Wednesday, September 19: Want to know what I actually said on “The Daily Show”? Follow this link.
Friday, August 24 (12:50 p.m.): I had fun yesterday. Once I realized it was completely unserious, I played along and had fun with it. No regrets. I won’t be on stage with Jon Stewart (unfortunately), but I’ll appear in a segment with a “field” correspondent. Details later. I must catch up on work that pays the bills.
Later…Follow the link for updates.
——————————————————————————–
This is wild. As of this posting, I’m scheduled to fly to New York tomorrow morning to tape a segment for “The Daily Show” to discuss whether Americans will vote for a woman for president. Obviously, Democrats will vote for Hillary (sorry Obama, but you’ve got no chance), so the answer is, “Yes.” I was chosen to participate because of my “controversial” views on women as leaders.
I’ve seen only short clips of “The Daily Show,” so I’m not sure whether I’ll be the butt of the joke. (The show’s irreverent, which is OK, and anti-conservative.) But hey, it’s publicity, right? If everything goes as planned, the segment will air sometime in September. More later…
Addendum: Should I do it? E-mail me at barbersview [at] yahoo [dot] com.
Update (1:59 p.m.): I decided to open up comments for anyone who wants to give me advice. I’d also like to hear from people familiar with the show.
Thanks for e-mailing, by the way. I’m less nervous about it, thanks to you. 
Update II (8/23): Thanks for the advice, readers. I’ve decided to go for it. I shared my concerns with the producer. Although she assures me I will be treated respectfully, I realize that this is comedy, after all. I do have a sense of humor, last time I checked. So, off to Gotham I go…
Update III (6:55 p.m.): OMG! It feels like I’ve just worked a 9-5 job. Forgotten what it was like. Reminded me why I left the life.
I’m convinced that my driver was a stunt man in a former life. His migraine-inducing mad dash through Manhattan (maneuvering through bumper-to-bumper horn-blaring traffic and pedestrians walking against the light - why do they do that?) to get me to the airport on time was impressive. But I must decompress. Fill you in on the show later.
{ 41 comments }
The Daily Show huh?? I’d be watching every word I said, very closely, they may well be wanting to set you up after your stunning CNN piece… It’s my understanding that the Libs get their news from the Daily Show and believe what they hear, just like they accuse Repubs of getting theirs from Fox (faux) News, as they call it, the only thing is, The guy on the Daily Show thinks he’s a lot more than he is, he’s a comedian trying to become relevant…
Good luck, I know you’ll do well, just be careful…
What a nice thing to say about my CNN appearance. Thanks, Fred.
I vote yes! Just watch it religiously in preparation and keep your sense of humor intact–which may be difficult. I say difficult because I have only watched this show once for 5 minutes and turned it off because I didn’t “get” Stewart’s kind of humor.
You would do well on any show. So–go for it!
Hi La Shawn, Fred is right about being careful with what you say. It’s a comedy show first, and generally their taped guests are indeed the butt of the joke. You can be as careful and precise in your wording as much as anyone can and they will still edit you to look like a moron. (This is especially true if they change the question you answered in editing.) This is the Daily Show’s M.O. I wouldn’t recommend doing it because of their editing practices.
LaShawn,
The show if funny but irreverent. It sounds like you will be interviewed by one of their “reporters.” Their job is to ask you outrageous questions and get your reaction on film.
something along these lines:
You: I think women are just as capable as men but God has given us certain roles to occupy with a society…
The sham reporter: “So you would put women in the category as “Negros” (putting bunny quotes in the air) in the early 19th century then? You know born incompetent…”
Most of their interviewees give the old dear in the headlights look or try to re-explain their answer.
If you are aware that this is what they will do you can follow it up with a smart-alecky comment of your own… Something like: Ah yes, I remember when I had my first beer…
Just be cautious…
al sends
LaShawn
I am with the previous comments. Please be cautious, and strong.
I know that the mantra is “any publicity is good publicity,” but I am not sure that this may be the case in this scenario.
Regardless I will say a prayer for you:)
LaShawn, you will be the butt of the joke. But I have complete confidence in you to represent even on a show like that. It’s pure entertainment, unless you’re a leftie.
Ms Barber,
I’m a regular fan of the Daily Show. Yes, it is irreverent, yes it is comedy. I watch to see how funny politics/politician can be. they are left leaning, but they make fun of everyone.
I vote for you to do the show.
