«
From the Desk of Executive Insider: Shut Ins |
Main
| Harold and Kumar 2: Where to See the Trailer »
As mentioned by Paul Scheer on the Sound of Young America blog earlier this week, he and Rob Riggle, Rob Huebel and Horatio Sanz are in Iraq for a USO tour right now.
ALL NEXT WEEK (starting Monday, August 20), and this is true: Daily Show Correspondent (and US Marine) Rob Riggle will be reporting to the Daily Show audience from REAL, ACTUAL Iraq. It's called "Operation Silent Thunder: The Daily Show in Iraq".
Here's a video of Rob Riggle reporting from fake Iraq. But it won't be like this because it will be REAL. Get it? REAL. So be sure to watch it. Okay:
And here's the official press release: Operation Silent Thunder: The Daily Show in Iraq
Recent Comments
Great idea. Hope they stay safe. Any chance Rob will be able to interview CNN's Michael Ware for The Daily Show?
Posted by Jodi | Aug 17, 2007 9:36:03 PM
BUM IDEA:
1) BECAUSE BLOOD IS REAL AND JOKES ARE NOT
2) BECAUSE GUTLESS COMEDY LETS YOU OFF THE HOOK FROM REALLY SAYING WHAT MUST BE SAID.
3) THERES NO CHANCE OF 'YOUR'LIFE-ENDANGERMENT SO WHY NOT JUST STAY IN NEW YORK AND PRETEND YOU HAVE BALLS JUST AS YOU ALWAYS HAVE.
4) BILL MAHER REALLY STEPS ON TENDER TOES, YOU JUST KICK DIRT ON THEM.
BOB HOPE WAS KILLER FUNNY, NOT BY SCORING POINTS OFF THE ADMINISTRATION WHO PAID FOR HIS TRIP, BUT BECAUSE OF THE "LITTLE GUY DAY-TO-DAY" TRUE STUFF THAT PROVED TO THE GRUNTS, THAT HE (SOMEONE)LOVED THEM.
TRY IT.ITS YOUR JOB.
Posted by anthonyperone | Aug 18, 2007 2:02:43 AM
anthonyperone:
1) Turn off the Caps Lock - it's rude and annoying.
2) TDS is far from gutless comedy because they DO say what needs to be said.
3) The real media send reporters in to do video feeds from safe areas (aka The Green Zone) all the time. Should they all just stay home, too, or should they go out and get sniped in the head for your enjoyment?
4) Bob Hope was sent overseas by the USO. I don't think the government footed the bill for Rob Riggle, and even if they did, it is his responsibility to speak accurately about them and not pull punches because they paid for his airfare (look up Pay to Play).
Save your vitriol for those that pretend they are serious about their coverage of and the handling of this war. The news media and the Bush administration need to learn how to do their job. TDS is doing theirs.
Posted by John S. | Aug 18, 2007 9:19:41 AM
I will be looking forward to watching next week, I like The Daily Show, it is funny. You don't get much political satire anywhere else except Comedy Central these days.
Posted by laree | Aug 18, 2007 11:05:26 AM
The Daily Show in Iraq, the same people that have been knocking our fighting men and women, tearing down the president, the country and making fun of anything political that isn't way to the left. No, please don't compare this bunch to Bob Hope. The best laugh I'll get from this is if the Daily Show cast while in Iraq gets blown up.
Posted by SeaPod | Aug 18, 2007 4:35:45 PM
The Daily Show in Iraq, the same people that have been knocking our fighting men and women, tearing down the president, the country and making fun of anything political that isn't way to the left. No, please don't compare this bunch to Bob Hope. The best laugh I'll get from this is if the Daily Show cast while in Iraq gets blown up.
Posted by SeaPod | Aug 18, 2007 4:41:34 PM
seapod. you are a disgrace. I suppose you call yourself a patriot. you should be ashamed of yourself.
Posted by andy keiser | Aug 18, 2007 6:07:21 PM
I didn't realize people took the show so seriously . . . I have no idea why the man is going to Iraq, but I doubt it is to endanger his life, he is on Comedy Central not CNN.
