January 31st, 2006
As I expected …
Stephen Colbert doesn’t have the balls to invite me on his little “program”.
It’s true. Some producers at the so-called “Colbert Report” were initially enthused about having me as a guest (in conjunction with the release of my new book) — but somehow, somewhere up the chain of command, the idea was slapped down.
There’s only one explanation that I can see. And it involves Mr. Colbert’s balls.
You’re on notice, Stephen Colbert.
posted by Tom Tomorrow at 10:53 AM | link
January 31st, 2006 at 11:12 am
Frist!
Sorry, but somebody had to do it. I’ll never do it again. Promise. Cross my heart, hope to die, stick a pig in my eye.
January 31st, 2006 at 11:15 am
When you first mentioned this “feud” with Stephen Colbert, I thought you were joking. Is this no longer a joke, and he really won’t have you on the show? I really can’t understand that at all…
I really hope the new book does well! I’m pre-ordering my copy today!
Thanks,
CVA
January 31st, 2006 at 11:18 am
Consider it “jokiness” … I don’t actually believe that Stephen Colbert is the character he plays, of course. But the part about being semi-invited and then disinvited is completely true. It’s disappointing, because I’m a huge fan of the show. When I first heard the concept, it sounded like a one-note joke that would get old in a week, but they’ve really made it work. A show like that would be hard enough to carry even if you’re playing it straight like Jon Stewart — but carrying it while staying in character throughout–that’s a real juggling act.
January 31st, 2006 at 11:21 am
What does the Daily Show have to say about you being a guest?
January 31st, 2006 at 11:27 am
Funny. Maybe if you keep pushing for it, he’ll get you on for an interview. I’d love to see the two of you debate something - the snark could possibly destroy the network. Or send ratings skyrocketing. Or something equally hyperbolic.
I’m tempted to send an email to the Colbert Report, suggesting they reconsider. Maybe I will.
January 31st, 2006 at 11:30 am
Well, I was going to post an email for the show, but I couldn’t find one. Because Stephen Colbert clearly doesn’t have the balls to make an email address public.
January 31st, 2006 at 11:32 am
Colbert has balls, they are just very, very tiny.
January 31st, 2006 at 11:34 am
Albert Brooks, John Stossel, James Woolsey, Dan Perkins… makes sense to me.
January 31st, 2006 at 11:35 am
it made sense to the show’s producers, initially …
January 31st, 2006 at 11:40 am
I need my Daily Show Colbert fix to sleep well and can’t wait unti
noon on Tuesday for Tom Tomorrow “cartoon truthiness”.
I am very pissed at Colbear but found no email address for him website
What is his email so I can let him know how pissed I am
January 31st, 2006 at 11:44 am
Suggestion for email…
Find out what Comedy Central’s domain name is and then just send emails to that domain name with different variations of his name
scolbert@ stephencolbert@ colbert@ colberts@ etc. stephenc@ etc.
January 31st, 2006 at 12:05 pm
You can write to comedy central about specific shows at this link:
http://www.comedycentral.com/help/questionsCC.jhtml
You can select the Colbert Report using the TOPIC pulldown
January 31st, 2006 at 12:11 pm
They saw fit to have professional poker player Annie Duke on the show, I think that it isn’t that much of a stretch to have professional cartoonist Tom Tomorrow on the show.
January 31st, 2006 at 12:17 pm
There’s the Colbert Nation (fake) fan site: http://www.colbertnation.com — and it has an email link to a webmaster: webmaster@colbertnation.com. Give that a shot!
January 31st, 2006 at 12:33 pm
Hey Tom,
Just ordered my copy of the book. Rank 2190 and rising!
January 31st, 2006 at 12:38 pm
Since David Cross does their fake “Liberal Talk Radio Douchebag” character, and you are a cartoonist he’s definitely heard of, that might be another avenue to persue. Assuming he’s easier to get a hold of than Colbert, which is probably unlikely.
From my own personal obscure cartoonist experience, comedy people seem to view cartoonists as their creepy, socially awkward, poor stage presence-having cousins.
