Eric Schmidt And Stephen Colbert Talk Politics

http://m.techcrunch.com/2012/12/15/eric-schmidt-and-stephen-colbert-talk-politics-google-vs-amazon-and-the-strange-allure-of-failure-video/?icid=tc_home_art&

by acremades • 14 years ago

61 14 14 years ago

m.techcrunch.com

spdy• 14 years ago

Full video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-HpBHWUPa8Q

look_lookatme2• 14 years ago

I've always felt that Colbert's talent as an interviewer are paralleled only by Dick Cavett (at his best). He is clearly a very fast reasoner with staggering intellect. But as much I enjoy The Colbert Report, it seems like a waste that he devotes his efforts to comedy and the sideshow bit. I think it continues to be a net positive for people that watch -- like a sort of cultural salve -- but he's just so damn rational that it makes you want to grab him and tell him to think bigger.

Also, is Schmidt always this stilted or is he nervous?

saraid2162• 14 years ago

It's his choice to devote his efforts to comedy, and his reasons for doing so are pretty damn good. Do keep in mind that his show is not the only thing he does.

AdamDuMonde• 14 years ago

This is exactly what I thought about John Stewart during his epic debate with Tucker Carlson on Crossfire. It's so very worth watching again even if you've seen it multiple times. It really reminds people that John Stewart and Stephen Colbert really are only "characters" on their show. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFQFB5YpDZE

Bill Maher is another brilliant, politically insightful comedian.

lukevdp• 14 years ago

It's the fact that he is always in character that makes him so good. If he didn't take the comedy angle, he would just be another political pundit.

I get the same feeling watching Will Ferrel interviews

jeffool2• 14 years ago

While I do think Colbert is the smartest funny man (And Stewart the funniest smart man) around, and love to watch them both, I think you're right Luke. His being in character and using comedy generally lets him take the interview in directions and to places that he couldn't otherwise. And I think sometimes that he can come from such an odd place, his questions elicit answers that may not be otherwise given.

myko• 14 years ago

Schmidt is typically this nervous/awkward to watch. I still enjoy his interviews pretty thoroughly though. I think the Tina Fey one is my favorite: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M8Mkufm3ncc

mtgx• 14 years ago

He would make a great senator, probably. It would actually be really interesting if he became senator, and he continued speaking in senate with his sarcastic style, because it would probably be much more effective in convincing the other senators to vote with him, than being all serious, like he did here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pp8HbMH27_s

brianchu• 14 years ago

Schmidt is not really a naturally charismatic speaker. This is a video of when he was a regular manager (I think) taking public speaking classes: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bA1I6MUOKkU.

As you can see, public speaking was something he had to actively train and work on. Public speaking is something most people need to train and work on. We can't all give presentations like Steve Jobs (and even he obsessively prepared for those).

saraid2162• 14 years ago

Well, if it's a matter of public speaking, keep in mind that most of Jobs' presentations aren't interviews, either. Speeches and interviews are apples and oranges, despite both being facets of public speaking.

1337biz• 14 years ago

Just wanted to thank you for the link to the public speaking video. A fascinating watch and impressive evolution the before/after effect.

emmapersky• 14 years ago

"Clearly has no idea what Google Play is"

Oh dear, Techcrunch, you seem to have misunderstood comedy.

Eric Schmidt And Stephen Colbert Talk Politics

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