]

I don't think he ever has a script, even on his own show, that is the nature of his character!

[@TheSuperCommentGuy]

What did they really expect when inviting a comedian to a political testimony?

[@kevinbrown4640]

***** yep

[@michaelmchale9427]

True

[@JoseLopez-vn8xj]

the truth??

[@kevinbrown4640]

I know eh? How do you tell the truth to people who expect you to lie for the elite 'expectation' AKA The Status Quo... OR ELSE, lol, and do so with a poker face...

[@jas7869]

I know right.

[@mosabhijazi671]

like most of congress i haven't read it . I DIEDD!

[@tweepy123]

subtly called them out!!

[@TharmagStone]

That's not what subtlety is...

[@ry4nx]

that one god me soo bad lmfaoooo

[@stephenmuth1425]

"Trivializing a serious issue?" More like bringing some serious attention to it. Fucking media buttwipes.

[@haiggoh]

unfortunately some people, especially politicians and journalists, are naturally born without functioning sarcasm and satire detectors. It's a shame, really

[@richardgustke1097]

Well said

[@MrLordvoldemort101]

I know, they would not even have been talking about this if it wasn't for him.

[@kylesturdivant380]

lol we never have this many people here on any issue so logically he is trivializing the issue!!!

[@unknownartistcl20]

Congress trivialized the issue by asking a comedians opinion on a very serious issue, based on the fact that said comedian spent 1 day working as a "migrant worker". If anything colbert did everything possible to show that it was not a trivial issue.

[@urockit2011]

I keep seeing in the comments section that Congress should have expected him to joke about it since he's a comedian. But in the midst of all of those jokes were real issues and points that he brought up (albeit in a hilarious way). They shouldn't just throw his testimony out just because he uses satire as an educational tool. If they wanted to, they could have really paid attention. But that would require them doing their jobs...

[@zumabbar]

it's okay since i'm not a fan of government doing anything too

[@RandomTXDude210]

"Trivializing a serious issue" my ass! Got the whole nation talking about this issue six years ago just by showing up and blatantly mocking those elected fools on national television.

[@Jafs]

colbert is brilliant actually being able to utilise comedy in a state room to highlight to the masses the kind of crap these migrants take

[@Jafs]

+Papa Bless yes.. you got the point so well thanks for your well thought out reply I'll try to make great use of it in my life somehow

[@jas7869]

Wow I am late and we already knew!

[@samuelmorkbednarzkepler]

What an absolute joke. And I am not talking about Colbert, I am talking about the people criticizing his hearing, as well as ABC's choice in how to edit and present this case. Colbert uses hyperbole, sarcasm and irony to make his message but at the end of the day he still made a strong point all be it unconventional. Furthermore, he got people across the country talking about it and listening to his point which he made beautifully by making it blatantly obvious how ridiculous some of this backhanded politics are. You will not have me believe for a second that you guys disliked his hearing because you think he "trivialized" it. I think anyone that saw the full hearing will realize that ABC news and the critics of Colbert’s hearing chose to direct their mockery at his deliverance because you did not like his message, not because you think he was disrespectful. I suspect that if his jokes had been arguing in favor of you positions these very same men of politics would find his deliverance "refreshing" and "positive." You choose to see things the way that you do, many people saw it otherwise but who is reporting on that?

[@imnotmike]

Tough room. Interesting that the only laugh he got was when he said that both sides would work together in the best interest of America like they always do.

[@Thelightsaver1]

+imnotmike I think they may have muted the room somehow to make it happen. You can hear the distinction in background noise between most of Stephen's talk and the last few seconds of it.

[@lolipedofin]

+Kenny Duran Yes, I think it's muted. The time when the crowd breaks into laugh, was obviously when they allow background noises to seep back in, and I'm pretty sure the crowd had been laughing along all the way.

[@Fir7shadow]

+imnotmike There's a few people in the background you can tell are laughing quietly, or at least smiling. If you watch the full testimony, there's a guy sitting behind Colbert in the shots that I swear is trying his hardest not to burst out laughing.