And . . . TDS doesn't tear down the president, they just let his hypocritical ass do it all by himself.
And . . . they make fun of the lefties too. It was only like two nights ago John took a shot at Hillary, and then poked fun at the crowd because they couldn't laugh at jokes about their own party.
That is all the show is about, making people laugh, and it does have a heavy liberal slant, but that is only because comedy takes brains to write.
Posted by Zma | Aug 18, 2007 10:07:38 PM
To all you Daily Show haters and right wing spinsters, I ask you this:
Go ahead, I dare you to call Rob Riggle a phony.
Posted by slightlyinverted | Aug 18, 2007 11:42:49 PM
I was able to see Rob and company perform here in Iraq. The show was outstanding. It's nice to be able to laugh for a few hours, because once its over we go back and do a job that doesn't leave much room for laughter.
F-ing Right On.
Posted by JustAGrunt | Aug 19, 2007 5:42:32 AM
I think that this is probally the only thing I will watch, when it comes to Iraq, we have CNN reporters trying to sweeten the whole thing, at least the Daily Show has the courage to say what everyone else is saying and thinkng,
Good luck to Mr Riggle and stay safe, remember its a civil war zone
I so glad that President Chirac had the insight, intelligence and a recording of 94 Cheeny not to send us there,
Posted by Chris | Aug 19, 2007 8:27:16 AM
an animation for inspiration: george bush in a ballerina dress and boots dancing to if i were a rich man as while country is destroyed by tsunami
http://www.geocities.com/arthurcutten/jesse.html
Posted by | Aug 19, 2007 8:59:15 AM
A few facts to keep in mind:
- Rob Riggle is a US Marine officer who has several tours behind him in combat zones. He is one of our fighting men.
- He's in Iraq because he's participating in a USO tour to entertain his fellow soldiers. Seems to me that he's being very supportive of the troops.
Posted by VAMcC | Aug 19, 2007 8:10:11 PM
Lest we forget, The Daily Show has won a couple of Peabodys for its news coverage. The 'alleged' fake news is often more accurate because it gets through the BS and cuts to the chase. I wonder how many mainstream news organizations can say they have a combat experienced Marine reporting from the war zone.
Posted by Bruce Hendrickson | Aug 19, 2007 9:10:19 PM
I would like to THANK The Daily Show, my husband was at one of the FOB's, that you preformed at. My husband and the rest of the men, were able to leave their daily pressures from Iraq, and was able to laugh a little. Over there, our men don't get too laugh that offend and when they do, they should be able too enjoy it. So THANK YOU again, you made them have smiles on their faces.
Posted by ProudMilitaryWife | Aug 20, 2007 12:06:22 PM
Thank you for going to the FOB's. And thank you for doing these comedy sketches. I just read the CNN alert (somehow it came as an Afstan alert, but I'm not surprised), and had to laugh when CNN said it's hard to find any comedy in the situation. It's obvious they are not talking with any of our guys and gals on the ground. They are just full of "laugh at us", "laugh with us at the situation" stories. Again, thank you for this effort.
Posted by Haole Wahine | Aug 20, 2007 2:54:39 PM
Rob Riggle is an officer in the Marine Core Reserve. That means he could be called to duty at anytime. So I'd like to thank MAJOR Riggle for going over an making his fellows in the military laugh for a few hours knowing you could me one of them at anytime.
Also I look forward to your segments on TDS. You'er always a blast! (I mean that in a figurative sense please, don't get blown-up!)
Posted by Maria | Aug 20, 2007 4:57:51 PM
SeaPod: Seek therapy. If you get laughs from watching people get blown up, you have serious problems.
AnthonyPerone: Your comments are both ill-informed and venomous. Major Riggle sympathizes with the situation of the troops in a way that most news correspondents can't. Additionally, most comedians don't have his breadth of experience or informed intelligence. He brings a level of knowledge, compassion, and wit that is unparalleled in this situation, and I think any of the troops would agree.
He has my respect, my prayers, AND my laughs.
