John Oliver Interviews Herman Cain
April 25, 2012 8 Comments
When I consider which Daily Show correspondent might branch out from the main show and found his or her own Comedy Central project à la Stephen Colbert, my vote goes to John Oliver. True, there other plausible choices, as the Daily Show is stacked with talent. Oliver impresses me with his ability to both write and perform, to handle sketches as well as stand-up, and with a distinct political take on the world.
I had the chance a couple years back to see Oliver perform at Cobb’s Comedy Club in San Francisco. It wasn’t traditional stand-up comedy in that he didn’t accentuate the improvisational element of his act, although he was certainly relaxed and conversational. It was more in the line of the British tradition of one man shows, and it made me suspect that the Daily Show scouts for fully-formed comedic talents who can be incorporated into their fold doing something similar to what they already do, rather than looking for comedic talents who can be reshaped to fit an already-defined role.
Oliver is definitely a talent on his own and I would watch a show which combined his news analysis with field trips like the recent one to Gabon, where he demolished the U.S. decision to not pay into UNESCO. And I would definitely watch more episodes of “Inside the Political Curtain with John Oliver.”
On Monday, Oliver interviewed Herman Cain. Now, Herman Cain is fun to watch because he’s just as insane as the rest of the GOP presidential candidates, but with a much better sense of humor about it all. He may not realize how batshit crazy he is, but he’s up for some fun, and I applaud Cain for his willingness to play a pretend president, rallying the citizens against the extraterrestrial threat.
Citizens of Earth. It was the spirit of humanity that built this planet. It is that same spirit of humanity that will allow us to defend ourselves against unknown enemies. It is that same spirit of humanity that will allow us to destroy the aliens.
More, please.
SEE ALSO
LISTENUP/GETDOWN: The Daily Show Writers
The Stand-up Observer: Podcast: “The Bugle” – hosted by John Oliver and Andy Zaltzman
About Matthew
Haha. This is so funny. I agree with you that John Oliver is probably the most ready at this moment to branch out with his own project. Close second would be Wyatt Cenac.
I’m a huge Wyatt fan as well. Both funny and super smart, with segments that provoke thought as well as laughter. I guess that’s the strength of the show. And Aasif Mandvi is another favorite of favorites for me.
I love John Oliver, but I think he may too one-note ragey for a spinoff. I was actually uncomfortable that he made fun of Cain to his face. The others have quite a bit more warmth, which would be necessary to carry a spinoff. I think.
Wasn’t that a critique of Colbert early on – and of Daily Show interviews, for that matter? I’m thinking in terms of how they are willing to criticize interview subjects. You may be right about the warmth part. I wonder if it’s partially cultural. In the US we really want empathy on the TV.
That’s a good point, that in the US we may want a better rage:joy ratio.
Reblogged this on TheBrabbleRabble and commented:
John Oliver was a genius in his interview of Herman Cain, if a bit mean. Cain has a pretty good sense of humor, I miss watching him in the debates. Hilarious.
I wonder if you have heard John’s podcast. The Bugle. It is very funny.
You know, I hadn’t heard of it until I came across the article on the Stand-up Observer that I link to at the very bottom of my post. I’ve downloaded the latest episode and am very much looking forward to listening to it soon.