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Victory for “Operation Iraqi Stephen”

No matter what you think of our troops, the Iraq war, or even Stephen Colbert, it’s pretty hard to argue that Colbert’s trip to Iraq (organized by the USO) to host his show for the troops last week was anything short of pretty effing epic. With guest stars like Tom Hanks, the Air Force Thunderbirds, and pretty much every major political figure you can think of (including, yes, both the President and Vice President), it’s pretty safe to agree with the New York Times in saying that Stephen Colbert is this generation’s Bob Hope.

The shows were, perhaps, a little kiss-ass to the troops, and lacking in the biting satire Colbert’s known for back home, but that was only to be expected, considering where he was and what he was there to do. His mission was not to turn the U.S. Armed Forces on their heads, but rather to bring awareness and laughter to men and women who are often forgotten and lumped together as an autonomous being in the grand chess game of international politics. And for that, you’ve just got to salute him.

In what is probably the most iconic moment of his overseas tour, Stephen “allowed” General Ray Ordierno to give him an Army haircut. And by “allowed” I mean “somehow got the President to film a clip ordering the general to do so.” And while I will miss Stephen’s Clark Kent ‘do (which I am sure will not take long to grow back, but still! I’ll miss it), it was worth it for this exchange alone:

Stephen: You overheard? Are your spy satellites really that good?
Obama: No, but my ears are really that big.

Say what you will about this president, but you can’t deny at least he’s got a sense of humor.

Oh gosh, how do I even explain the sheer glory of these clips? Um, let’s see. Stephen Colbert, plus an army drill sergeant, equals comedy gold. Watch this for (but not limited to), Stephen doing a sexy dance to an army song, coming to basic training with Louis Vuitton luggage, scaling a wall, and the line “if I’m gay do I still have to do this?”

I vote, after this segment, that Stephen Colbert and Tom Hanks ad-lib with a puppy all the time together. Actually, while Tom Hanks was great, really if Stephen just kept that puppy around, I’d be good.

Wait, this was about the troops, right? Because all I can think about is the puppy.

Photo Credit: Comedy Central

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3 Responses to “Victory for “Operation Iraqi Stephen””

June 16, 2009 at 2:19 PM

No mention of the “Don’t ask don’t tell”-bit? That was the most controversial of the whole week…

June 16, 2009 at 2:24 PM

Wai… cute Twitter handle ;-)