Posted by SM | Aug 20, 2007 7:03:56 PM
You have to laugh at the situation in Iraq, otherwise you would be crying all the time. Our army is decimated, our reserves are used up, we are now recruiting criminals and this president continues to lie to the people. This is nuts!
Posted by Walker Bush | Aug 20, 2007 7:25:24 PM
Jon is at his funniest when he shows news clips with only a brief comment or facial expression. Yes, they are selected clips, but they are fully in context (when TDS is doing farce it is very clear).
It saddens me that telling the truth is considered "liberal" these days. I remember the "liberal media" from the Viet Nam era - turns out that they were the ones telling the truth and the administration was tragically misleading the country.
Jon has done more good for this country than anyone in recent history.
Keep up the outstanding work, Daily Show!
Posted by Dr29er | Aug 20, 2007 8:13:01 PM
I've got a sister and a friend in Iraq and a nephew in Kuwait. Keep up the good work, Jon.
Posted by navigater | Aug 20, 2007 10:46:45 PM
Just one question: Why, when the show is taped in New York, does the Silent Thunder graphic start with a pull away from a building in San Francisco? It pulls up just enough to identify the bay, there's a white flash, and we're suddenly pulling back from the east coast. What, Jon, is New York not photogenic enough for you?
Posted by Just Bob | Aug 21, 2007 1:40:42 AM
So thankful to TDS and Rob Riggle for going the extra mile to grant these weary soldiers some humor-filled downtime. I can only imagine what it meant to them. It really took some stones to go to such a dangerous place. The truth lies between the lines of humor...and guess what, if we weren't distracted with the ridiculousness of the state of this country and world, we'd all be cowering in a corner full of fear and empty of all hope. (Hope you guys send a correspondent to DC on September 15th!!!) PEACE!
Posted by Carla B | Aug 21, 2007 7:06:48 AM
What we have going on in America is a coup. There is no possibility that the Bush Administration will step down and let outsiders take the reins of government. Indeed, an investigation into the doings of this Administration would lead to the death penalty for many, including George Worm Bush. That is why there won't be a turnover in leadership in 2008. The primaries are simply a ruse.
Posted by matt kulmacz | Aug 21, 2007 9:28:09 AM
Wow. Interesting comments about the integrity of this cast going to Iraq... Rob Riggle is one of the most gracious, kind, and sincere people doing comedy right now. He is the perfect person to go on a USO tour. (Which is not a gov't funded organization, by the way. The USO is a nonprofit, charitable organization and relies on donations from private citizens and corporations.) Rob Riggle is a Marine. He is military. He served in AFGHANISTAN! Rob is a remarkable person and, like all his work, he truly comes from a place of love and respect. He would never do anything that showed disrespect to the women and men in the U.S. military (or anyone for that matter). The comedy couldn't be successful if it wasn't coming from a love and respect.
So, this is amazing! Thank you, Daily Show and Rob Riggle, Rob Huebel, Paul Scheer and Horatio Sanz!
Posted by yellowmagee | Aug 21, 2007 9:45:42 AM
I have to say this is low for the even the Daily Show. I'm no fan of the war but this seems insulting to the troops. No matter how much comedy you do at home about the war, and it is funny, it's wrong to go over there and make light of it while people are dying so you can make fun of them.
Posted by Chris | Aug 21, 2007 12:59:56 PM
Just would love to meet Rob Riggle in person any way to do this?
Brenda
Posted by Brenda | Aug 21, 2007 1:48:05 PM
Rob,
Thank you very much for coming to my FOB, you and the guys were a hit with everyone here. You brought something here that we havne't had for a long time; a touch of home and some humor. Your skits were a hit with everyone and you still are the tank of the FOB. I hope you enjoyed the tank ride and rocking the 50 cal! Hope to see you back here sometime.
Posted by tanker bad ass | Aug 21, 2007 3:03:02 PM
Rob did a comedy thing while visiting Iraq and is entertaining the troops. My husband loved meeting him and appreciated his visit. Thanks for the visit Rob!!