[@squidcoya1996]

+imnotmike They only used his mic until the end of his speech. You could hear as they cut the room mic in that people were laughing, but you just couldn't hear them through his mic.

[@joeblankenship377]

Colbert speaks truth. Politicians won't have anything to do with that.

[@germanmontero8443]

This video is nothing but pure propaganda. If anyone were to insult Colbert's words during that hearing, then they are either daft or haven't yet seen it in its entirety. His statements were nothing short of a masterpiece which had challenged bipartisan cooperation on the issue at hand, conclusively.

[@stupido1100]

I love you Stephen Colbert. For someone that is typically not supposed to be taken seriously in past society, you show us all time and time again that you are more qualified to run a country than over half of congress. You are my hero lol

[@gianaseivanto7800]

Try all of congress. They are only in it for themselves anyway

[@locutus94]

"I think he mocked the hearing process". No Mr., you already do that yourself. These proceedings.. everything to do with our government is a joke. Even you, sir, are a joke.

[@writerconsidered]

Yes I was thinking the same thing. He's so cute for thinking washington still has some special purpose. You have to love that self delusion. Evidently no one told him the approval rates for congress is running from the low teens to single digit numbers. That right there makes this the biggest mock-able government institution there is.

[@otosurgeon]

Thank you for this. Sad, but true. And hilarious, all at once.

[@Kingsolowings]

So funny.

[@SM-qe4wd]

locutus94 yup he's a joke. now he should go die or get tarred and feathered, or get drawn and quartered

[@locutus94]

Sm ramgator I miss that. We really should bring that back...

[@ericm1839]

he's a satirist. this is what he does.

[@JoseGarcia..]

ok

[@awashington8447]

Colbert is a comedic genius. People (especially congress) hate being called out on their Bullshit. go figure

[@RememberTesla3]

"..but for this crowd, much of colbert's testimony fell flat" a big FUCK YOU to ABC News. I saw it (testimony) and it was amazing. Lots of smart jokes and criticism. Here's ABC trying to bullshit another good story again. ps: By the way, the audience WAS laughing, but the other microphones were turned off, so that the only one you can hear is stephen.

[@Kanglar]

"he mocked the hearing process" Maybe because it is so laughably mock-able in the first place. "He trivialized a serious issue" No, he satirized it. That is to say, he used irony and sarcasm to ridicule your ridiculous excuse for taking action on the matter. If anybody has trivialized it, it is the legislators.

[@TheGrumbliestPuppy]

By "trivializing this serious issue", he got people to actually pay attention to it. And he made serious points amidst the jokes: Farmland is being shut down because companies can't get enough people to work these jobs. So obviously these jobs aren't being stolen, so why not just give these people damn visas instead of moving our farms to Mexico.

[@Handsomeanthony68]

"Like most members of Congress, I haven't read it." OUUUCCCCHHHHH

[@nmkloster]

"Trivializing a serious issue"? He brought attention to the issue, and in the full speech he gives a 30-second concise argument in favor of it.

[@shanrafnezden7958]

Colbert is a hero, he was being sarcastic, to a bunch of cynical bastards. He also took a stand for the oppressed.

[@asatanas885]

If you'll watch the entire 5-minute testimony he gives, it's not all jokes and by far not taking it lightly. Staying in character, he makes a very sensible and logical point - for the side he actually represents, the Liberal Democrats.

[@VikingII]

I liked how the guy at the end tried to lay into him and Colbert wouldn't let any of it happen LOL!! He didn't even let it begin.

[@brianmccauley339]

He puts on a show with feelings and no substance..no borders means one world government..fools

[@freddytoloni8450]

Stephen colbert reminds me so much of tony stark lol

[@deanvere4839]

Freddy Toloni True

[@reneelucero2923]

OMG TRUUUU

[@ashleysvntos]

Freddy Toloni this reminds me so much of the court scene in iron man 2 lmao

[@rowanwalch5284]

Freddy Toloni where he outsmarts you with blatant sarcasm and makes you pissed off.