January 31st, 2006 at 12:38 pm
Neither the Daily Show nor the Colbert Report has had on the author of the best, most insightful book about Iraq and other wars written in the last year, Norman Solomon and his War Made Easy. They’re both too busy feeding us crap from Fareed Zakaria or Henry Kissinger and the like.
January 31st, 2006 at 12:44 pm
There was just a good interview in the Onion AV Club with Colbert, basically talking about how much different he his when not in character. He also mentioned that he was afraid maybe if he continued doing this for years, he wouldn’t be able to “turn it off.” Now would be the time to get on the show, before the metamorphasis.
January 31st, 2006 at 12:45 pm
I just dropped a line to Comedy Central myself. It probably won’t come to anything, but maybe if enough people say, “What the hell?”, our beloved cartoonist will be invited back. (That assumes, of course, that Tom Tomorrow would accept another invitation ;-) )
January 31st, 2006 at 12:50 pm
I hear from some interns that they only permit “telegenic” guests. Maybe you can get on Harry Shearer’s radio show, Le Show.
January 31st, 2006 at 12:54 pm
I don’t see why they wouldn’t have you on either the Daily Show or Colbert report, it makes no sense. The Daily Show gave former NY mayor Ed Koch 15 minutes to talk about his silly children’s book when it came out, but they can’t give someone whose work is actually relevant to their show the same? Makes no sense… and I know these folks must read cartoons, Mr. Colbert even gave Ward Sutton a book blurb (”"Ward Sutton’s satire doesn’t just bite, it maims. He’s the perfect cartoonist for our discordant times.”- Steven Colbert, “The Daily Show”)
I guess he has no balls.
January 31st, 2006 at 1:03 pm
but they can’t give someone whose work is actually relevant to their show the same? Makes no sense…
This could very well be exactly why. Guests on the Daily Show and the Colbert Report include regular celebrities, politicians, “serious” political authors, and TV news people.
You, on the other hand, are actually in direct competition. You could very well be writing segments for the show(s).
January 31st, 2006 at 1:07 pm
The big old Rottweiler of truth is about to wet on your fire hydrant of despair - you’re not going to be on Stephen’s show because you write *books* - books are for sissies, not real men like our President, and if you were a God-fearing American like Mr. Colbert you would realize that.
January 31st, 2006 at 1:11 pm
I didn’t mean that in a sarcastic way. I think you’d make a great guest.
January 31st, 2006 at 1:42 pm
Dude, it’s all about the gravitas thing.
January 31st, 2006 at 1:43 pm
Heh. Send off my email to the Comedy Central site, so hopefully it might help make a difference. Even only a smidgen of one.
Though I suppose I probably should’ve been working during that…
January 31st, 2006 at 1:50 pm
Just dropped CC an email asking to reconsider. Hope you will accept if they reinvite. Thanks for the great work.
January 31st, 2006 at 1:50 pm
I gave you a link from SpeakSpeak News:
http://www.speakspeak.org/speak-blog/2006/01/31/the-colbert-report-rejects-tom-tomorrow-2/
January 31st, 2006 at 1:51 pm
Hey, what’s the point–joking or otherwise, of creating a tempest in a teapot, especially between people/shows/websites that are essentially on the same side? IMHO it’s pretty childish and does nothing of value for either side. Life isn’t fair, nor is who gets invited on what show and when or for how long. In case no one’s noticed, we have some truly frightening issues that could benefit from our immediate attention…or we could pointlessly argue over this. Or maybe having TT on SCR this very minute is going to solve world hunger. Or not.
January 31st, 2006 at 1:53 pm
Ever consider animation?
Skip a Colbert book cameo, that’s so “Monday thru Thursday”. Go for the Comedy Central enchilada: Get your own show! Then invite [and disinvite if you prefer] Mr. Colbert for an animated voice cameo! Comedy Central would probably play your tease during both the Daily Show and the Colbert Report to start up your ratings.
This Modern World would be another huge Comedy Central hit. You just don’t realize that you are in their league already.
