Stephen Colbert Vs. Glenn Beck: Restoring Honor or 'Truthiness'?

Stephen Colbert, host of "The Colbert Report," might consider promoting a new rally which mocks a rally held by Glenn Beck. Beck is a conservative television and radio show host who held an event with an estimated audience of 300,000 in Washington D.C. Beck's "Restoring Honor" rally was attended by people who want change in America, supporting higher ethical and moral standards.

Viewers familiar with Colbert's tirades might see the "Restoring Honor" rally as a perfect target to obtain a few laughs. The "Restoring Truthiness" rally originated and is based mainly from fan requests. Many fans can have an impact on broadcast themes and topics, as seen in the push to have Betty White host "Saturday Night Live." Beck seems to be traveling the high road and many comedians enjoy concentrating skits on those striving to be better.

Is the "Restoring Honor" rally a good target for Colbert? It would be understandable for Colbert to spoof Beck's rally if he was discussing ideas that were ridiculous and ethically or morally questionable. Some critics of Colbert would suggest that goading Beck and his supporters is out-of-line and inappropriate.

The topics of political events many times become instant material for satirists. Unfortunately, the mainstream media tarnish their reputation when news stories are biased. Many news outlets obviously lean or slant their coverage of political news events. That equates to a majority of the college and almost-30 crowd respecting jokesters more than ABC, NBC, and CBS. The satire tends to support the younger demographics' perspective but many believe a satirical rally is unlikely.

I think Colbert will not go through with a "Restoring Truthiness" rally. Colbert's past television shows supporting American troops suggest that he maintains a respect for America. A "joke" rally using Beck's real-life movement that exhorts Americans to be better citizens simply goes against a respectful American view.

The message that Beck delivered is positive. Mocking a positive message should only appeal to a very small demographic. The only farcical rally Colbert might successfully launch would be that of a few thousand people that could be broadcast on a "The Colbert Report" episode. A fully fledged rally to mock a group of sincere Americans is likely to attract only negative attention.

The political landscape will not be truly affected by political satirists. The reality is that voters focus on critical issues impacting the current US political climate and environment. Politicians must deal with commentary from left- and right-leaning opinions, but aside from feeling a little pressured or uncomfortable, the broadcast opinions already exist in the minds of voters.

While a rally for "Restoring Truthiness" might be funny, it would not truly impact any campaign or politician. "The Colbert Report" is not in the business of swaying the population to vote for one party over another, as the show delivers sarcastic rants for every political group.

Sources

Beck, G. (2010). Restoring Honor. glennbeck.com.

Colbert, S. (2010). Colbert Nation, About. Colbertnation.com.

Drennen, K. (2010). CBS's Smith Pressures GOP to Sign On to 'Obama's New Deal'. Media Research Center.

Goodale, G. (2010). 'Restoring Truthiness': Could spoof of Glenn Beck rally happen?The Christian Science Monitor.