[@DenisUspeshny]

Freddy Toloni my thoughts exactly. IRON MAN 2

[@wasteofspace20]

Colbert is a true artist of satire and sarcasm. We are lucky to have him.

[@joedickson1920]

He was probably a smartass so he wouldn't have to go back lol. Awesome man, great TV show.

[@poguemahone1031]

They bring in a comedian, then get upset when he starts acting like a comedian? Well, that officially blows my fucking mind.

[@chiyo-chanholocaust8143]

Wow man...THIS is what you call MANIPULATIVE news, use a picture on the thumbnail of Colbert looking like a jackass, say he annoyed and offended everybody, say that he completely bombed..ABC tried so hard to paint this as a complete failure, when in reality, even me, which I'm not even from america, only got to know about this particular issue due to Stephen Colbert take on the subject, that's a huge success in my book

[@tylerd1085]

I think ABC was rolling with the joke and playing along as if to take the character he plays seriously. But yeah I was expecting something different also

[@PaintedHoundie]

even the dude at the end by saying "trivializing a serious issue"

[@EthanMitch]

"Comedy central funnyman" is not the way to describe someone in a serious light who is testifying

[@666Branmuffin]

it's funny because they don't get it. He's mocking them because the process and time they "spend" on these issues is arguing to nowhere.

[@davidhill2020]

The weirdest thing was when Anthony Napolitano said that Colbert could be prosecuted for perjury for lying to Congress, as he was speaking, not as himself, but as his character. Set to the side that perjury is defined as a willful intent to deceive (meaning that Colbert expected to take his testimony as absolute truth), he didn't seem to have a problem when Elmo testified before Congress in 2002.

[@sierra6588]

Good one! Colbert (and Stewart) is brilliant at using humor in a way that em"bare-asses" folks who show their asses

[@michaelburke7742]

Even more funny when they knowingly invited a character to speak at congress. Hello!!!!

[@benjamintpayne]

Reporter: "Worried about trivializing a serious issue?" Are you kidding me? Colbert uses satire to expose the injustices of our food system and its victims, not to belittle the plight of disenfranchised farmworkers.

[@nikhilsomasundaram9279]

He mocked it because it deserves to be mocked, its pathetic.

[@user-nl6md8pu6y]

How was any of the jokes he made destructive, distracting or detrimental to the least effective congress in American history?

[@Chandler_29]

colbert for president

[@mykylc]

1:28 how can you mock the biggest joke???

[@JazGalaxy]

I'm pretty anti-captialist, but I really hate when people say "illegal immigrants do work americans won't do". That's just garbage. I think shows like Fear Factor have proven there is very little American's won't do FOR THE RIGHT PRICE. What America wants to do is have people do an incredibly difficult job an then also pay them no money, which is basically the complete opposite of capitalism and the definition of exploitation.

[@JazGalaxy]

I don't dislike the concept of capitalism in it's textbook form. I dislike the way that America has tried to promote capitalism as being Holy. As though it was something God gave to us to govern ourselves, and that no better system will ever present itself. No matter what. Specifically, I feel like capitalism has created a number of great evils in our society, largely due to the concept of corporations. There is a saying that "a person is smart, people are stupid." The idea is that people en masse lose their humanity in a crowd. I feel like that is very true in the concept of a corporation. A corporation is like a family that is only related by their desire and potential to make money. The second that goes away, the family dissolves. So a corporation will do incredibly evil things in the pursuit of money, where one individual would never do those things. I feel like corporations are destroying our economy, our planet and our future and individuals are forced to stand by and watch.

[@HolTukIj]

***** there can be capitalism it's just that greed and disregard to human rights destroy society

[@JazGalaxy]

I think we need the system we have now, capitalism and socialism working together, with more of a leaning toward the socialist front. I think we need checks and balances. I think we need to be in agreement that the government can't be responsible for propping up it's citizens and that they need to contribute by their own individual merit. But I think we also need to treat corporations with strict laws and limits so as to continue to promote the idea that the desires of a few cannot outweigh the freedom of many. I think that we need to acknowledge that the founding fathers hated power more than they hated the government, (they also had problems with the authoritative corporate church, for example) and that modern corporations like Google are exactly what they would have been trying to stop were they alive today.

