sean.andrews
I agree that he's basically towing the general impression of Chavez in the US press. But in and of itself, there's something to be said for his point, which was that Chavez calling Bush the devil makes legitimate critics of Bush also seem "crazy."
^^^^ CB: Does it ? I don't get that feeling. Seems like down to earth , working class language from a working class leader. I think the feeling that it makes anybody look crazy is a kind of bourgeois reflex or something.
^^^^^
I kind of feel he's making a legitimate point, though, again, he's on a comedy program, hence the segment ended with an interview with the Devil (literally). Anyway, judge for yourself
http://www.comedycentral.com/sitewide/media_player/play.jhtml?itemId=75778 http://www.comedycentral.com/sitewide/media_player/play.jhtml?itemId=75778
As for what he said, partial transcript:
"Look, Hugo, I know you're not a fan of our president. Many of us have some problems with him as well. He lives in a bubble, stubborn, he's a bully-- that's no secret: in fact I believe that's what he campaigns on. My point is this: when you call him "The Devil" it somewhat brings discredit those who would oppose the man's policies while not necessarily being batshit insane.
^^^^^ CB: ho hum
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Now I gotta tell ya, sir, if your point is that the president needs to be more humble, well, dare I say, you may be the wrong messenger for that message [shows image of Chavez speaking at a podium in front of a much larger picture of Chavez.] Let's be honest, Hugo, the Chavez imprimatur is not a guarantee of freshness, if you know what I'm talking about.
^^^^ CB: So far a really dull routine here.
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There's Cindy Sheehan hugging away her credibility with you. There's Harry Belafonte: tally him "bananas." And there's Danny Glover this morning [shaking hands, hugging Chavez on a stage then giving some sort of fist in the air salute] in Harlem, after you had called the president the devil again.
^^^^^^ CB: Gringo dumbshit, sofar
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By the way, Danny Glover, what are you doing? Seriously meet me at camera four [camera four has never been used in the show before. It seems to be on the floor, pointing up, in front of Stewart's desk. He crawls on top of the desk to look down at the camera]
Hey, Danny: what is with the /Lethal Weapon/ team. I mean, first Gibson, now you. How'd you guys squeeze four, pretty solid movies out of that partnership. I mean what kind of conversations were you guys having in the trailer:
"Hey Mel, the workers must control the means of production.
Yeah I know, Danny: fuckin' Jews."
^^^^ CB: Danny Glover is not anti-Semitic. To mildly suggest it is political slanderous.
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Look, calling Bush the devil is just stupid--and inaccurate, how do I know? Well on the phone with us now, are you there sir?
^^^ CB: Jon Stewart looks like he's trying to imitate a lawyer telling bad jokes.
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DEVIL (from Ninth Circle, Hell): I am indeed, Jon, thank you for having me.Long time, er, first time...Well as you can imagine, last night my ears were burning.
STEWART: What with the whole stir about Chavez talking about you, comparing you to the president?
^^^ CB: Scared Jon ? Chavez said he _is_ the Devil , not compared him to the Devil.
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DEVIL: No, no. not that. I live in a fiery pit: my ears, they're always burning. But seriously. My point is this: Bush is not me. And hey, Hugo, you're no angel. And if the president has earned a place here, believe me, I got a cubbyhole with your name on it too, pal. Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta get down to Georgia. I'm taking part in a fiddle contest against a young man. They claim this kid's the best there's ever been.
STEWART: Well, thank you very much, Devil. Always a pleasure to have you on the program.
DEVIL: Wait! Wait. wait. Could I get a quick plug in here for my food cakes.
STEWART: We don't have time for that, Devil.
^^^^^^^^
CB: Oh my goodness. Jon Stewart is not a very funny. You all must be kidding. That was really Wonderbreadish, and crypto- proimperialist liberal to boot....what a bourgeois court jester.
Like Carl says. Chavez is the brilliant satirist. Stewart is pitiful.
The Gringo arrogance in all this is the assumption that Chavez considered bourgeois , white America his main audience. Chavez was speaking to the masses of the world. He didn't seem crazy to most of them.