Love your blog.
I don’t necessarily agree that you will be the butt of the joke. Sometimes the “butt” is the interviewer themselves. It depends.
Contrary to what al says above, the surest way to BECOME a “butt of their jokes” is to be smart-alecky, confrontational, or (heaven forbid) try to out-funny them.
Just be sweet, polite, and explain your views. And be prepared for the interviewer to AGREE with you take your views to the “logical extreme” (”Right, La Shawn. Because who wants a President leaving a nuclear summit conference in order to attend the sewing circle or get her nails done, right? Because you KNOW they just WILL!”)
Sure, its publicity, but do you really need it? They will definitely try to paint you as a self-loathing bigot, even if you give the best responses possible. Even if you were to say “real women” don’t want the power of leadership, but rumored-to-be-gay ex-presidential wives do, especially when they fake a deep southern black accent while pandering for votes- it will play poorly.
I’d skip it.
Yes, go on that show! You must. Bullies thrive only because their acts of intimidation succeed. Don’t let these socialists feel indestructable. They must be made to understand that there exists people willing to stand up to them. Don’t ever, ever show fear to them. Present your case in a funny, modest way such that they don’t feel the upper-cut until they are lying on the floor ready to blackout. Iron fist in velvet glove. And above all don’t do it without a big, toothy smile. Kill’em with kindness. They won’t know what hit them.
Best of luck!!!
besides, you owe this appearance to your fans!!
Go for it.
The show is informative and funny.
Many young people get all their news from the Daily Show.
Go for it, and don’t let them push you around. Their audience needs to hear from a conservative once in a while.
Good Luck
I would try stand firm, watch where they are trying to make you go positionwise (in other words, don’t let them twist your position into something it isn’t). I know its easier said than done, but thats my advice. I hope you post video.
And that is a terribly SAD fact…
I’ve watched the Daily Show off and on since it’s inception, and my advice to you would be to skip it. Unfortunately, too many young liberals consider it real news, yet the segments are taped which leaves your comments vulnerable to editing. The host is hostile to conservatives in a sarcastic way, and his studio audience ooh and ahh at every one of his lame jokes and insults (which will be directed at you in a smarmy way). And you have nothing to gain by being on that show. It’s not a real news show, and the host/interviewer is not a real journalist…just a failed b-level actor in bad comedies with a big liberal chip on his shoulder. You’re too good for that show…seriously.
Finally, we can comment again! Let the party begin!
Go for it. You’ll do fine, and like everyone has mentioned, watch the show so you get an idea of what you’re in for. Forwarned and all that…
I would advise against it. The Daily Show seems to be a combination of the least funny aspects of Saturday Night Live and Murphy Brown. Frankly, Rosie O’Donnell was funnier (albeit unintentionally).
This is the time to say in all seriousness, rely on the Holy Spirit to give you words.
Hope it goes well.
Go, La Shawn. Your reasons are good and we need to hear more of your voice!
Hello La Shawn:
I’ve been visiting your site for over a year, thanks to Michele Malkin, but have never commented. Sorta have mixed emotions about this. Though I would like to see you get more exposure, I think that the folks who smell a “set-up” probably have it right. However, I’ve read enough of your work over the last year to realize that you are as tough as a $2.00 steak and I think you could handle it-guess I’m a bit of a chauvinist and don’t like to see girls get roughed up-LOL.
Caveat Emptor, Carpe Diem, Givem Heck La Shawn!
La Shawn,
go ahead and take advantage of the exposure. This is a chance to spread the “REAL” views of many African Americans in this country.
You make “us” proud!
If they give you a release to sign, READ IT! If they can edit your answers by putting in another question, I would not do it.
Dang you’re getting famous, woman !!!!!
Yes, be cautious, but have a few things up your sleeve to lighten up the moment, such as turning the tables on the woman thing back onto men (sorry, gents).. in a humorous way if you can…something like well at least a woman wouldn’t shoot her hunting partner in the xxx… Of course you’ll want to speak to your serious feelings on the topic but a little humor might help.
I’d lean in the direction of skipping it. Like others said, they’ll kill you with editing. It won’t matter what you say, or how cleverly you say it because they will play around with the footage in order to make themselves come out on top.
Go in with your eyes open, you’ll be in the lion’s den. But go, trust in God’s protection and give it your best.
If you could somehow have an independent video made to counter any “editing” that will be done to the official version that would help also.