[@JazGalaxy]

There's nothing wrong with being successful. My dad was born in a one room house that he shared with 7 brothers and sisters. They all slept in the same bed. Not even joking. They were farmers and lived out in the country. He worked hard in school, even though his school was worthless, and with some people's help went to college. From there he went to the army. From the army to law school. Then he worked up the ladder until he retired at the age of 50 as what amounts to a millionaire. What becomes a problem is the way that money is amassed and the way that money is spent. Just like we've made laws restricting corporations with things like "hey, you have to be honest about what's actually IN the product you're selling" or "hey, you can't print news that's not actually true", I think we need to place limits on corporations like "hey, you can't provide what is becoming an essential service, the internet, and then prioritize bandwidth by whatever corporate interest pays you the most money". Its' a great money making scam, but it's not in the best interest of the people and their freedom.

[@JazGalaxy]

Well, I think you've got me in that it's very easy for me to say what I don't like, but it's much harder to say what should be done.Personally I think that the there are a few things that need to happen away from politics before any real political reform can take place. I think first of all, the public needs to accept responsibility that the 24 Hour News Networks are hurting the country and bringing the IQ of the nation down, and that we need to stop thinking one can get news from the television. Secondly I think that we need to clean house when it comes to our elected officials. I think that World War 2 and the resulting Baby Boom was such an impactful event in the life of the country that the majority of our country is still being run with attitudes from that era. I think we need young, smart people to start having political discourse that transcends the team-sport of "republican vs. democrat". I think we need younger voters because I think younger voters are more liberal (meaning open to new ideas) and are willing to be more flexible on tentpole issues like homosexuality or abortion. Not that I don't think those are impotent issues, but I think younger people are less likely to let those things become obstructions to actual problems getting solved in government. (I know older people who would rather america burn than allow gay people to get married. I'm conservative in those issues, but I'm pragmatic enough to realize that's horribly misguided.) As for having an independent global economic party, I'm not sure. I think something like that would have to happen at some point as our economy continues to change. But I think America has to go through it's coming upheaval first. I feel like the Jimmy Fallon taking over the tonight show is actually incredibly symbolic and culturally relevant. Jay Leno hanging on to the show was symbolic of the way the baby boomers and heroes of the 80s culture have been hanging onto power in our country for far longer than any generation has had it in the past. There is a whole generation of disenfranchised Gen Xers who never got to lead the way they should have been able to because those in power never let go and moved on. Now the Gen Y and Millenials are going to take over because the Baby Boomers are just going to die off. The country WILL change dramatically in the next decade. I just have no idea what that will look like.

[@saltwateranglersouthtexas2181]

First of all, lets get one thing straight.... I am hispanic and a U.S. citizen by birth and so were my parents. I along with my brothers and family worked in fields back in the early sixties and into the seventies. I am going to spoil everyone's speil about people who work the fields. Just because they are hispanic does not mean that they are illegal. There are many and i mean many hispanic U.S. citizens working the fields and still do. So we Americans are not afraid to work. Yes, there were also illegals working along side and usually paid at a lower wage mainly because they were being housed at the farmers ranch etc. Which is the story that the undocumented field hands would relate to us. So for all these sympathizers who always say that we need illegals for agriculture, poultry factories etc. is an insult to the hard working U.S. citizens picking the crops so that you can purchase at your local grocer. Get you facts straight!!!!!

[@Venomine95]

Why the hell do you expect a comedy central guy to take a testimony seriously when congress themselves just sits on their asses about it? Double standard, anyone? 0.o

[@MattNemmers]

Steve Colbert "mocked the process"??! That's news?

[@CurtHowland]

Beautifully said.

[@junior2404]

"I think he mocked the hearing process"...Hmm! What have you and your colleagues been doing for 8 years? The hypocrisy is unreal. Now you are selling your soul to the devil for power...

