Andy Cobb

Age:less

Job: Actor/writer/director

Hometown: Chicago

Why did you attend the DNC?  I was doing shows with Second City, a sketch comedy theater that specializes in social and political satire.  We were performing for parties for **** Durbin and Rahm Emanuel, plus an event for DNC fundraisers. I'm also the director of a web-based satire group called The Public Service Administration (www.publicserviceadministration.com), and it was a chance to meet with fellow activists, directors, and people who are as interested in politics as we are making fun of it. It was tons of fun.

What was Second City's role at the DNC?  Entertainment.  We made fun of the Democrats a bit, Republicans quite a bit, and marveled at the audacity of those freaky Ron Paul people.  Really, Ron Paul people?  You're going to come there dressed like that, and expect people to take you seriously?  If you're going to talk that crazy libertarian talk, you better at least put on a tie--it's hard enough to listen to someone talk about how awesome "free markets" are for health care with a straight face, you don't need to wear filthy concert T-shirts while you do it.

How did you get the job to perform at **** Durbin's Party?  They asked and we went.  I couldn't believe it myself.

Who/what did you spoof politically?  Everyone, a little bit.  I told **** Durbin he looks like Charlie Brown and Paul Begala had a love child.  He's so nice that he took it very well.  Rahm Emanuel seemed less amused when I said he was the Suge Knight of Capitol Hill.  But seriously, people are scared of that guy.  He doesn't do drive bys, but he knows parliamentary rules of procedure and he's taking out “suckas” with his b-icameral shotgun of partisan pain.

How did you prepare for the DNC?  I took a shower.  Freaky Ron Paul people, take note. 

What was the reaction to your comedy skit? Did any politicians comment?  The fundraisers seemed pleased…they rattled their jewelry at us.

Tell me about the spoof you did on Will.I.Am's video last week?  It was a couple months ago, it was a video we did with Public Service Administration (PSA) that got passed around quite a bit.  We loved the will.i.am video, and wanted to do a version paying tribute to John McCain.  He probably wouldn't approve, though.  And, he definitely has no idea who will.i.am is!  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3gwqEneBKUs

What is your involvement in politics outside of Second City?  I'm an activist on left-y issues, and am a recovering member of the Green Party.  Love you, Ralph Nader, but I'm voting for the black dude.

Will you also be attending the RNC?  No, though I'd love to.  Republicans are great for satire and comedy; if McCain wins it will be like watching the whole world get kicked in the crotch.  What would be funnier than that?

What is your most memorable moment at the DNC?  Getting detained by the cops.  I'm from Chicago originally--I know from rough, mean, cops. These were the most polite cops I've ever been hassled by in my life.  How many people say "please" when they carry automatic weapons?  Only in Denver.

Is there anything else that MTV viewers would be interested to know
about you, your involvement at the DNC, or anything else that is
relevant?  People at political conventions drink like fish.  Alcoholic fish.

For instance, who was the most exciting person you met at the DNC?  I saw Bill Clinton.  I yelled "we love you Bill," he gave a thumbs up.  I yelled "too bad about NAFTA," he retracted his thumb.  He knows he's wrong.

Are there any political issues you like to address in a skit? Or, topics
you avoid?  Well, if you want to see a satirical piece you could never, ever, ever, show on MTV, check out our video "He Said It First." http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Euu_DMhsXQo&feature=us