Satire

Stephen Colbert testified before Congress on September 24, 2010, appearing before the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Immigration, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security, and International Law.

Here is the context behind that appearance:

1. The "Take Our Jobs" Campaign

Colbert appeared alongside Arturo Rodriguez, the president of the United Farm Workers (UFW). The UFW had launched a campaign called "Take Our Jobs," which challenged unemployed American citizens to replace migrant workers in the fields. The campaign was designed to prove a point: that despite high unemployment rates, most Americans were unwilling to perform the grueling physical labor required in agriculture, highlighting the industry's reliance on migrant labor.

2. The Setup on The Colbert Report

Prior to the testimony, Colbert had dedicated a segment of his show to this campaign. As a publicity stunt (and to "prove" the work wasn't that hard), he spent one day working on a farm in upstate New York picking beans and corn. He used this "vast experience" of a single day to humorously position himself as an expert witness.

3. Satire as Testimony

Unusually for a congressional hearing, Colbert testified in character as his conservative, right-wing pundit persona from The Colbert Report.

• The Satire: He used irony to critique anti-immigrant rhetoric, joking that he didn't want his tomatoes picked by Mexicans, but rather by Americans, and suggested that if Americans wouldn't do the work, we should just "stop eating fruits and vegetables."

• The Serious Point: Toward the end of the hearing, he briefly broke character in response to a question from Rep. Judy Chu. He spoke sincerely about why he cared, stating, "I like talking about people who don't have any power... migrant workers suffer and have no rights."

4. The Reaction

The appearance was controversial. While it drew massive media attention to the issue of migrant labor and the AgJOBS bill (which was stalled in Congress), some lawmakers—including committee chair John Conyers—felt that a comedian testifying in character made a mockery of the legislative process.