[@Magiks21]

Yes, invite a professional COMEDIAN who specializes in mocking serious topics, politicians and government policy to a hearing. "I think he mocked the hearing process" I'm sure NO ONE saw this coming...

[@matthewminnich8251]

If you can not understand the message he is sending, you may be an idiot.

[@Magiks21]

Matthew Minnich I'm an idiot? For not understanding that he believes that using humor to convey disagreement with current policy is rude and disrespectful to those that take it seriously on this matter that affects thousands of lives? Okay. And thanks for digging up my comment from 2 weeks ago. It was resting comfortably in its grave. Glad to see my sociology bach and public policy makes me an idiot. Thank for that. I'll try not to stay up at night thinking about you comment.

[@inkedseahear]

Great now he's banned from the White House Correspondents Dinner and now Congressional hearings? What next? He's banned from pretending he's a right-wing talk show hos-oh.........

[@bluelinebiker]

"...trivializing such a serious issue..."? He's a comedian who used humor to promulgate a legislative contradiction. He may have upset the decorum of the congressional hearing process, but he made good points.

[@crowfather3838]

he didn't just make good points he's probably one of the only sensible men to walk into that fucking place for years

[@MightyBl00d]

Are they surprised that a comedian made some jokes?

[@coltonlarsen5775]

Yes Congressman, he WAS mocking your process. Because that's his JOB. Seriously, why did they expect him to take any of this seriously when his entire job is criticizing the government by using a sarcastically played ultraconservative journalist character. He's not going to drop character, and even through his humor in this hearing, he still makes a few very excellent points and questions that were often answered by an ambiguous statement, often not even answering the question.

[@cmatrix4761]

Yeh a person usually gets offended when he's mocked for being bad at his job. He's usually more offended when the mocking is accurate and justified.

[@Necrodoxious]

Thumbs up for Colbert, thumbs down for ABC News.

[@DannyBPlays]

the reporter was trying to make him feel bad for making a mockery of the situation and that was Colbert's entire goal and he succeeded!

[@phoenixflower1225]

He drove home a point and congress acted like little 5 year olds in retaliation. They always beat around the bush.

[@nabeelhussain1372]

considering Steve King is a mockery to the world, I wouldn't take his comments that seriously

[@alexvietzke6027]

Nabeel Hussain king? Some of his works can get a bit of cliche, but when he get it right, he gets it right, books like IT, and The Shining being proof of that. You should feel ashamed for attacking such a great writer.

[@DePiagetfan]

Nabeel Hussain he is not a mockery, I enjoy his thrillers. Children of the Corn and Carrie will always be my favorite.

[@nabeelhussain1372]

DePiagetfan would have been clever if you were the first to think of this joke

[@DePiagetfan]

I just found your comment to hilarious and just made my sad day better. I just like that people on the comment section don't research or listen before commenting

[@MDefender22]

Great job Mr. Colbert. Thank you for addressing the true issues even with a bit of comedy. He is truly an intelligent man.

[@evilemperordude]

"I think it was his intent to do that." Ya think?

[@Katyayanibetha]

HE'S NOT TRIVIALIZING THE ISSUES. He is making it easier to understand the truth. He is a brilliant man. I love how comedy makes complex issues palatable and easier to understand. It is an art to express the truth in ways it cannot be denied, in whatever form it comes.

[@edgarramos3999]

huh I saw this hearing, it actually went alot better they they make it seem. Colbert very expertly expressed a valid point through the use of satire.

[@freqimann]

if someone won't listen to reason, you mock the hell out of them so no one will listen to *them*.

[@Scorpia161]

'Mocking the system'? 'Trivializing the issue'? Coming from this Congress, that's hilarious. They obviously don't know what satire is.

[@CurtHowland]

They're too arrogant and self-absorbed to tolerate when it is themselves that is being mocked.

[@Scorpia161]

Exactly.