January 31st, 2006 at 1:53 pm
John: Not trying to solve world hunger, chief, I’m trying to sell books.
gylangirl: pitched them a show a couple of years back. they passed.
January 31st, 2006 at 1:53 pm
Apropos of nothing:
Q. What did the elephant say when he was pulled out of a pit by the Balls?
A. Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Ball!
January 31st, 2006 at 1:54 pm
Um, John? It’s a joke, man. The “no balls” thing is said in fun, and a lot of us would really enjoy seeing a matchup between Colbert and Tomorrow. I don’t think anyone harbors the illusion that it would somehow be for the betterment of mankind, just as I think few people view the “news” shows on Comedy Central as something more than “entertainment/satire.”
January 31st, 2006 at 1:57 pm
I’m so disappointed that you felt the need to delete a point of view not exactly in line with yours regarding this ‘tempest in a teapot.’ This is a non-issue. I believe our energies would be better spent on something of substance, as opposed to literally whining and then lining up sycophants to do your dirty work for you. You have an excellent blog, your cartoon hits the mark every time–every time. Only “get your war on” equals your reputation, as far as I’m concerned. So you have not yet appeared on this particular TV show. Please tell me you’re bigger than this and not some preening opportunist shilling your book in front of a sliver of a national audience. I would like to have more respect for you as a person, not just as a political satirist.
January 31st, 2006 at 1:58 pm
My apologies. My original comment was posted, then gone. Now it has been re-posted. Thank you.
(I stand by the other assertions, however.)
January 31st, 2006 at 2:01 pm
I am in fact a preening opportunist, John. Sorry to disappoint you. I understand that if I weren’t busy whining and lining up my sycophants, I’d have world hunger solved — but selling my books is just more important to me! Hey everybody — pay no attention to the world’s problems! Buy my books! BUY MY BOOKS!
January 31st, 2006 at 2:03 pm
If you haven’t considered this yet, do a comic making fun of the Colbert Report. That might get his character’s attention, [if not yourself on his show].
;^)
January 31st, 2006 at 2:07 pm
It is too bad that you won’t get the exposure. Even a little short bit would have bumped up sales. The cover picture alone, on TV screens, would be worth the airtime and many sales.
January 31st, 2006 at 2:08 pm
But what about the world hunger? WHAT ABOUT THE WORLD HUNGER????
January 31st, 2006 at 2:10 pm
As long as we are emailing Comedy central about Tom Tomorrow, we should re-pitch for an animated This Modern World show. Just sayin’.
January 31st, 2006 at 2:10 pm
I think you should pitch a show to Cartoon Network/Adult Swim instead. That’s where all the edgy cartoonists are going these days.
And I have a feeling Colbert won’t allow his balls to be slandered her on the interwebs… you’ll probably be getting that invite shortly. Then we’ll see who’s really on notice.
January 31st, 2006 at 2:11 pm
Sadly, I’ve been there too. We made the rounds, a few years back, to pretty much everybody you can think of. Nobody bit.
January 31st, 2006 at 2:11 pm
World hunger is overrated. Sales are critical.
January 31st, 2006 at 2:18 pm
Screw world hunger, you need to get on that show! I will fire off an angry missive to Mr. Colbert denigrating his manhood, RIGHT NOW!!
But seriously, it makes perfect sense to have you on as a guest. An author plugging a book is so STANDARD for TDS/Colbert. I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want you on. I mean if they must be hard up for guests to have Annie freakin’ Duke on…
January 31st, 2006 at 2:25 pm
Tom Tomorrow -
Pitch an animation idea to Al Gore’s “Current TV:”
http://www.current.tv/
January 31st, 2006 at 2:35 pm
If we buy enough copies of your book, will you solve world hunger?
January 31st, 2006 at 2:37 pm
SCREW Comedy Central and forget about Al Bore’s dumb network
[adult swim] is where it’s at. If the Boondocks can get a show, then I’m sure Tom Tomorrow and This Modern World could get a show!
