Stephen Colbert at the 2006 White House Press Correspondents Dinner

[Orrex]

3. I remember it vividly because I simply couldn't believe it when I saw it

I don't know that there's ever been another comedy routine like it. A true master with a truly masterful piece.

There was considerable debate on DU @ the time as to whether or he had succeeded or failed in his performance, but even at the time I saw that it was an utter success. After 20+ minutes of playing to an increasingly silent and uncomfortable crowd, Colbert shows not a drop of flop-sweat.

The audience expected him to deliver a funny and harmless schtick. What they got instead was a long overdue ass-kicking that probably still smarts to this day.