[@verite7]

Colbert's satire is so great (but it is also sad that he has to make it so achingly obvious). This kind of speech echoes the ironic rhetoric of a Modest Proposal, or something heard in a parliamentary debate. It completely belongs in a legislative setting and has a long history. The respectful use of humorous language can uncover fissures of truth, and Colbert is an expert revealing our double standards.

[@PetitPinec]

To the girl whose face pops up behind the right shoulder of the guy behind Colbert's right shoulder: you seem awesome. It was a pleasure to watch you laugh at his jokes, so much so that I forgot to look at him. I appreciate you.

[@theschlimmfisch625]

i'm not american and i want to congratulate you for having such an amazing man over there, i want somebody like him in my country. it seems like humor and satire are the best way to show the problems we have with politicians, what they and what we do wrong.

[@erictaylor5462]

1:40 OF COURSE he mocked it. It NEEDS a little mocking from time to time.

[@iCHAWY]

"I think he mocked the hearing process. I think it was his intent to do that." Well no shit Sherlock, he's a fucking comedian. If you don't want people making fun of you to your face, than why invite them?

[@justaguy864]

That dude over Colbert's right shoulder is LOVING the attention. Every video has him being Mr. Smarmy.

[@jvracingvids6529]

lmao everyone in the congress room was trying.hard to keep a straight face, even the judge wanted to laugh lol

[@0_nerd_077]

Oh how much I love that man.... I love Stephen Colbert so much help

[@krumblemumble8628]

No derp. You invited a comedian. What the hell else were the people thinking they were going to get out of him, other than sarcasm and silly remarks. It says ComedyCentral in the corner of his show for a reason.

[@fernie51296]

Thing is, there was a lot behind Colbert's silly remarks and sarcasm. Which the media also missed of fucking course!

[@probablynotsatanic66]

The "sarcasm and silly remarks" that Colbert is famous for always has a sensible point behind it.

[@dansmith-ui2vt]

Colbert is awesome, but what the fuck were congressional members doing by inviting him to testify like they didn't think that would happen? they should be kicked out for pulling this shit, inviting Colbert, then getting upset when he gives funny responses.

[@islamisajoke1206]

i know right! idiots

[@Laura-vz3ts]

Haven't any of them watched the white house correspondents dinner video? Seriously? What were they thinking, if they didn't want him to be his funny in his own special Colbert way?

[@onyx1186]

i just love how they used OUR FRIGN MONEY to pull this little stunt as well. I applaud Stephen because he is the only person in that whole hearing that was actually doing his job, well that an the reporter but yeah screw that guy

[@jamesdra1694]

what did congress expect him not to mock them that is his job and at least he did it very well.

[@mikehouser2518]

Thank you for the post , Stephan is so good , and a big heart .

[@olahhalo]

If anyone is offended by how Colbert handled the hearing is really missing the point he was trying to make.

[@Scorpia161]

The most important part of this video is when he got serious--he said he liked to talk about people who have no power, and coming from someone who has so much (in the way of influence), that means a hell of a lot. He wasn't trivializing the issue, he was humanizing it. These politicians are used to seeing pieces of paper without thinking of how they affect human beings--he knocked them down a beg to wake them up and then he dropped a truth bomb: these weren't 'invaders' or 'job stealers' or anything xenophobic shorthand, but people trying to make their way as best they can with few or no people in power looking out for their interests in a meaningful way. He used his power to speak for people who needed a voice, directly to those who could make a difference in their lives, and that's not just fucking honoring the seriousness of the issue in a way that no one in that room was, it was fucking beautiful.

[@vgmaster1318]

I feel like the saddest part is that 90ish% of the American population are immigrants, and we marginalized the Native Americans, killing off their once great nation centuries ago.

[@vgmaster1318]

and we have the audacity to say that illegal immigrants have to leave, when we ourselves are immigrants to this nation. What ever happened to "a nation for the people, by the people"?

[@peacewithrussiaorww3youcho264]

I get what you're trying to say, but there's a big difference between immigrants and illegal immigrants. There's nothing wrong with Mexicans wanting to come here and make a living, most Americans support that. They just need to do it legally.

