Colbert got two important things from his family: humor and Catholicism. He was the youngest of 11 children in this classic Catholic brood. He has said his family was:
…a humorocracy. Singing around the house highly encouraged.[1]
It's a bit surprising if you've watched his show, "The Colbert Report," to find that Colbert is still quite religious but he says he is. Still, one of the problems with these satirical host types is that it's difficult to tell when they're in character or not. He has said:
[I'm] a nice guy. I go to church I teach Sunday school. I have family values.[2]
On the topic of religion, Colbert–always in character as a neo-Con, right-wing Christian fundamentalist–has a lot of funny things to say. What does he think of atheists?
Atheism, a religion dedicated to its own sense of smug superiority.[3]
Religious diversity?
Though I am a committed Christian , I believe that everyone has the right to their own religion, be you Hindu , Jew or Muslim . I believe there are infinite paths to accepting Jesus Christ as your personal savior.[4]
How about protestants?
Protestants don't make me angry as much as disappointed. Unlike the world's crazy made-up religions, they're so close to getting it right. They're a single Pope away from reaching their full potential.[5]
Oh man…This guy's funny.
Politics is very serious you know
Again, if you're wondering what Colbert's political leanings are, you might be hard-pressed to get a straight answer. He seems to be more interested in cracking jokes about politics and politicians than participating. He said:
I'm not someone with a particular political ax to grind. I'm a comedian. I love hypocrisy.[6]
When cornered or pressed, Colbert admits to being a Democrat:
Listen, it's a secret ballot. Yeah, I'm a Democrat. I'm not asking anybody to vote for Democrats or Republicans. I say everyone should vote for both candidates — except me.[7]
Let's be honest, and I don't want to stoke the flames of conservative outrage here, but the Comedy Central pundits (Stewart and Colbert) have a liberal bias. I don't even think they're trying to hide it. But first and foremost, they're comedians and, by nature, opportunistic and obligated to make fun of what is inherently funny. It just so happens that the majority of their humor is directed towards conservatives and Republicans. Let's read a few quotes while you think about what that means.
Colbert on corruption:
So what? A lobbyist cheated Indian tribes out of $25 million then laundered their money through phony Christian charities trying to stop other Indian tribes from getting casinos and bribe congressmen in the process. Know what I call that? I call that business as usual in Washington.[8]
On George Bush:
I stand by this man because he stands for things. Not only for things, he stands on things. Things like aircraft carriers, and rubble, and recently flooded city squares. And that sends a strong message that no matter what happens to America she will always rebound with the most powerfully staged photo-ops in the world.[9]
On an America divided:
I don't trust books. They're all fact, no heart. And that's exactly what's pulling our country apart today. Because face it, folks, we are a divided nation. Not between Democrats or Republicans, or conservatives and liberals, or tops and bottoms. No, we are divided by those who think with their head, and those who know with their heart.[10]
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