Posted by | Aug 21, 2007 3:28:14 PM
Thanks for showing us a bit of Camp Anaconda. My husband is stationed there right now, they really need all the support they can get. PS. If you met a PFC Hardy, tell him his wife loves him :)
Posted by Melissa | Aug 21, 2007 5:11:53 PM
The only people not laughing are the ultra rightwingers, who still deny reality, and want the rest of us to deny it also. When will they get the message that their fearfilled leaders purposely led us into an optional war against a nation that didn't attack us, and thus dropped the ball on the most important mission-getting Osama bin Laden?
We have our military over in the desert, because Cheney/Bush and their cohorts wanted the grab the oil and show the rest of the world how powerful and omnipotent America is. The regular skewering of these ideological maniacs by The Daily Show has only illustrated the truth, and for that, I am grateful. Come back safely, Rob-and bring the rest of the troops with ya!
Posted by Emerald | Aug 21, 2007 6:04:35 PM
It's good to read the comments from soldiers and their families. Hats off to Rob Riggle and TDS for bringing smiles and relief to the brave men and women who are doing the toughest job. I'm fairly confident that the people who wrote the negative comments never served a day in the armed forces. Rob Riggle is a real veteran unlike Jr., Cheney, Rumsfield and Rove. I'm also fairly sure that none of them watch TDS or anything other then the "fair and balanced" network. Hoorah!
Posted by Another veteran | Aug 21, 2007 6:05:45 PM
Bravo Rob and Daily Show! You had me fooled the first few moments yesterday, and when I realized Rob was really there, I thought 'Of course! It kind of makes sense.' Rob, you have a lot of guts and heart - and you are really funny. I am looking at you with new eyes. Jon you, your other writers and producers are my comic heroes.
Posted by dnp205 | Aug 21, 2007 11:26:47 PM
My husband had the pleasure of meeting Rob Riggle and Horatio Sanz (and the other guys) when they did a comedy show at his FOB in Iraq.
He loves The Daily Show, loves SNL, and had a great time.
Thanks! :)
Posted by ArmyWife | Aug 21, 2007 11:27:28 PM
F*^cking kudos. Being an Australian citizen (which is a "coalition" country btw), I get ample war coverage from my domestic news media as well as reuters, the bbc, fairfax, etc.. And I find it kind of backwards that in the country that instigated this illegal war, the only reliable source of facts that the rest of the world is privy to is a "fake" news show. It was on TDS that I first heard about issues such as Bush's illegitimate claim of florida in 2000, Abu Ghraib, Cheney's support of extra-judicial torture, Powell's reservations on the war, Cheney's 1994 stance on Iraq, the PATRIOT Act and ofcourse cheney shooting an old dude in the face and being able to wring an apology out of him. And as for all this liberal bashing, lest you forget that emancipation, desegregation, women's suffrage and the proliferation of an anti "Pax Americana" stance are all progressive (aka liberal) endeavors, whereas the conservatives have left you with McCarthyism, Korea, Vietnam, an unchallengable military industrial complex and Newscorp (aka Fox), not to mention all the foibles, incompetence and corruption of your current administration (did someone say Halliburton). Good on you Daily Show and F&^cking A Rob. Semper Fi dude.
Posted by Tommo | Aug 22, 2007 1:01:07 AM
I know I'm a geek now...
I noticed Rob's Moment of Zen on monday, where he, i guess, highfives a Ronald McDonald figure in Kuwait airport, and i might just have realized where the zen is.
I think it might be a nod to one of the first episodes of Michael Moore's "TV Nation" from the mid 90's, where he visited Kuwait to see what the fuss was all about.
He talks to a local guy, who loves fast food, but is kinda sad they don't have a McDonalds. Michael responds something to the effect of:
"I'll see what I can do. As your liberators the least we can do is get you a McDonalds"
Classic show and episode. And i think i read somewhere that the show was an inspiration for the Daily Show people.
Anyway, hope I'm right and that I won something. A year's supply of Jimmy Deans sausage and chocolate chip pancake on a stick would do nicely.
