For all conservatives sick and tired of being trashed and talked down to by network television, boy, do I have a show for you!
Last night The Carmichael Show [1] premiered on NBC, a sitcom starring Jerrod Carmichael, Amber Stevens West, David Alan Grier, and Loretta Devine, about a very opinionated black family in Charlotte. The show gets very political, but not only does it tackle relevant issues like voter registration, why blacks support Obama, and religious liberties - it does so in a very fair way that is friendly to conservatives while actually being funny!
In fact, you may be surprised by the conservative values espoused by several of the characters.
For example, after lead actor Jerrod gives a stirring patriotic monologue about Obama's inspriring story, he questions why Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize:
-Maxine: What's this "Last chance to register" thing?
-Jerrod: Oh, this? They trying to get me to vote. Let me take care of this for you.
-What? You don't vote?
-I… Look, in 2008, right, I saw this man rise from being poor and black in America to the greatest office in the United States. Actually-- the greatest office in the world. And I felt pride, you know? I felt inspired. He inspired me and so many other people. I mean, so many other people, I figured, hell, he doesn't need me. Like... He won the Nobel Peace Prize, and I don't even know what he did.
Neither do we, Jerrod. Neither do we!
Later, Jerrod "comes out" as a Republican in order to distract his parents from his girlfriend Maxine's attempts to reveal that they've moved in together. A very interesting - and refreshing - dialogue ensues after he asks the shocking question, "Do we really know why we voted for Obama? ...None of you could tell me why you voted for him without using the words 'Hope' or 'Change.'" This leads to his dad, Joe, revealing that he voted for Bush in 2004 because of the stimulus package and the War on Terror - to the chagrin of Maxine who thinks only the rich could ever vote for Bush:
-Jerrod: I figured it's time to tell you guys. And I didn't want to say anything, 'cause I thought you'd be mad or something, but I am... Thinking about registering Republican.
-Mom: Oh, no. Jerrod, you know we didn't raise you that way.
-I know, but I was thinking about it. Like, do we really know why we voted for Obama? Now, I'm not saying he's doing a bad job or anything. I'm just saying none of you could tell me why you voted for him without using the words "Hope" or "Change."
-Michelle.
-Or "Michelle."
-Maxine: Okay, this isn't what we're here to discuss.
-Obama is a good president. He is a good man.
-All right, well, you just said nothing at all right there, Mom.
-Dad: You know, come to think of it, maybe this boy does have a point.
-No, he doesn't have a point. He's just trying to distract us.
-Well, I did vote for Bush in 2004.
-What? What? What? Lead with that, man. Don't leave me all alone out here.
-Well, I didn't really think it had much to do with the conversation.
-Joe, you have on an Obama T-shirt right now.
-This is not Obama, this is Neobama.
-Wait, wait, wait, wait-- why would you vote for Bush? I mean, he favors the rich, and you're not in that... Bracket.
-You calling me poor?
-Yes.
-That's why I did it. He sent me that stimulator check. No president ever sent me $1,600. Nobody ever sent me $1,600. You can bomb whoever you want long as you send me $1,600.
-Jerrod: You see? Dad's right. I mean, we could have done without the whole bombing part, but...
-I stand by the whole bombing part.
-And-and I'm sure you do, but I'm just saying we don't need it...
-Guantanamo Bay. It's a good thing.
-Okay, Dad, please don't say stuff like that.
-Well, sometimes you just got to put water in somebody's face to get answers.
-Joe, are you saying that your vote could be bought?
-No. But it can be stimulated.
Jerrod then baits his very religious mother into the conversation by bringing up the topic of prayer in schools. When was the last time you heard someone speaking about religion like this on TV:
-Maxine: Now that we're done distracting everyone, Jerrod, what we really want to talk about...
-Jerrod: Is prayer in school. Let's talk about it. Huh?
-Mom: There is prayer in school.
-No, there's not, Mom. And it's because of the Democrats.
-You mean they won't let the little babies pray?
-And think about it, Mom-- what kind of prayer would they say if they could?
-Well, just normal, regular prayer. You know, thanking Jesus for all he done for you.
-Yeah, but then what about the Jews or the Muslims or the atheists?
-Okay, Jerrod and I want to tell you...
-Well, then I would put them in a separate place, like the cafeteria.
-Jerrod and I have life news.
-Dad: So you would segregate them?
-Oh, no, of course not. But just for their comfort, I would remove them from the prayer room, I would put them in a separate room that was equally as nice, becau... Oh! I know what you're doing, and I don't approve.
-So what you're telling me is you would pick religion over civil liberties.
-Good question, Dad!
-That is not what I'm saying! Joe, stop putting words in my mouth!
-Well, I mean, if you had to pick, which one would you choose, serving Jesus or freedom?
-Serving Jesus, because if it wasn't for Jesus, you wouldn't be free! (audience cheering)
-Damn good answer, Mom.
-That's not a good answer. Without freedom, you wouldn't have religion.
-Listen, don't you be upset with me because I'm sticking up for my beliefs instead of being bought by a $1,600 stimulus check!
All in all, The Carmichael Show was an unexpected delight. And would you believe that this show, which dares to question support of Obama, defends the economic and foreign policies of Bush, and speaks of serving Jesus without a hint of mockery, was created by a young black man? Jerrod Carmichael is an incredible talent and I hope he continues to write thoughtful comedy that doesn't just tow the liberal line.
This is the kind of show conservatives can get excited about. We often talk about winning the culture and finding new ways to reach out to African Americans and this show is a huge step in bridging that divide. Finally, a new reason for hope and change!
(Read about the second episode taking on Black Lives Matter here. [2])