TVSquad

"Indecision 2008": The other night, ABC hosted the latest Democratic debate between Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton. Charles Gibson and former Bill Clinton aide George Stephanopoulos moderated the event and -- to put it in the most articulate and nicest way possible -- totally sucked. That was probably the worst way to pose a question about a possible ticket team-up to two candidates who are in it to win it. Also, that question about Jeremiah Wright and his love for America made me want to grab Stephanopoulos by the head and make him go back to the Keebler elf factory. Not cool, man. Maybe Dennis Kucinich will set him straight.

Everyday citizen Nash McCabe even got to take part in the weak proceedings, questioning Obama's belief in the American flag, though not necessarily his patriotism. The comparison to the "No disrespect!" phrase was perfect, even though Jon totally ruined Dirk McCloud's eyes and used a voice that made me think he was going to break into "Taco-Flavored Kisses" at any moment. In other news, I am now planning my Summer vacation around a trip to Paganville, US-Gay. Greatest. Party city. Ever.

Any big, relevant questions seemed to be shifted to awkward parts of the debate. Even the usually smooth-talking Obama was thrown off his groove and stumbled over his words.

Speaking of Obama, Resident Expert John Hodgman stopped by to share his thoughts about the accusations of the Senator being an elitist. As an elitist himself, Hodgman explained his disgust for the common man and love for down-stuffed hands. It's time for the elitists to come out and be proud of their identities! He's really the only person who can work in a clip from Dunston Checks In without looking completely stupid. Thinking back to Hodgman's earliest appearances as the show's Resident Expert, it looks like his performances have been becoming increasingly actor-y. He's been less and less his usual deadpan self as of late. It's not exactly a good or a bad thing, just an observation.



The night's guest was Uma Thurman, promoting The Life Before Her Eyes. After spending a bit of time pandering to the intellectual-obsessed crowd, she talked about her return to drama after a series of comedies and wacky action films like Kill Bill. She also explained her problems with stress. She looked pretty. Her hair was very shiny. There was mild flirtation. Lots of giggles were had. So... This was a typical, filler-type Hollywood interview. I mean, not that I was expecting anything particularly hard-hitting. At least Uma Thurman didn't make everything super-awkward by trying to out-funny Jon the entire time or overhauling it with a stand-up routine the way some Hollywood guests do.



Moment of Zen: Upon the mention of a commercial break, the crowd turned on Charles Gibson. They then ripped him apart and devoured his brain. George Stephanopoulos cowered in a corner.

The Colbert Report: And in case you missed it, Stephen Colbert had the most epic night ever. Hillary Clinton, Barack Obama and John Edwards made appearances on his show. I understand that The Daily Show's format doesn't really lend itself to something as crazy as that, but it would still be nice to see something as huge as that instead of Uma Thurman talking about how much she loves cooking. No disrespect.