Posted by Gimpy | Aug 22, 2007 9:45:14 AM
I am in Iraq. It sucks shit through a straw, no one in my unit wants to be here, but we are here and we are doing the best we can. We can't say anything in public to the contrary without punishment, but our silence is enforced - once you join most of the rights we are suppossedly protecting are stripped from us, we are government property, just like a truck. I hate the so-called Commander-in-Chief, hate the way Americans at home are being demonized for expressing their righteous anger, and the fact that I am not happy about eating dust, being grimy and fighting for people who hate us and don't want us here somehow makes me an unfit soldier. Kiss my Georgia-ass, you stuck up snobs who haven't done shit for the country but buy big cars and repress other's rights! Some of the only good times I have had here was watching Stewart and Colbert. Comedy is not disrespectful to the troops, destroying what America is supposed to be in the false name of respecting the troops is - denying press from showing our caskets coming home is - lying to us and not giving us the equipment we need is - not taking good medical care of us when we come back with our brains scrambled and our limbs missing is - raising the mortage rates so that my wife and kids lose our home while I'm away fighting is.
Posted by SouthernBoyinHell | Aug 22, 2007 1:24:49 PM
The people fighting this war find this show hilarious, obviously.
Posted by E-3 | Aug 22, 2007 4:59:19 PM
I agree 100% with SouthernBoyinHell.
Posted by E-3 (what does that stand for?) | Aug 22, 2007 5:01:24 PM
Just wanted to say thanks so much for doing these reports! What a great idea, and such a great way to show support for our troops. I think it's wonderful for our troops to see the support and understanding from a television show that openly criticizes both sides of the political spectrum. Thank you so much for going there, doing the tour and reporting back. I can't wait to see the rest of the reports! I'd love to see more in the future.
Posted by Smith | Aug 22, 2007 5:10:18 PM
I am glad to see some people who disagree with TDS point of view actually take the time to watch it. I have similiar feelings about O'Reiley and the other conservative lapdogs but I do try to listen to them. (closed caption to the president's administration)I respect those who take the time to listen to opposing views. Occasionally I actually agree with them. TDS is on the mark. Keep up the good work.
Posted by wikiwikiman | Aug 22, 2007 7:10:23 PM
I just got home from Iraq and this segment is so funny! I recognize so many of the places where he is and I love seeing him entertaining troops and helping them escape for a few minutes. Keep up the good work! The bit today about Iraq and Indiana being the same made me laugh so hard that I could not breathe! :)
Posted by nicole | Aug 22, 2007 8:35:37 PM
i think it is so ironic that the people who complain the most are the ones that do the least. Shut up and listen to the troops. Don't assume you know what they are thinking... instead of doing that... why don't you ask them... it will prevent you from making yourself look dumber.... Keep up the good work TDS.
Posted by marce | Aug 22, 2007 11:44:26 PM
The sequence on Iraq is not funny. I am sure you could come up with other insightful skits or at least reveal another perspective of a "market place" or what it means to take a bullet. Crying in a bunker in the context of what our men and woman face everyday was to me an insult to them. shooting at your own flight jacket and helmet/hat was not funny.
I like your show, the political messages are needed, the humor is good. But the Iraq bits I think crossed a line for me.
Posted by Roberto Muffoletto | Aug 23, 2007 6:20:38 AM
Why don't you use your influence to help stop this senseless war instead of profiting from it. Maybe riggles will get to interview a legless IED victim. Won't that be funny....
Posted by 23rdbeatle | Aug 23, 2007 8:17:13 AM
I would like to thank Comedy Central for having the guts to show how this adminstration thinks Americans are stupid and will believe anything they say. Now Bush is comparing Iraq and Vietnam and saying that Vietnam would be a better place today if we had just stayed there. What is he smoking? We lost a lot of good people in Vietnam and if he checked his facts, he would have known that the killing actually did decrease after we left Vietnam. Also, the Killing Fields were in Cambodia not Vietnam and the US did not have a large presence in Cambodia that country was not what we were concerned about. Also, we supposably live in a DEMOCRACY and I believe the majority of Americans wanted the US out of Vietnam. Also, I love how people who have never been to Iraq seem to think they know what the average Soldier in Iraq is thinking and going through; here's a thought just shutup and let the Soldiers do the talking for themselves. I lost one of my best firends over there and I can't even watch the regular news because they just repeat the lies the adminstration is feeding them. Keep up the good work Comedy Central and stay safe.
