CSPAN is one of those channels you hate having in the lineup.  It just gets in the way causing yet another flick of the thumb as you pass it by.  I would never, even on my death bed, recommend watching CSPAN for extended periods of time - that is until I discovered something worth watching.  Last Wednesday I was flipping through the channels waiting for American Idol to come on when I saw an image of British Prime Minister Tony Blair half laughing, half screaming, at an opposing member of the House of Commons.  Being that I’ve never seen such a high authority figure do such a thing, I stopped.  The antagonist stepped back up and assaulted Blair in a causal, joking manner, but with words that would send even good ol’ Hillary into a fit of rage.  Blair took to the microphone laughing slightly and responded with harsh, jovial words with a smile on his face and giggles from a nearby party member.

I must have had a dumbfounded look on my face, because I was seriously confused.  OK, I thought, maybe this is just a joke or something.  The conversation continued.  As more and more members stood and insulted Blair and others, I became aware that this was not a game, nor was it unduly harsh.  It’s just the way they do it.  In fact, I found my gaping mouth began to laugh as Blair would send a zinger one way then catch another.  Fifteen minutes later I realized I was watching CSPAN - AND ENJOYING IT.

I can’t say I’ll be hosting a CSPAN party anytime soon, nor will I set the TiVo to record Prime Minister’s Questions.  I can’t say that you’ll find grumpy old men arguing in English accents amusing either.  Simply put, I was surprised by how entertaining this show turned out to be.  If you ever happen to catch a glimpse of this comic show as you’re flipping from Spike to ESPN, allow your thumb to rest and take in a bit of British politics.