How would you like being called a cash-crazed sexual deviant with homicidal tendencies? That’s essentially what comedy news host Stephen Colbert called Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff
By Justin Chapman, Pasadena Weekly, 4/6/2006
How would you like being called a cash-crazed sexual deviant with homicidal tendencies?
That’s essentially what comedy news host Stephen Colbert called Democratic Congressman Adam Schiff in a recent episode of Comedy Central’s “Colbert Report.”
And although he didn’t say much, it was clear that Schiff was not happy at all with how Colbert portrayed him, even if it was all in jest.
The show’s March 29 episode featured an installment of the ongoing “Better Know a District” series, which that night featured California’s 29th Congressional District and its three-term congressman.
First, Colbert took a shot at the wild parrots that fly around this end of the San Gabriel Valley, introducing the “Fightin’ 29th” as “the third most likely place for the next pandemic.”
Then Colbert took an indirect swipe at the Rose Parade, saying “The 29th avoids a reputation of a West Coast den of inequity by parades; from Altadena’s Old Fashioned Days to Pasadena’s Cherry Blossom Parade. Yes, there’s something for everyone who’s fascinated by slow-moving chunks of papier-mâché.”
Playing a self-righteous conservative pundit who often refers to FOX News’ Bill O’Reilly affectionately as “Papa Bear,” Colbert then asked about Schiff’s first congressional election, which was the costliest in congressional history.
After defeating then-incumbent Republican Jim Rogan, Schiff passed legislation banning unregulated donations.
“Isn’t that the equivalent of sleeping with a prostitute and then strangling her to hide your shame?” asked a straight-faced Colbert.
“Well, I wouldn’t want to say it like that,” replied a clearly irritated Schiff.
Then Colbert pulled out a $100 bill and mercilessly faux-tempted the congressman with it. At one point, he even folded it into a paper airplane and threw it at him, then picked it up and put it in Schiff’s front pocket.
When Schiff handed the bill back to him, Colbert asked, “What do you want me to do for this $100? I’ve never taken a bribe before.”
Schiff did not answer, but was clearly not amused.