Posted by Just an Average American | Aug 23, 2007 1:29:21 PM
My only hope with your Iraq segment is that you don't stop doing them. Please take the time to interview troops that have actually been there and let them speak from their experience. You are a incredible resource in getting out the word and we need to hear from our forces, not just General Petraus, about what it is really like on the ground and how they think this "war" is going. How about interviewing the soldiers who wrote that excellent article in the New York Times just this week about the 15 months they spent in Iraq and what they believe--eye opener. These guys were there, doing everything they are being asked to do while their commanders hide behind walls. We need to hear the truth--bring on more vets!
Posted by Military mom | Aug 23, 2007 2:02:29 PM
I would love to hear (read) more comments from the soldiers who are there.
The rest of us can say what we think, but THE ONLY OPINIONS THAT REALLY MATTER ARE THOSE OF THE SOLDIERS, the people who are there fighting this war, not those of us pontificating from our comfy couches.
If the soldiers are not offended, then how dare we (who can sit on our asses watching TV without worrying about being blown up before we see our famiies again) propose to limit their access to some COMEDY - which by the way, REDUCES THE LEVEL OF STRESS HORMONES IN THEIR BRAINS, making them more able to do think clearly and HELPING THEM DO THEIR JOBS WITHOUT GETTING KILLED!
By the way, I moved from Indiana 20 years ago, and I am sooo relieved to see evidence that markets in Indiana are NOT just like ones in Iraq. Those official statements had me worried about the quality of life "back home again in Indiana."
Posted by Susan Dupuis | Aug 23, 2007 2:09:19 PM
Really stupid idea fi=or a show that's based on doing"smart" satire. Huh, going into a war zone where tens of thousnds of people died or been severly wounded, regardless of their country of origin. Can't wait 'til you guys send a "comedian" into the Darfur refugee camps. Should be a real scream.
Posted by richard | Aug 23, 2007 2:36:48 PM
I recently spent some time at FOB Warhorse, and at the time the Daily Show was not too popular for their coverage of Operation Arrowhead Ripper. I am glad to see Rob Riggle over there to have some more "Boots on Ground" time and to spread some humor to the troops. I also think it is great that AFN allows the the Daily Show and the Colbert Report to be viewed by our troops. Thanks for these segments, having good taste in sending Major Rob Riggle, and bringing humor to some very remote places. Please continue the Iraq segments until each FOB has been covered. I'm sure the troops in Afghanistan would love a few shows as well.
Posted by Back from Baqubah | Aug 23, 2007 2:53:04 PM
From somewhere on the leading of Democracy, I mean the very leading edge, I have to say, beautiful, nice job Mr. Wiggles. You know they use to call him that at the parties.
Posted by Richard | Aug 23, 2007 5:10:21 PM
I think its great they went over there. I would of loved it if they had come while I was there. I love the Daily show and all that they do. I think its incredible that a comedy show can have as much of an impact as it does. look at how it affects the ratings for politicians that actually come to the show, they go up incredibly.
Posted by Isaac | Aug 23, 2007 5:37:26 PM
The segment on "Operation Macho-KickAss" was actually one of the most touching, direct, and honest representations of seeing this war for what it is I have seen.
Please keep talking to our soldiers, letting us see and hear them, and bringing them moments of joy. You are a hero among heroes, Rob Wriggle.
Posted by Krista | Aug 23, 2007 9:17:09 PM
Awesome coverage Rob. Thanks for the laughs and especially for those of our fighting men and women. I know they appeciate it. Go Hoosiers!!!
Posted by Jammin' Joe from Jasper | Aug 23, 2007 10:40:53 PM
I also want to thank you Rob!! My husband also went to one of your shows in Iraq and he got his picture with you. He really enjoyed the show you all put on and I know it helped with his stress to be able to just go and laugh and have a good time with some of his friends!! Also I LOVED the Indiana clip!! I am from Indianapolis and living here while he is deployed! Again THANKS!!
