First Lady Michelle Obama appeared on Stephen Colbert's new late show last night and something unexpected happened -- a brief stretch of conversation that was actually funny.
Prior to that, Colbert appeared nervous in Mrs. Obama's presence, frequently interrupting and talking over her
But the interview finally delivered during an exchange where former president Bill Clinton came up, albeit indirectly, and in a way he'd surely not find amusing.
It was after Colbert asked the first lady about her predecessor, Laura Bush, leaving her a note when the Bushes left the White House in 2009 --
COLBERT: Now I understand that Mrs. Bush left y'all a letter ...
OBAMA: Yes.
COLBERT: ... for the first lady. Uhm, without naming any names ...
OBAMA: Hmm hmm ...
COLBERT: ... if we have a first female president next ...
OBAMA: Hmm hmm (scattered laugher in audience) ...
COLBERT: ... would you leave a letter for her husband? (big laugh and applause from the audience, Michelle Obama laughs too and nods her head.) What would you say, like, what would you suggest the thing he needs to know more than anything else about the job?
OBAMA (turning toward the camera and pointing): I would say follow your passion. (pause) Just be you.
COLBERT (not missing a beat): I think he does.
OBAMA (nodding): I think he would. (Another big laugh from the audience as Obama and Colbert smile at what's been insinuated).
COLBERT (mock backpedaling): I mean that in the best possible way! I mean that in the best possible way!
OBAMA (quickly creating distance from what's been said): It wasn't me. I didn't say it, I'm just sitting here. I'm sitting here, minding my business ...
COLBERT (diverting attention to that other possible First Gentleman): I have never met Carly Fiorina's husband, but I imagine ...
OBAMA: There you go!
COLBERT: ... that he's a lovely man.
Before this, Colbert was borderline manic through the interview, at one point referring to himself as a "jerk" after he'd talked over the first lady once too often. Yet after Colbert asked about Laura Bush's letter and if Michelle Obama planned to do likewise, he finally restrained himself and let the conversation flow.
When Michelle Obama delivered the line, "follow your passion, just be you," she turned and looked straight into the camera, as if toward Bill Clinton himself, and it was the only time she did so during her Late Show appearance aside from an occasional glance. Maybe the exchange was scripted, but it was still worth the price of admission.
When Bill Clinton drops by for his inevitable schmooze with Colbert, as it is preordained that he must do, most likely not all that far off if his wife's campaign continues to go the way of the Hindenburg, will Colbert summon the courage to cite Michelle Obama's advice?
