: 10 QUESTIONS FOR MARGARET CHO /

Everyone knows how hysterical Margaret Cho can be. Her one-woman shows I'm the One that I Want and The Notorious C.H.O. have showcased her humorous take on relationships, social issues and politics. Her latest, State of Emergency, began in New York the same week as the Republican convention and will continue through the end of the year.

When Verge interviewed Cho recently, she explained her new show as "trying to convey the same message as the Verge cover story-how important it is to be socially and politically involved, except I'm saying it mixed with humor."

We put 10 questions to Margaret-some serious, some lighter in nature-to better understand her take on the importance of this year's election.

Mitch: This year is being called "the most important election of our time." Why do you think that's so?

Margaret: It's the most important election because it has to really rectify all of the mistakes that have been made the past several years. I'm not just talking about replacing Bush and his policies, although those are important. But we need to turn around the voter apathy that runs rampant. It's that apathy, I believe, that allowed the last election to be hijacked from the people. We actually allowed them to put the wrong guy in the White House. (continued from page 47) And we've gone on to allow involvement in a war we never should have gone to. The United States was built on a democracy, but we need to realize that it's each and every one of us who have to be involved to make it work. Bush has taken the focus away from social problems, from equal rights. So many ideas of progressive culture have dissipated in these last few years. The fact that he has proposed a Constitutional Amendment that prejudices against gays-that makes us less than equal to others-is disgraceful. And if we don't stay involved to make sure it doesn't happen, it's simply sad.

Mitch: How do you use your "celebrity" to get people to become politically active or motivated?

Margaret: It's really just about talking the issues through and being very vocal and active in an ongoing political debate. W all have an opinion that should be counted. Celebrity just puts certain people out front easier, and it's a fact of human nature that we look to celebrities and their opinions to help shape ours. I am using my celebrity to promote the rights of gays for marriage, just like every other citizen. I feel that if we don't have gay marriage as a reality, then we doesn't have equality has a reality. Our nation is about freedom to be equal. I heard some celebrities at the Democratic Convention who moved me--Danny Glover, Ben Affleck-because they shared my message. Listening to a celebrity is fine, but everyone needs to form their own conclusions

Mitch: If Bush and Kerry were to go head to head in an open mike night routine, who do you think would come out on top?

Margaret: What a great questions! Bush is so unintentionally funny that it's hysterical. The things he says are so outrageous and ridiculous. And he's not even aware of it. Kerry isn't really funny, either scripted or off the cuff. If he's elected, his advisors will have to do a lot of work to loosen him up. I don't think either could handle hecklers too well. You know who could? Teresa Heinz Kerry. That's who we'd have to look to for the levity and comedy put-downs.

Mitch: Kerry supports domestic partnership, but not gay marriage. We all know where Bush falls in the discussion. So should we just accept that gay marriage is not going to win?

Margaret: For now, I think it's really important for a change in the administration, which means looking beyond this one issue. There's no question that gays are going to do better in all civil rights issues with Kerry in the White House rather than Bush. What we-as a community-do with the gay marriage issue and any other equal rights issue after the election is completely up to us. The most important thing to do now is change over the structure of power before considering the real work. I hope Kerry would appoint judges who appreciate and value civil rights.

Mitch: If you were stuck on a deserted island with Bush and Kerry, how would that go?

Margaret: I think it would be incredibly dull! Bush would be totally useless. Kerry might help out some, but ultimately I'd end up being the one doing the fishing and building the hut. I'd do my comedy, Kerry would politely laugh, and Bush would look at me with that "what is she talking about" expression. Can I be stuck with Howard Dean? He'd be fun.

Mitch: What do you think are the odds we'll see a female presidential candidate in 2008?

Margaret: I don't know. I would love that, but I hate the say that I don't see it happening. There is this weird idea that certain people aren't electable. Like Carol Mosley-Brown a few years back; they said that about her. Hillary is very polarized; lots love her, but for some odd reason, she's also reviled by a large group. I find that interesting because she's never done anything to cause people to dislike her. I think it's more the association with negatives about her husband. It's a knee jerk reaction. She's done pretty well establishing herself separate from Bill, but she needs to keep it up. She's very powerful. She's an amazing political force. To me, seeing a woman president in our lifetime seems unrealistic; same for a president of color. I'm not very optimistic about certain things. Same holds true for politicians who live gay lifestyles. Barney Frank is fantastic, but he can't carry the mantle alone.

Mitch: What do you think of John Edwards' sex appeal? What about Dick Cheney's?

Margaret: I love these questions because nobody's ever asked me them before. John Edwards sex appeal. Does he have any? I can't really tell, maybe because he's not my type. My type is more John Kerry, I think I like the salt and pepper thing. Edwards is young and vivacious. He's kind of like Gopher from The Love Boat; that kind of hayseed appeal, which is good, very all American. I think he strengthens ticket with his charisma. Dick Cheney's just a very mysterious behind-the-scenes operator. Very ominous and frightening, sort of like the wizard behind the curtain. As for sexy, I think Teresa Heinz Kerry is the sexiest! Hmm, wonder what that says about me.

Mitch: What do you think of Michael Moore and the whole "Fahrenheit 9/11" issue?

Margaret: I really liked the film. I think it was really important and I'm pleased that it's so successful. It's brought down some of the conservative figure heads. I think its legitimized dissent. It brought back the very 60s feel towards counter culture. The hipness factor. It's the ultimate spin on the spin. It's another interpretation of the truth. There's so much truth in that movie you can literally feel it.

Mitch: You're loved by the gay community for your unwavering support; what can you say to that audience to motivate them?

Margaret: We don't really have a choice. We need to seize opportunity to improve our life whenever we can., Activism is a part of who we are. Demanding equality is non negotiable. It's too demoralizing to not have it. We can be our biggest fans to combat ignorance and homophobia. I don't think being a Republican is a bad thing. I think discussing and learning about the issues is what's important. There are conservatives who are absolutely in favor of gay marriage because they value equality. It's not Democrat or Republican; it's respecting equal rights and fighting for themÖfor everybody.

Mitch: Do you use Heinz ketchup in the "hit from the bottom" glass bottle or "squeeze me" container?

Margaret: Sqeeze me container of course! I'm not a good beater. I'm not that aggressive.

To find out the dates for Margaret's State of Emergency tour, visit http://www.margaretcho.com.