I think that if Colbert did approach it seriously, his apparently genuine sincerity (which I agree with you on, is heartening and rare), would wear thin on most people. Especially his guests. I think before long they just would avoid his show or people's cynicism would harden them to it. I think this is why when he or Stewart do lash out with an honest emotion, it's so stark to everything else they do, and everything everyone else does.
No, I think Stewart and Colbert are best where they are, at least for now, as biting satire that reveals the shallowness of the news and pundits they mock. Hopefully the constant razing leaves the ground ripe for a new growth of journalism with less weeds.
And I say this as someone who previously worked in local news, and hopes to return very soon. I sometimes think that if you watch the news without giving serious thought to it, there's a very real possibility you're doing yourself more harm than good.
No, I think Stewart and Colbert are best where they are, at least for now, as biting satire that reveals the shallowness of the news and pundits they mock. Hopefully the constant razing leaves the ground ripe for a new growth of journalism with less weeds.
And I say this as someone who previously worked in local news, and hopes to return very soon. I sometimes think that if you watch the news without giving serious thought to it, there's a very real possibility you're doing yourself more harm than good.