On Oct. 10 political commentator Dan Proft covered a variety of topics in a speech before a DePaul University graduate journalism class. Proft mentioned that he was in fact a conservative, signaling who he is was and where he is was from. He has worked in numerous political campaigns and the stories that he shared about Alan Keyes and Barack Obama would signify that he knows what he’s doing.
Some of the topics Proft covered included the current presidential race and his views on the strongest candidates. Other topics, however, riled up some of my classmates. Mainly, how Sen. Hillary Clinton is “beating Barack Obama bloody” in South Carolina and, of course, the Rev. Jesse L. Jackson.
“Jesse Jackson is a product of the white media. They are the only ones who will cover him,” said Proft. As someone of a different race, I thought there was a bit of truth to his statement, but it still made me cringe a little.
What piqued my interest was Proft talking about a Web site he is developing that will take a different approach to covering news. Based on his sarcastic sense of humor, said Proft, the site is going to read like an episode of “The Daily Show” or “The Colbert Report.”
Despite my initial reservation, I was very interested in his humorous approach towards covering the news. The Comedy Central shows poke fun at politicians and politics in general. For example, when President Bush recently said, “Helping childrens learn” in a speech, Daily Show host Jon Stewart laid into our leader for his comment. I was totally in awe after hearing Bush’s words, but was relieved that someone noted it.
“The Daily Show” isn’t anti-Republican Party. The show is anti-stupid—about the comments that people make, and that’s why I love it. I’ve always said that guys like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert will be out of a job as long as politics are around.
“The Colbert Report” (pronounced “cole-BEAR” for those at home) is a parody of FOX News’ “The O’Reilly Factor,” which jabs everyone. Colbert is supposed to be a staunch Republican on air, but is actually a liberal off camera.
Proft, to his credit, didn’t try to push his opinion on anyone during his speech, but he rubbed me the wrong way. This is probably due to my laid back approach toward politics. I’m liberal. I try not to focus on others and let them do what they want as long as I don’t get hurt.
Proft did add that being well informed makes for a better commentary. I’m not sure what Proft’s feelings about these shows are, but Stewart and Colbert are well informed when guests, such as politicians or authors, come on the show. Stewart, in particular, makes sure that he reads the books that his guests come to plug.
No disrespect to Proft, but he might feel a little uncomfortable on the air with Stewart. However, Proft would do quite well with Colbert, where conservative banter is welcome.
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