Colbert @ 92nd Street Y

OCTOBER 23RD. 8 PM. 92ND STREET Y, KAUFFMAN CONCERT HALL.

SPECIAL GUEST: STEPHEN COLBERT, w/moderator & columnist Frank Rich.



Yet another great appearance brought to us by the fine folks at the 92nd Street Y. Stephen Colbert, mid-press junket for his hee-larious new book I Am America (and So Can You!), was in all his cheeky glory. The crowd welcomed him to the stage in rock-star fashion -- with furious applause, yelling his name and just a bit of girlish squealing.

Colbert revealed that he thinks his character is an 'idiot', but truly enjoys playing him as ridiculous as he can -- and is still boggled by the fact that some people take his TV persona seriously. He said he levels with each guest pre-show and lets them know what's in store for them, but he's never quite sure how the interview is gonna go.

Colbert went on to discuss his bid for the presidency--telling the audience: "Now I want to make this perfectly clear to everyone. I DO NOT want to be president. I just want to run. I don't want the actual job." He'd consider his mission accomplished by being listed on the South Carolinian ballot.

Colbert also discussed the awkwardness of his "O'Reilly Factor" appearance and Bill O"reilly's interview on the "Report." He revealed to the audience that he did indeed steal the Fox network's break room microwave, even though O"Reilly would have you believe he was in on the joke. Colbert claims that misinformation is "Bullshit!"

Also covered was Colbert's infamous turn as host of the White House Correspondent's Dinner, his fanatic-like obsession with Richard Nixon, and insight into the craft of writing his current #1 bestseller. (Which, btw, has beat Ann Coulter's latest piece of trash down to the 6th spot on the NYT Bestseller List.

The appearance ended with a book signing and I can proudly say I shook his hand without caving under a massive case of starstruckness. ;) A very enjoyable evening.

--Joan.