I must have missed your correction. You basically just said "They're better. And their deliveries are better."

You should try watching some older specials then. Carlin goes over an extremely wide spectrum of comedy.

Colbert, hands down. He's so funny. Also, his book is one of my prized posessions.

"You're discrediting them because of the format of their shows", look up stuff they've done outside of the shows and you will find that they have all the opinions and smarts you admire in Maher and more.

I used to find Colbert really funny but the more time goes by the less he makes me laugh for some reason. Stewart has been steadily funny for ages for me.

Maher isn't even in the running.

Stewart over Colbert for me. I haven't seen Maher so I don't know how he compares.

Something I don't like about Colbert is that his humour is so loud, in your face and vulgar. And by vulgar, I don't mean necessarily sexual, but low brow or crude and obvious with simple punch lines. The general lack of finesse just makes it all seem so forced I think.

I prefer Stewart, too, but Colbert is just imitating the stereotype of a right-winger. That's his shtick. Maher can be funny, don't get me wrong, but he's incredibly arrogant and self-centered.

Strange thing is, that's actually why I like him.

Maybe you can relate? "Arrogant Prick" is in your tag after all (lame joke).

I'm a firm believer against humility, and tend to be drawn to people who don't fear their own arrogance. I honestly don't know why arrogance offends people so much.