# Stewart/Colbert Rally on the National Mall: 30 Oct 2010 **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [September 17, 2010, 5:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053 "2010-09-17T05:03:16Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![squeegee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/squeegee/32/14537_2.png) [@squeegee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/squeegee)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2010, 6:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/81 "2010-09-18T18:44:42Z")
> [@Bosstone](#): > > > [@squeegee](#): > > > > Wait a sec. This event is on October 30th. The mid-terms are three days later, November 2. Is this rally going to make it difficult for those who travel to attend it to get home to their districts and vote? Would that have the effect of _suppressing_ progressive turnout at the polls? > > […]Last ditch option: if they intend to vote but don’t expect to be home on the 2nd, there should be options for absentee voting, shouldn’t there? Ah, a very good point. I withdraw my concern on that score. ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2010, 7:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/82 "2010-09-18T19:07:46Z")
Honestly, guys, this isn’t a “progressive” thing, even though I identify as one and will be attending. It’s a “reason” thing, IMO. It’s not about what you _do_ believe, it’s about what you don’t believe – in being a batshit crazy radical of any stripe. ---
**Author:** ![DonLogan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/51bf81/32.png) [@DonLogan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DonLogan)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2010, 7:16pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/83 "2010-09-18T19:16:25Z")
> [@Todderbob](#): > > Honestly, guys, this isn’t a “progressive” thing, even though I identify as one and will be attending. It’s a “reason” thing, IMO. It’s not about what you _do_ believe, it’s about what you don’t believe – in being a batshit crazy radical of any stripe. That would be boring as hell. Don’t kid yourself, it’s going to be a tea party bash-a-thon. ---
**Author:** ![Bosstone](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/22d042/32.png) [@Bosstone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bosstone)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2010, 7:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/84 "2010-09-18T19:29:32Z")
> [@Todderbob](#): > > Honestly, guys, this isn’t a “progressive” thing, even though I identify as one and will be attending. It’s a “reason” thing, IMO. It’s not about what you _do_ believe, it’s about what you don’t believe – in being a batshit crazy radical of any stripe. Yeah, but you only have to look at TDS’s audience demographics to understand who’s going to show up. They may be less crazy than your usual lefty activists – I have absolutely no interest in activism but I wouldn’t mind showing up to the rally if it were possible – but it’s still going to be a moderate-left crowd. ---
**Author:** ![Lightnin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/lightnin/32/180_2.png) [@Lightnin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lightnin)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2010, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/85 "2010-09-18T20:23:25Z")
I’m still trying to come up with signs for my wife and I to carry, but I propose that we all identify ourselves as SDMB members on our signs so we can easily spot each other. ---
**Author:** ![Sage\_Rat](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sage_rat/32/399_2.png) [@Sage\_Rat](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sage_Rat)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2010, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/86 "2010-09-18T20:24:16Z")
> [@DonLogan](#): > > > [@Todderbob](#): > > > > Honestly, guys, this isn’t a “progressive” thing, even though I identify as one and will be attending. It’s a “reason” thing, IMO. It’s not about what you _do_ believe, it’s about what you don’t believe – in being a batshit crazy radical of any stripe. > > That would be boring as hell. Don’t kid yourself, it’s going to be a tea party bash-a-thon. I’d be disappointed if it was a bashing, rather than just a fun sort of comic show out in the open air. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2010, 9:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/87 "2010-09-18T21:13:07Z")
If they want it bipartisan then the two best surprise guests to have would be their former friend John McCain (which will never ever happen since he’ll be a week from election day- but maybe he’ll send his daughter\*) and Tucker Carlson (who must be so galled that the first video that comes up when his name is YouTubed is [Jon Stewart’s smackdown](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFQFB5YpDZE)). Actually the CROSSFIRE appearance supplies one of the best lines for a sign: \*\* STOP HURTING AMERICA\*\* With a stop sign of course. Very concise but also very much the point. \*_I loved Jon’s bitter but still smitten ex-lover act [when she was on the show](http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-september-9-2010/meghan-mccain). “So… how’s your dad? Does he ever mention me?.. Can you give him this note…?”_ ---
**Author:** ![Digital\_Stimulus](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/aeb1de/32.png) [@Digital\_Stimulus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Digital_Stimulus)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2010, 11:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/88 "2010-09-18T23:38:23Z")
> [@Lightnin](#): > > I’m still trying to come up with signs for my wife and I to carry, but I propose that we all identify ourselves as SDMB members on our signs so we can easily spot each other. We’re from [_Location:_] and we’re: 1. Sane 2. Reasonable 3. Hi, Opal! ---
**Author:** ![Todderbob](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/e47774/32.png) [@Todderbob](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Todderbob)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2010, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/89 "2010-09-18T23:44:07Z")
> [@Bosstone](#): > > > [@Todderbob](#): > > > > Honestly, guys, this isn’t a “progressive” thing, even though I identify as one and will be attending. It’s a “reason” thing, IMO. It’s not about what you _do_ believe, it’s about what you don’t believe – in being a batshit crazy radical of any stripe. > > Yeah, but you only have to look at TDS’s audience demographics to understand who’s going to show up. They may be less crazy than your usual lefty activists – I have absolutely no interest in activism but I wouldn’t mind showing up to the rally if it were possible – but it’s still going to be a moderate-left crowd. Moderate, hopefully, being the key word. As for putting SDMB on our signs, I’m all for it. I’m definitely attending, if you are – or might be – message me. I’d like to get everyones contact information together so maybe we can meet up. ---