[@mrlugh]

So the "American" colonization resulting in the slaughter of entire tribes and the relocation of those who survived to meagre reservations was a legal action? Granted by whom? I wouldn't draw a line in the sand, I'd just own up the hypocrisy and say we're here now, and this is how it's going to be; and in that context you could actually offer some reasonable/ethical justifications for rejecting some applications, or deportation.

[@vgmaster1318]

Well, Andrew Jackson forced the trail of tears, one of the worst Native American transgressions and relocations in US history. I compare it to the Bataan death march for Native Americans. During the French and Indian war, The British authorized the spread of blankets that were infected with small pox. "Thanksgiving" may not have been true, but according to historian accounts, the Plymouth pilgrims may have actually stole from the Indians due to their lack of establishment and a harsh winter.. Also, their infected cattle had small pox and wiped out 90% of the Indian population. Europeans never had the rite to US land, and neither do any of the other minorities. This land belongs to the Native Americans. If we keep in mind that the only true citizens are the Native Americans, maybe this can generate empathy in our government.

[@vgmaster1318]

mwmanning54 thank you for explaining history to me. I truly appreciate it.

[@rockymissouri1021]

Stephen is spot on....!!

[@atawhaisolutions2759]

Love this guy! His use of humour to break down complex issues so skillfully is just nothing short of brilliant.

[@4thphaseofmalaise]

LOL! The expression on Steve King's face is priceless.

[@WikiSorcerer]

We need Colbert again. And Jon. We need them to do this to Trump live on television.

[@sparky0451]

i watched it. and he didnt trivialise it.. he put his celebrity status to good use and he used his character and wit to convey a stance...

[@ryarod]

To everyone saying that it was idiotic to invite Colbert: That was a Democrat who invited Colbert. She knew that Stephen would rip the stupid Tea-Baggers asunder, blatantly mock their stupidity, and open peoples' eyes to the actuality of the issue. That was not stupid. That was strategic, and the right thing to do. I, for one, am proud of Zoe Lofgren's choice of action. Everyone who enjoyed seeing the GOP Congress's exposure, parody, and humiliation, should also be proud of her. *ahem* Thank you.

[@DarthKraytofKansas]

Do you realize the entire Republican party is not comprised only of "Tea-baggers"? Seems like people find the tiniest minorities in a party they don't agree with, and they use that against the majority. Its unfortunate.

[@CouLesKy]

Darth Krayt The republicans are held hostage by the tea baggers and the crazy super right wing Americans that vote for them. If the incumbents want to remain in office (and they do) they have to cater to the ideals of the Tea Party, otherwise they won't be around for long. This is why republicans often refuse to bipartisanship and often why they go out of their way to halt good ideas that aren't from the extreme right. I'm not saying democrats don't do this, but they don't do it as much and they aren't being held hostage by the extreme left.

[@DarthKraytofKansas]

I think its pretty close. The Democrats "have" acted this way in the past. Its like the ripple effect. One side takes a political swing, then the other side retreats, recovers, and swings back. I think there are legitimate ideas and suggestions coming from the Democratic side, even if I lean more on the Republican side of things. Its a difference of values and ideologies that divides the two parties. And personally, I'm glad there is a division, because it allows us to debate and pick-apart each others ideas. Otherwise, we might have complete tyranny, if one party ever completely disappears.

[@ryarod]

Darth Krayt You're right. I apologize for any offense caused. Unfortunately, moderate, Tea Party-opposed Republicans are extremely rare today. You are also correct, Darth Krayt, that we *need* multiple political parties. We need all kinds of viewpoints, repertoires, and methodologies to overcome the problems of our world. I may be a Democrat, but I do NOT want Democrats to become the only major political party in America. I pray quite often, and quite potently, that the Tea Party and other Radicals will be expelled, and the Republican Party can start anew, becoming once again worthy of having been the Party of Lincoln, Roosevelt, and Eisenhower. Darth Krayt, for what it's worth, you seem like a very wise, insightful person with a deep understanding of the way things work, differentiating the culprit(s) from the innocent, and excellent ability to keep a level head in this maelstrom of emotion that is political discussion. You seem like a genuine moderate, not one of those pseudo-Independents. I commend you; The Republican Party needs less of the Tea Party wackos and more people like yourself. Thank you.