January 31st, 2006 at 2:46 pm
Robb Black -
If the animation would be a half-hour,then Cartoon Network’s Adult Swim actually would be better, as you say.
Cartoons on Al Gore’s “Current TV” are usually about 5 minutes.
January 31st, 2006 at 2:47 pm
There is no such thing as World Hunger! All those “starving” kids have huge pot bellies! It’s a global conspiracy!!
Oh, Colbert is 100% kool. Mentholated, sucka.
January 31st, 2006 at 2:49 pm
suggestion for new book title: Eat This Book! ;-)
January 31st, 2006 at 2:53 pm
Tom, get back to the publishers immediately…
Insist that they only print with soy based inks, on the finest quality rice paper…
Then you can sell your book as a cure for world hunger. People can eat it…
Z.
January 31st, 2006 at 2:54 pm
I had no idea Tom/Dan had a sort of “feud” with Colbert. Guess I don’t keep up enough.
January 31st, 2006 at 3:38 pm
I would love to see Tom on TDS. As for Colbert, I will have to admit to preferring those episodes where he’s mocking the very sort of people he’s impersonating to their faces (e.g., John Stossel). I only watch about 1 TCR for every 10 times I watch TDS, though, so what do I know?
Except that world hunger is a commie lie, of course.
January 31st, 2006 at 3:44 pm
You guys just don’t get it. Colbert does not broadcast in HD, yet. If you have Tom and Stephen on the same screen in the current format, the combined ballsiness would cause every television screen in America (even the ones not tuned to Comedy Central) to explode. I, for one, do not know how to get testosterone stains out of the carpet. Maybe in a couple of years, bro-sef.
January 31st, 2006 at 3:58 pm
This is what we waste time worrying about? No wonder the far right keeps handing us our a**es on a platter. I hope Tom Tomorrow gets on this show, or gets his own show, or sells a lot of copies of his book. Forgive me if I’m a little more worried about how the next 25 years of decisions handed down by a far right Supreme Court will affect my life. At least Mr. Tomorrow will have plenty to write about then. I guess that works for him. It sounds like that’s what he’s the most worried about.
January 31st, 2006 at 4:17 pm
I think I’m going to impose a new policy for comments week: anyone who suggests that the, uh, cartoonist is being too frivolous when there are Serious Issues to Debate will have their comments run through a Pirate Translator and reposted.
Sample comment: How can you waste time writing about your new book when there are children starving in the world?
Sample comment run through pirate translator: Yarrr! How can you waste time writin’ about your new book when thar be sprogs starvin’ in t’ world?
(Oh, and Kathy? discussion of alito–one post up.)
January 31st, 2006 at 4:24 pm
Hmm… Tom, can you think of any point in the past where you have been photographed associating with bears? Have you ever drawn bears in a positive light? What about stating any opposition to bear-hunting? If so, perhaps there is a logical explanation for the disinvitation after all.
What about asking Stephen to write the intro to your book? If he doesn’t have the balls to do that, well, then he’s REALLY on notice.
January 31st, 2006 at 4:38 pm
Aaahahahaaaa… the pirate translator is funny as hell! See, this is exactly why Comedy Central needs to rethink their decision. Flying Spaghetti Monster will be pleased.
January 31st, 2006 at 4:56 pm
I believe Mr. Colbert should be added to the list of people who are dead to this corner of the blogosphere.
January 31st, 2006 at 5:10 pm
Tom, have you considered perhaps penning a cartoon lambasting the Stephen Colbert character for something inane he says on his show a la one of your O’Reillys? It would be sure to get their attention.
January 31st, 2006 at 5:14 pm
well, I think it’s pretty silly that people are getting wild hairs over a self-promoting blog post, given that there will be always be lots and lots of other posts. but I only have one cartoon a week, and it reaches a lot more people than this site ever will, so preening opportunist or no, I would never waste a week like that.
January 31st, 2006 at 5:31 pm
Ah, the sweet stench of failure and crushed dreams.