**Author:** ![Sampiro](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2acd7d/32.png) [@Sampiro](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sampiro)\ **Post date:** [September 18, 2010, 11:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/90 "2010-09-18T23:49:28Z")
I like and admire the brilliance and cajones of Stephen Colbert, but I almost wish this was a Daily Show only rally. Stephen’s persona is entertaining but it detracts from the very real objectives and statements that, as I understand it, the rally is all about. Suggestion for poster: a Susan Powter [Stop the Insanity!](http://listentoleon.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/stop-the-insanity-susan-powter.jpg) poster with Stewart’s head on Powter’s body and RECYCLE written on the back. ---
**Author:** ![Gyrate](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gyrate/32/3588_2.png) [@Gyrate](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Gyrate)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2010, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/91 "2010-09-19T00:08:52Z")
> [@Gyrate](#): > > “WHAT DO WE WANT? MODERATION! WHEN DO WE WANT IT? SOMETIMES!” Actually, this ought to be a chant. I see it going something like this: Person With Megaphone: “ALL RIGHT, SANE PEOPLE! LET’S MAKE SOME NOISE!” Crowd: “YEAH!!!” PWM: "READY? WHAT DO WE WANT? Crowd: “MODERATION!” PWM: “WHEN DO WE WANT IT?” Crowd: “SOMETIMES!” PWM: "WHAT DO WE WANT? Crowd: “MODERATION!” PWM: “WHEN DO WE WANT IT?” Crowd: “SOMETIMES!” PWM: "WHAT DO WE WANT? Crowd: “MODERATION!” PWM: “WHEN DO WE WANT IT?” Crowd: “SOMETIMES!” PWM: “OKAY, THAT’S…that’s good. Don’t want to overdo it. I think we’ve made our point. Have a safe trip home, folks.” ---
**Author:** ![Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/face_intentionally_left_blank/32/288_2.png) [@Face\_Intentionally\_Left\_Blank](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Face_Intentionally_Left_Blank)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2010, 1:53am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/92 "2010-09-19T01:53:02Z")
Sign suggestion seen on another message board: “QUIT TRYING TO ADJUST THE OVERTON WINDOW.” It might need some fine-tuning. Maybe just, “QUIT MOVING THE OVERTON WINDOW.” ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2010, 2:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/93 "2010-09-19T02:18:12Z")
> [@DonLogan](#): > > Where Does > Obama Get > Off Telling > Me What Kind > Of Cheese I Can Eat? I don’t get it? ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2010, 2:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/94 "2010-09-19T02:20:59Z")
> [@DonLogan](#): > > **GET “Victory” > Hummus Out Of > Our STORES NOW!** But this is a perfect Colbert Sign ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2010, 2:21am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/95 "2010-09-19T02:21:49Z")
I have saved the date, and am awaiting an invitation to terrorize the attendees. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2010, 2:22am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/96 "2010-09-19T02:22:23Z")
``` WE WANT CHANGE NOW! for the bus ride home ``` ---
**Author:** ![Kyla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/eada6e/32.png) [@Kyla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kyla)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2010, 2:23am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/97 "2010-09-19T02:23:55Z")
Abortions for some, miniature American flags for others. ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2010, 2:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/98 "2010-09-19T02:26:09Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > I like and admire the brilliance and cajones of Stephen Colbert, but I almost wish this was a Daily Show only rally. Stephen’s persona is entertaining but it detracts from the very real objectives and statements that, as I understand it, the rally is all about. > > Suggestion for poster: a Susan Powter [Stop the Insanity!](http://listentoleon.net/wp/wp-content/uploads/2009/08/stop-the-insanity-susan-powter.jpg) poster with Stewart’s head on Powter’s body and RECYCLE written on the back. VEry Good., especially the recycle touch ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2010, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/99 "2010-09-19T02:29:11Z")
Correct me if I’m off base here but I think the idea is to make signs that do not ridicule and mock others views. The thing to be mocked is the out of control hateful divisive rhetoric. That way we’re mocking everyone equally, including ourselves a little bit. See how that works? ---
**Author:** ![cosmosdan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/a6a055/32.png) [@cosmosdan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cosmosdan)\ **Post date:** [September 19, 2010, 2:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053/100 "2010-09-19T02:31:55Z")
> [@Sampiro](#): > > If they want it bipartisan then the two best surprise guests to have would be their former friend John McCain (which will never ever happen since he’ll be a week from election day- but maybe he’ll send his daughter\*) and Tucker Carlson (who must be so galled that the first video that comes up when his name is YouTubed is [Jon Stewart’s smackdown](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFQFB5YpDZE)). > > Actually the CROSSFIRE appearance supplies one of the best lines for a sign: > > \*\* > STOP > HURTING > AMERICA\*\* > > With a stop sign of course. Very concise but also very much the point. > > \*_I loved Jon’s bitter but still smitten ex-lover act [when she was on the show](http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-september-9-2010/meghan-mccain). “So… how’s your dad? Does he ever mention me?.. Can you give him this note…?”_ This is a good example. A sincere sentiment not mocking any political policy. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/stewart-colbert-rally-on-the-national-mall-30-oct-2010/554053.md?page=6)