Shorter Rahm: 'Don't display a sense of humor.'

Maybe Colbert's schtick is too nuanced and complex for Emanuel, I dunno. Seems he's underestimating the sense of humor of both his congressional charges and the people who watch Colbert's show - and the result is this directive from on high.

Rahm Emanuel's advice to new House Democrats: Stay away from Stephen Colbert. As Tennessee Rep. Steve Cohen tells the Hill, the chairman of Democratic Caucus is telling his new charges that the publicity to be won by appearing on "The Colbert Report" isn't worth the risk that one will end up looking like a fool in the process. "He said don't do it ... it's a risk and it's probably safer not to do it," Cohen says.

Cohen ignored the advice -- a number of the new Democrats have done the same, apparently -- only to have Colbert ask him whether he's "the first Jew from Tennessee" and whether his claim that he has "the voting record of a black woman" means that he is, in fact, a black woman.

What Rahm doesn't get is that Colbert's viewers are the type who can appreciate a politician who's able to go along with the joke. Rahm would rather portray Dems and stuffed shirts who refuse to have a little fun once in a while.

Out. Of. Touch.