Monday, Oct. 11, 2004

Q&A MO ROCCA

By Sora Song

Today show contributor and former Daily Show correspondent Mo Rocca has written a satirical political thriller, All the Presidents' Pets.

Does this book have a moral?

This book has no morals, and I'll go even further: this book has no ideas.

Who polls better--Bush's Scottish terrier, Barney, or Kerry's German shepherd?

German shepherds were the fourth most popular breed last year. The Scottish terrier is the 44th most popular breed, not that the popular vote really matters. The Scottie is a low-to-the-ground, very tenacious, impulsive dog. It tends to urinate on itself uncontrollably. But Kerry's dog Kim is problematic. The German shepherd can be aloof. It's not very fast acting.

I've heard you called a fundit. Is that an apt description of what you do?

Yes. Although I'm tempted to spell it P-H-U-N. And as anyone who knows me knows, all I've ever wanted to do is dancesomething Appalachian, heavy on the heels.

What basic-cable network haven't you been on?

I've been on Telemundo 'cause I'm half Colombian. I have not been on BET, but that's just because I'm especially pale right now. Cable is like commercial theater used to be. It has become the proving grounds.

Do you think the youth vote will be significant in the election?

I want to start my own get-out-the-vote drive called Rocca the Vote. It's gonna be to rally Hollywood celebrities and musicians. I'm concerned that they're being so generous with their time that they might forget to register.