A few months ago I lost one, and now I’m about to lose another; an empty feeling, but not like losing a family member, one of my closest friends, or God forbid, my dog. I’ve never shook their hand, exchanged hugs, or offered to be their facebook friend. I suppose I consider them my imaginary television friends: Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart. I’m quite fond of Jon and Stephen, and if given the chance I would love to have a cup of coffee with them, maybe a couple glasses of wine, discuss some serious topics, and then just laugh our ass off. Now I’m left to watch recorded copies of their shows, and savior the memories of days gone by.
I either watched the Daily Show and Colbert Nation in real time, or on one of my many recordings; four days a week, year after year. I loved watching the two of them discuss the day to day political happenings. Although they were loaded with satire, they were damn dead serious. If you can’t laugh about the political ongoings, how can you get through the day?
Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert: ridicule, sarcasm, truth, comedic satire, and many laugh like hell moments are reflections of my buddies, Stephen and Jon. Oh how I loved the Colbert Nation when Stephen came flying through the air like a superhero all wrapped in an American flag with an eagle by his side. I have to admit that my initial reaction was one of disbelief and a feeling that this guy was in love with himself; not the type of person that I generally like. But it soon became obvious that Stephen was a made-up character who crossed his fingers while he worshiped Bill O’Reilly, Fox news, and every right-wing politician who unloads verbal poop. A story teller, a songster who could sing in tune, an intellect, and a brain that popped and crackled like a pan of popcorn on a red-hot stove. A real thinker, that’s what I call him, able to explain complex issues in a humorous way. Even when he was in character, you knew there was both a madness and seriousness living together like a hand in a glove; a feat very few performers can obtain. Yes, I know, Stephen Colbert is taking over the David Lettermen show. But what will happen to the character I loved on Colbert Nation. What will Stephen have in store for his new audience? Hopefully he will give us a moment with the character that I love so much. Thanks for everything, Stephen.
And then there’s my other imaginary friend, Jon Stewart. Sixteen years, that’s how long Jon has hosted the Daily Show. So many memories of days gone by. Not unlike Stephen, Jon holds many of the same qualities: ridicule, sarcasm, truth, comedic satire, and many laugh like hell moments. But Jon brought his own outwardly intellectual side to his show. There was no doubt when Jon was disappointed, upset, or downright pissed off with the day to day politics. When congress has a 19% positive rating, there’s reason to be mad. And then Jon would add a humorous bend to his presentation, showing the stupidity of the situation. After all, if we can’t laugh we’re left to cry. Thanks for everything, Jon.
Stephen and Jon are both young men and have lots more to offer. But please don’t wait too long. There’s a void in my psyche.