Congrats on the appearances. I’ve been reading your site for several years, but have only commented a couple of times. I have mixed emotions about this. It could be a “set up” but I suspect you would comport yourself well. When push comes to shove I’d be tempted to it, and exposure is good. The only thing you may want to reconcile is “are you supporting a show that is profane?”. This is not at all the same analogy, but if you were offered a role in “Super-bad” even if you didn’t have to do anything bad or swear, etc. would you support the enterprise? This isn’t at all the same thing, but where do you draw the line…I’m not sure. (One of my best friends, who is a liberal, loves the show for laughs and news.)
My husband watches the Daily Show almost all the time. I don’t. But if you’re on, I will watch. I’m glad you’re getting more exposure, because America needs to hear more from you. Daily Show appearance means more people get to hear from you.
I didnt have a clear opinion on whether you should do it, Lashawn but now you’ve decided I can encourage you to go for it! We’ll be watching and cheering you on.
You were great on CNN. I don’t know the best course regarding The Daily Show but I am praying for you.
I wish you well, La Shawn-it’s not a set up attack show like ‘Montel’, where the host might get the audience booing you-be yourself, be gracious, and let us know how it goes-I don’t watch Comedy Central at all, haven’t seen the Daily Show in years.
As another commenter said, they make fun of everyone. The only “serious” pieces they have are the people who actually sit and talk to Jon Stewart. It’s a really funny show, but most of the humor is derived from making fun of people. Good luck to you in New York City!
Lashawn wrote:
I’ve decided to go for it. I shared my concerns with the producer. Although she assures me I will be treated respectfully, I realize that this is comedy, after all.
Just a word of caution: Producers lie. Her goal is to get you to their program with what ever it takes. Just keep in mind how Jerry Springer’s folks lie to those participants who will be scorned on their TV show. I encourage you to do it, but be on the alert, and don’t expect them to respect you or your views. And there is no telling how they react if you tell them you are a reformed, fundamentalist Christian who believes the Bible is a revelation from God. Oh, man.
Fred
>>…she assures me I will be treated respectfully>>
I’ve heard of honor among thieves, but nothing about honor among tv producers. I’m sceptical. At least you’re a _black_ female conservative…_maybe_ they’ll hesitate before they do a real mean edit on you.
I don’t watch the show…so please either give us a specific time when we should watch, or just give us an after action report when you’ve seen their worst!
You have nothing to lose by accepting this invitation. They are running all of the risk. You are intelligent, well educated, well spoken and attractive. All those qualities are easy targets. But, you have a strong Christian belief system, you are a no nonsense believer in responsibility and consequences, you are female and, oh, yes, black. Those qualities put them on their guard. After all, they invented political correctness and they have to watch their sacred vows.
If I were keeping a “zinger” in my quiver, it would be something to the effect of: “is this the same way you interview (Muslims) (gays) (polygamists) (illegal aliens) (PETA people) ?
Hmmm.
Just one caution:
have FUN!
You’re there for them to amuse you.
Remember that.
My impression of Stewart is that espite being extremely liberal, he’s a much fairer interviewer of conservatives than most “mainstream” journalists.
Rather than coming in with the usual smug-liberal attitude of “I know this person is wrong and my job is to make him look bad” his attitude seems to be more of “I’ve got a real wierdo here, lets see what I can figure out about why they hold such strange views.”
This gives a quick thinking and articulate conservative at least a non-zero chance of having some of their thoughts get expressed undistorted.
Reading some of the above comments, I’d amend mine to - definitely do it if it’s Stewart doing the big in-studio interview. If it’s oneof their “field reporters” it’s iffier as you’re much less likely to have anything substantive you say appear in the final cut.
Go for it! Jon Stewart is more fair than partisan. Despite his left-leaning sensibilities, his track record shows he will skewer both lefties and righties who are full of themselves.
As others have said, come with an willing sense of humor. Unlike Richard Branson’s interview with Stephan Colbert (on the Colbert Report, a spin-off of tThe Daily Show) resist any urges to empty the contents of a water glass on the host during taping.
You might want to let Stewart know you brought an additional set of dry clothes to the studio.
I tend to agree with eddy. I think this could be a good experience for you and at the very least some excellent publicity.
I look forward to seeing you on the Daily Show!
I’ll be watching, keep us posted on when it’ll be on. Good luck and have fun.
Comments on this entry are closed.