THE CASE FOR COMEDY

THE CASE FOR COMEDY
By Andrew Alexander and Kelly Leonard
Copyright © 2007, Chicago Tribune
Published March 18, 2007

Rep. Rahm Emanuel (D-Ill.) apparently got the word out to new Democratic members of Congress that they should avoid appearing on Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report," hosted by our friend, Second City alum Stephen Colbert.

First, we like Rahm. He's a smart guy and, clearly, a gifted political strategist. We're pretty sure he's smarter than we are and could beat us at chess--though we may have the edge if we played Trivial Pursuit. Let's be honest, while Rahm was studying, we were watching a lot of TV. Trivial Pursuit rewards TV watching.

However, in the matter of "The Colbert Report," we believe Rahm is wrong. Sure, Colbert can make people in power look foolish. But guess what? We like that. It's something we can relate to. It's human. Too often the public is forced to watch its elected officials drone on like robots for fear of a slip of the tongue or a comment misconstrued.

Here's a clear place where the Republicans have figured it out. Do you ever listen to Republicans? They always sound insane. Whether it's Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.) or pundit Ann Coulter throwing down on gays or former House Speaker Newt Gingrich actually trying to turn his own marital infidelity into a political redemption, Republicans are clearly not afraid to look foolish. And, it hasn't stopped them from getting elected.

One of the main teachings at The Second City is that there is power in allowing yourself to be vulnerable on stage in front of an audience. This is something Stephen Colbert learned when he worked here in the mid-'90s. It's something that Rahm Emanuel and the Democratic Party need to learn now.

Another Second City maxim is to never underestimate the intelligence of your audience. We know that "The Colbert Report" is a comedy show--just as we know that C-Span is the most boring channel in the history of cable television.

So, to Rahm Emanuel and the Democratic Party, we offer this small piece of advice from a couple of guys who know a thing or two on the subject: The American people like their politicians to look and sound like them, and the American people know that there is nobility in the art of goofing off.

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Andrew Alexander is chief executive officer of The Second City, and Kelly Leonard is Second City's vice president.