Stephen Colbert Takes on Festivus Pole Erected in Florida Capitol

Last week, we broke the big holiday news about Chaz Stevens putting up a Festivus pole next to a Nativity scene in the Florida Capitol. The event has swept the Internet and gotten ahold of the 24-hour news cycle. But something isn't really a big deal until Stephen Colbert gives...

By Chris Joseph

December 12, 2013

[
        {
          "name": "GPT - Billboard - Slot Inline - Content - Labeled - No Desktop",
          "component": "16971022",
          "insertPoint": "2",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "2"
        },{
          "name": "Editor Picks",
          "component": "15769925",
          "insertPoint": "4",
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "1"
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Rectangle 2x - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782206",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 8,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "7",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "Inline Links",
          "component": "16575154",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        },{
          "name": "GPT - Leaderboard to Tower - Slot Auto-select - Labeled",
          "component": "15782207",
          "insertPoint": "8th",
          "startingPoint": 12,
          "requiredCountToDisplay": "11",
          "maxInsertions": 25
        }
      ]

Last week, we broke the big holiday news about Chaz Stevens putting up a Festivus pole next to a Nativity scene in the Florida Capitol. The event has swept the Internet and gotten ahold of the 24-hour news cycle.

But something isn't really a big deal until Stephen Colbert gives his take on it.

And on his show Wednesday night, Colbert featured the pole on his "Blitzkrieg on Grinchitude" segment.

Colbert starts the segment by telling his audience about the pole and by taking a hilarious shot at Gov. Rick Scott.

"In addition to the Nativity scene, the Florida State Capitol now has a Festivus pole, a manora, and a monument to the Aztec Snake God, Rick Scott," Colbert says.

Colbert also shows clips of Fox News' Gretchen Carlson's outrage over the Festivus pole.

"Why do I have to drive around with my kids to look for Nativity scenes and be like, 'Oh yeah, kids, look there's the baby Jesus behind the Festivus pole, behind the beer cans," Carlson says. "It's nuts!"

Colbert then responds to the clip, saying, "You should not have to look at a pile of beer cans when you're just trying to show your kids positive images, like leaving a baby outside in the middle of the winter."

You can see photos of Stevens and the Festivus pole here.

ENJOY THE FEATS OF STRENGTH, EVERYONE!

Send your story tips to the author, Chris Joseph. Follow Chris Joseph on Twitter

Follow @NewTimesBroward

KEEP NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of South Florida, and we'd like to keep it that way. Your membership allows us to continue offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food, and culture with no paywalls. You can support us by joining as a member for as little as $1.