Stephen Colbert to Celebrate Returning Troops

Stephen Colbert will give returning troops a true homecoming with two special episodes of The Colbert Report. The two-episode event will not be the first time the Comedy Central funnyman has honored Iraq war soldiers; he previously went to Baghdad for a special series of broadcasts issued from the combat zone.

Iraq war veterans and active service members will fill the audience on September 8 and 9. Other groups of soldiers will visit the set via satellite from Afghanistan, Iraq and the Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D. C. In typical Colbert fashion, the episodes are aptly named: “Been There: Won That: The Returnification of the American-Do Troopscape.”

Vice President Joe Biden, Senator Jim Webb and General Ray Odiermo will be among the special guests lined up for the event. Odiermo is a “friend of the show;” he shaved Colbert’s head when the comedian previously hosted the series from Baghdad.

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Presidents and Prime Time: Don’t They Mix?

Despite big banner headlines and lots of flag-waving pictures, the must-touted visit from President George W. Bush to NBC’s Deal or No Deal didn’t help ratings. In fact, the show met it’s lowest ratings ever for a Monday broadcast despite the promise of the Commander-in-Chief.

Bush offered a taped message for an Iraq War veteran (Captain Joseph Kobes, U.S. Army) on the episode, though only 10 million viewers actually saw the footage. The presidential vote of confidence didn’t help Kobes win the million - in the end, the solider was stuck with a lowly $26,000 which was in turn tripled to $78,000 thanks to the Deal Wheel.

“I’m thrilled to be on Deal or No Deal with you tonight,” President Bush told his audience. “Come to think of it, I’m thrilled to be anywhere with high ratings these days.” Joke’s on you, Mr. President. Next time, try an appearance on Gossip Girl - that show is getting much better press.

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Hollywood Reporter