January 31st, 2006 at 5:33 pm
Who cares about world hunger when there are whiny, self-important comments to write in celebrity blogs!
January 31st, 2006 at 5:52 pm
That’s what you get for opening comments — ‘Ironieness’ — the disheartening realization that peoples ability to process irony comes in varying sensitivities.
January 31st, 2006 at 5:55 pm
The Colbert o’reilly-like schtick is getting quite tedious. And for crissakes, enough with the vacuous celebrity interviews. What a waste of time.
January 31st, 2006 at 6:18 pm
Gheeez, people, get a grip. Why are you wasting your time reading these comments when you could be out SOLVING WORLD HUNGER? Or for that matter, PASSING OUT PAMPHLETS or GOING TO A PEACE MEETING or VOLUNTEERING AT A HOMELESS SHELTER?
He’s trying to promote his book. He has to make a living, and heck, he supports himself more honorably than do most people.
January 31st, 2006 at 7:08 pm
I watched Colbert’s show once or twice. He got old and annoying very, very quickly.
And, quite frankly, Mr. Tommorow has the right to do as he will with the blog. Because, you know, it’s his.
January 31st, 2006 at 10:26 pm
Pechorin Says: The Colbert o’reilly-like schtick is getting quite tedious. And for crissakes, enough with the vacuous celebrity interviews.
I couldn’t agree more. If I wanted to hear self-aggrandized, egotistical, arrogant drivel I’d listen to Rush Limbaugh already. Sorry to say, as much as I’ve admired the Cold Bear’s previous work (he was hysterical in Strangers with Candy), TCR leaves me cold. Sure, maybe he’s playing a character, but for crying out loud, I get the RIGHT WING point of view shoved down my throat day in and day out. I’m sick of it. And Cold Bear doing his schtick….. well, as Studs Terkel said on Democracy Now recently, it’s like a Burlesque routine, but it’s not funny anymore.
Sorry Cold Bear, not really a fan.
Tom Tomorrow……. now there’s someone with razor sharp I can admire….. and have, for more than a dozen years. Thanks Tom, you da man!!!!
January 31st, 2006 at 10:29 pm
Uhh (Jesus this is embarrassing), meant to say that Tom Tomorrow has a razor sharp WIT that I can admire….. OK, nuff said.
February 1st, 2006 at 12:24 am
I hope he does invite you on the show. I mean that in a totally bi-partisan sort of way (and I am hardy ever bi-partisan). I think that you two could have a very informative debate.
by the way, you do know his show is comedy, right? Comedy Central? That it’s all an act to make fun of people like Bill O’Reilly (and others, of course)? So, whats the big deal? So you don’t get to go on the show and get made fun of (which he does to EVERY guest). So what?
February 1st, 2006 at 1:58 am
“…Irony, oh irony, upon me, it’s never lost…”
February 1st, 2006 at 9:51 am
Maybe the powerful satire will nullify itself?
February 1st, 2006 at 10:18 am
“…We made the rounds, a few years back, to pretty much everybody you can think of. Nobody bit.”
But that was when criticism of Bush wasn’t cool.
February 1st, 2006 at 11:45 am
I will not be satisfied until Sparky the Penguin is permanently parked on the lower corner of the TV screen, and Tom is free to pop a conversation bubble at whim. Why settle for JUST ONE SEGMENT when we could have it all? Focus, people! Keep your eye on the prize!
February 1st, 2006 at 2:34 pm
While I’ve not seen that many Colbert Report episodes, the ones I’ve seen all had some semi-serious guest. One that could get a little crosseyed and flabergasted when Colbert completely destroys their preplanned bit.
In this sense, you just don’t seem to fit that critera.
But, I’ve missed more than I’ve seen, so I could very well be completely off.
February 1st, 2006 at 3:13 pm
My mom, through working with a local book festival, was in contact with one of the authors Colbert interviewed, and apparently he was briefed beforehand that he shouldn’t try to be funny in response to Colbert, and essentially play the straight man. Somehow I doubt a guy who puts comments through a pirate translator would be very good at playing the straight man:)