[@DarthKraytofKansas]

ryarod I appreciate the compliment. I think the problem today is people don't know how to have civilized, respectful arguments anymore. They start slinging around insults and before you know it congress is participating in a mud-wrestling match. I'm not saying I don't agree with "some" Tea-party ideologies, radical as they may seem I support the idea of the 2nd Amendment and so on. But I don't "hate" Democrats that are opposed. I think we need a healthy balance of justice, freedom, and the best for the people as our priorities. Thank you for responding with courtesy. Its a rare trait online these days.

[@stematfisnyc]

An intelligent honest well read capable competent man would terrify any politician.

[@artistjohnwoolley]

''Trivializing a serious issue....'' Colbert completely ignores lol

[@FORE1GNB0DY]

It's interesting to watch this after seeing the video of his full testimony. Don't watch the news.

[@Monochromicornicopia]

Humor can circumvent people's mental walls. With your guard down, you might actually learn something.

[@MrVarct]

If you really listened to his report to congress, he is basically saying illegal immigrants do work that no Americans want to because it is very harsh labor for very little pay, he is a comedian did they really expect him to not make fun of congress.

[@jasonguinn4183]

Stephen is a stand up guy and we dont need likes for comments, we need votes for his ass to do our country a fovor, President, senator, or mayor, he has my vote.

[@logwind]

Actually lol'd at the "vegetables that pick themselves" comment. Wow.

[@Adotterw]

of course he mocked Congress. and I thank him for it.

[@JoshuasRevenge]

you dam right he mocked you.. hahahaha

[@rodneycdunn]

Why ? Cuz he telling the truth..hillarious.

[@NithinJune]

The narrator said "funnyman" instead of "comedian", what a legend.

[@maureennolan2784]

"Like most of Congress, I haven't read it." Perfect, Stephen Colbert. This was published in 2010. I am just now viewing it--9/16/2919. Still as hilarious as ever.

[@JohnnyWalker-rl9pm]

I suggest y'all fools watch the entire hearing before you talk shit and form wrong ideas about Stephen's message in that hearing. He made very valid points and remarks but in his own sarcastic way. I invite everyone to watch some of his monologues from this hearing (you can find them on youtube), because it goes to show you how easy it is for biased news networks to take one thing and make it into a completely different thing by picking and choosing what to point out and emphasize, and how easy it is to be fooled. People must start seeking to research things on their own and not just believe everything they see or hear. This is some fucked up shit and ABC News is just another player in the game.

[@DARIVSARCHITECTVS]

I love it when ANY comedian puts politicians on the spot and holds them accountable, even if it is a Democrat like Cobert. Politicians are consumate liars. tEA! Party

[@michellesullivan3927]

OMFG I love this guy LMFAO.

[@RonWylie-gk5lc]

A great way to REALLY shed light on something that shouldn't need it, these hard-working people deserve respect and even more, a PROPER wage and protection when they are doing it. Well done Stephen

[@MelesaEFary]

I think spending a day in the fields with the migrant farmworkers should be mandatory for anyone entrusted to make decisions regarding their fate in the industry. I grew up in a farm belt and know they worked all day in the Mojave Desert Sun with temperatures soaring in triple digits with no restrooms that I could see. How at lunch they would crowd under one tree to eat and try to cool down. I also lived in Yuma, Arizona and saw the working conditions were deplorable. I was 8 years old and it was in 1965 and my teenage brother and his friends wanted some money so they tried it out but couldn't handle the conditions. These people do not have homes to go bathe in at the end of the day like I do. They are migrants sending all their money home to feed their families. Sleeping in little pup tents at night. Thank you Stephen for caring about these wonderful people who help bring fruit and vegetables to our table. For being a voice for them. May God bless all of them who have no voice and all their supporters who speak out for them.