Stewart & Colbert

I like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert. Last week Jon Stewart gave CNBC a deserved slap in the face. He gave one to all of us as well--a wake up slap. Probably one of the few people on TV who has zeroed in on one of the many irresponsible parties in this financial crisis--the financial advice TV programs--and not letting up. The brunt of his slam was felt by Mr. Jim Cramer. Not only was Stewart harsh on Cramer--he was entertaining, clear in his argument, and right. And all week, folks across the country followed his every word.

Meanwhile, it was announced yesterday that a new room to be added to the international space station will be named, "Colbert". Thanks to the Colbert Nation (and the gentle prodding of their leader Stephen Colbert) "Colbert" edged out "Serenity" in an online vote for naming Node-3. NASA is saying that they won't make a final decision on the name until 2010, but if they back out of following through on these results they may force me to start a new blog called Andy Locke Does Not Like.

Anyone who can have the command of his or her audience, use that power in a non-harmful manner to prove a point or have some fun, is someone who is very, very good at what they do. Even superstars with much larger followings couldn't influence their fans the way Stewart and Colbert can.

To say these two are just funny is a complete understatement. A clown is funny. A kid farting in math class is funny. Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert are educationally hilarious. You hang on to every word they say and laugh out loud, but in the process, you're actually learning. They're like a cross between your favorite college professor, George Carlin and Edward R. Murrow.

I was even lucky to see a taping of "The Colbert Report" last spring when it made a stop in Philly during the Democratic primary. Would you believe that Colbert is a Sunday School teacher in real life? Neither did I. He can sing too, as seen in this clip with him, John Legend and Ben Franklin from that taping.