Posted by ArmyMPwife | Aug 24, 2007 12:31:43 AM
I also want to thank you Rob!! My husband also went to one of your shows in Iraq and he got his picture with you. He really enjoyed the show you all put on and I know it helped with his stress to be able to just go and laugh and have a good time with some of his friends!! Also I LOVED the Indiana clip!! I am from Indianapolis and living here while he is deployed! Again THANKS!!
Posted by ArmyMPwife | Aug 24, 2007 12:46:34 AM
I also want to thank you Rob!! My husband also went to one of your shows in Iraq and he got his picture with you. He really enjoyed the show you all put on and I know it helped with his stress to be able to just go and laugh and have a good time with some of his friends!! Also I LOVED the Indiana clip!! I am from Indianapolis and living here while he is deployed! Again THANKS!!
Posted by ArmyMPwife | Aug 24, 2007 12:49:50 AM
I also want to thank you Rob!! My husband also went to one of your shows in Iraq and he got his picture with you. He really enjoyed the show you all put on and I know it helped with his stress to be able to just go and laugh and have a good time with some of his friends!! Also I LOVED the Indiana clip!! I am from Indianapolis and living here while he is deployed! Again THANKS!!
Posted by ArmyMPwife | Aug 24, 2007 12:52:03 AM
Thank you Jon for this week with Ron in Iraq and tonight with Lt. Col. John Nagl. I have a son serving as an officer in Iraq and I am always reading everything and awaiting news; this was informative, emotional and funny. A nice balance for a soldier's mom who feels a lot unbalanced by this war and proud, too, of a son willing to serve there no matter what.
Posted by connie | Aug 24, 2007 2:29:10 AM
Rob, forget Iraq. According to the International Herald Tribune, much more serious trouble is brewing in Israel and Lebanon.
Read Anna Sussman's report about a market held every Saturday in a Beirut neighborhood, entitled "A Lebanese chef's vision: Make falafel, not war"(on Page Two of the August 17, 2007 edition of the International Herald Tribune).
Ms. Sussman wrote that "Arabs and Israelies ... fight bitterly over who invented the falafel" and that "falafel ... is generally accepted as having originated in Egypt, although Israelis claim it as their national dish...".
Knowing my countrymen as I do, I fear that their fierce claim to the origin falafel will lead to yet another outbreak of war and I thank the International Herald Tribune for directing my attention to this important, volatile issue. I will now pray that a compromise between the peoples of Israel and Lebanon is negotiated before violence once more erupts in our area of the Middle East.
Posted by Judith Rachmani | Aug 24, 2007 2:40:10 AM
I've watched all four segments which sent Riggle to Iraq, and I must say it was a complete disappointment. One segment was devoted to Riggle saying "dildo" for the entire episode; another was Riggle shooting ammunition into the sand. Another was the troops speaking about the Iraqi gov't taking a month-long vacation while they labored. The other segment was lame and forgetable.
Why couldn't The Daily Show give more voice to those men and women over there? One segment out of four was devoted to the Americans trying to make a difference. WTF was Riggle trying to do?
Why didn't the Daily Show provide a broader swatch of the war besides showing Riggle's sophomoric attempt at comedy?
Was there no news story over there with our troops whatsoever, so Riggle had to mug for the cameras?
I'm so disappointed in Stewart right now that all the hype in the world cannot make me believe sending Riggle over there made any sense at all. Christ, give me Rumsfeld any day - now HE was funnier.
Posted by tj | Aug 24, 2007 2:59:56 AM
In response to the Show's work in Iraq, Well done. It was not at all preachy or opinionated (which was your goal). It was the perfect balance that the show displays day in and day out.
I smell another peabody! :)
Posted by Shopvac | Aug 24, 2007 8:22:02 AM
Anyone who has served in the military knows military humor, especially in combat zones. Bob, a Marine, who has been in combat operations in Afghanistan is actually a funny guy and the troops appreciate it. What our troops don't need are yellow-belly warmongering pussies on this forum who grab their ankles for Bush. That is showing no respect for our fighting men and women given the fact that Bush went AWOL when he was in the National Guard, n
| Permalink:
| Comments (83)