Hi Jonny. In my opinion -- and apparently the consensus when the thread was live -- is that it was worse.
My PC is in the room next to my bedroom, where my TV is. I had the sound on the TV up loud so I could hear it while being on the computer to host the live portion of the Dose.
What I heard was an angry, hard-edge voice saying some really vicious things. It didn't sound like a comedy routine to me. Instead it sounded like a venom-filled speech. I didn't hear the DC audience laughing much except toward the end of the so-called comedian's segment.
I just saw the replay of the dinner--as much of it as I could stand--and you were right. The difference between The President and Colbert was like night and day.
W was hilarious! His timing with the "alter-ego" was perfect.
The president introduces Laura.Alter-ego: "She's hot! Muy caliente!"
The president says he's going to talk about something serious.
Alter-ego: (deep breath) "Okay here it comes ... Nuclear proliferation. Nuclear proliferation. Nuclear proliferation.
W: "Nucular proliberation."
The audience was roaring! Everyone was laughing and having a great time. It was self-depricating humor at its best.
Then came Colbert ...
*crickets*