Obama makes surprise appearence on Colbert Report. Colbert hits Thursday trifecta--Clinton, Obama and Edwards.

By Sun-Times Wire

AP photos

PHILADELPHIA, PA.–Sen. Barack Obama (D-Ill.), stumping in North Carolina, makes a surprise visit with Stephen Colbert on Thursday night. Colbert is taping his shows this week from here, in advance of the April 22 Pennsylvania primary. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-N.Y.) and former Sen. John Edwards (D-N.C.)–who dropped his ’08 White House bid– also taped a segment on the show today. Michelle Obama chatted with Colbert Monday night.

Stephen: I enjoyed the debate last night, though I have to take issue with you calling some of the questions manufactured political distractions.

Obama: Well Stephen, I think the American people are tired of these political games and petty distractions

Stephen: Sir, speaking for the news media, speaking for the news media, we are not tired of it. It allows us to ask the same questions over and over again. Its a lot less work.

Click below for the pool report on the taping.

POOL REPORT

April 17, 2008

Comedy Central taping

East Carolina University in Greenville, N.C.

The crowd on the riser behind the stage had been asked to stay and the audience was told to stay quiet before the show began lest it disrupt Sen. Obamas ability to hear. The audience didnt make a sound when Obama came out. He waved and put his finger to his lips to signal the be quiet sound. He waved again and the audience waved back, in unison and in silence.

Staffers (Arun and Marvin) held cue cards next to a camera on the stage as everyone waited for the feed to start. Obama stood with his arms crossed across his chest.

After Obama chatted through his earpiece with a producer, Stephen Colberts voice came on, announcing the end of the show, taped today in Philadelphia and which Sen. Clinton had sat for earlier this afternoon.

What follows is the transcript, somewhat devoid of context since we hadnt seen the rest of the show or what was happening in Philadelphia.

Stephen Colbert: I really wish Senator Obama could have joined us tonight

Barack Obama (reading off cue cards): So do I Stephen.

Stephen: Senator Obama! (pause) Can you hear me?

Obama: (Pause) Stephen are you there? (Crosstalk) I can hear you just fine.

Stephen: Wont Senator Clinton be happy that she fixed our screen?

Obama: Im sure she will, Stephen. Im sure she will.

Stephen: I enjoyed the debate last night, though I have to take issue with you calling some of the questions manufactured political distractions.

Obama: Well Stephen, I think the American people are tired of these political games and petty distractions

Stephen: Sir, speaking for the news media, speaking for the news media, we are not tired of it. It allows us to ask the same questions over and over again. Its a lot less work.

Obama: Stephen, these distractions they wont help us fix our economy, they wont help get people health care. They wont get us out of Iraq. Stephen, I would go so far as to say I want to put these political distractions on notice.

Stephen: What!?

Obama: Boys, bring out the on notice board.

Stephen: What?

Stephen: Senator, I have to warn you, I probably dont have a card for distractions.

(Stephen sifts through a card box)

Let me I see Ive got Dimetapp, Dionne Warwick, Deion Sanders, Dion comma Celine, Dirigibiles, There we go! Distractions!

Okay senator, uh, somethings gonna have to come off, what should I remove?

Obama: Well it cant be grizzly bears, they are the number one threat to America.

Stephen: Good man

Obama: I think we should take off James Brady, he’s a good guy.

Stephen; Alright, Brady. This is your lucky day.

(Stpehen pulls off Brady)