Comedy

Christopher Buckley was George Bush Sr.’s speechwriter from 1981-1983 when Bush served as Vice President. The son of William F. Buckley, he is the author of the political satire, "Thank you for Smoking" which poked fun at everything and everyone associated with the tobacco industry- from anti-smoking advocates to tobacco company executives. Buckley is the editor of Forbes’ FYI Magazine. He’ll discuss the presidential campaign from the perspective of a Bush supporter.

Former standup comic and creator and current host of ABC’s “Politically Incorrect,” Bill Maher. On his late-night talk show, Maher invites celebrity guests from all parts of the political spectrum to discuss politics and the issues of the day.

Satirist Al Franken. For 15 years he was a cast member of Saturday Night Live, creating such well-loved characters as Stuart Smalley (author of "I'm Good Enough, I'm Smart Enough, and Doggone It, People Like Me!"). His bestselling satire, "Why Not Me: The Inside Story of the Making and Unmaking of the Franken Presidency" is now in paperback (Delta). He’s also coordinating producer of this Sunday’s “SNL Presidential Bash 2000.”

Comedian and actor Tim Meadows. Meadows was a regular on TV’s Saturday Night Live for some 9 years. Leon the Ladies Man, a swingin’ politically incorrect radio love doctor that he played on the show, is now featured in the new film “The Ladies Man.” Meadow recently left SNL to co-star in the new comedy “The Michael Richards show” which premieres Tuesday, October 24th.

Comedian Marc Maron. His hit one man show in Manhattan, “Jerusalem Syndrome,” is described as a “poetically paranoid rant on corporate culture and the quest for spiritual fulfillment.” Maron has appeared on David Letterman, Conan O’Brien, and was the host of Comedy Central’s “Short Attention Span Theater.” He appears in Cameron Crowe’s new film, “Almost Famous.”

Director/producer Nick Park is the academy award- winning creator of the much-loved animated British characters Wallace & Gromit. Director/producer Peter Lord is Chairman and co-founder of the clay animation studios Aardman, where PARK created his short films featuring Wallace & Gromit (“A Grand Day Out,” “The Wrong Trousers” and “A Close Shave.”) They’ve just collaborated on their first full-length feature film, “Chicken Run” an animated escape film with chickens as the escapers.

Writer David Sedaris is best known for his contributing work with Public Radio’s “This American Life.” He’s written three books of essays, “Barrel Fever,” “Naked,” and his newest “Me Talk Pretty One Day” (Little Brown)

Jon Stewart is the co-producer and anchorman of Comedy Central’s “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.” The show is an alternative take on the news. Previously Stewart had a part on HBO’s “The Larry Sanders Show.” He also hosted Comedy Central’s “Short Attention Span Theater.”

British comedian, stand up performer, and actor Eddie Izzard. Izzard is currently selling out venues in the US and Canada, with his new stand up show “Circle”. He has won over fans with his quirky comedy and his cross-dressing. The Chicago Tribune says "Izzard lives up to his billing. He's very bright, very fast and very hip.” As an actor, Izzard has appeared in the films Mystery Men, The Avengers, and the Velvet Goldmine.

Actress Amy Sedaris. She’s the star of the comedy series “Strangers With Candy” that airs Monday and Saturday nights on Comedy Central. Sedaris plays Jerri Blank, a 47-year old ex-con, ex-prostitute lesbian high school freshman. She’s the sister of David Sedaris, a humor writer who has been on Fresh Air several times. Amy and David have produced and written several plays together, including the 1996 Obie award winning “One Woman Shoe.”