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Source: Colbert is filing to run as a Dem, GOP too costly

cnn.com — Stephen Colbert's presidential campaign is apparently no joke. He will file papers late Wednesday or early Thursday to put his name on South Carolina's Democratic primary ballot, a source familiar with the comedian's strategy said. He will not file papers as a Republican because the $35,000 required to get on the GOP ballot is apparently too high..

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  • garretro, on 11/05/2007, -3/+100It will be interesting to see how this plays out. The run might be a joke, but campaign finance is not.
    • Tiak, on 11/01/2007, -2/+36Which is specifically why he's only running as a Democrat... If he spends over $5,000, campaign finance laws apply to him.
    • Charlotte_Web, on 11/01/2007, -41/+14He's an established TV personality; $35,000 is pocket change to him.

      I know he's trying to make a joke of the campaign process, but I see this as ending up in disaster for him. People who don't like Colbert will petition the FEC to get him booted off the air, and they will have a fairly strong argument in doing so.

      Perhaps that's what he intends. Maybe he's tired of doing the Colbert Report, and see this as a way to end the show with a bang.
      • cloudyprison, on 11/01/2007, -17/+6I don't know why you got dugg now. Valid points.
      • bagelpirate, on 11/01/2007, -0/+5Don't you think he had lawyers and everything look into all this before he announced he was running?!
        • Charlotte_Web, on 11/01/2007, -0/+6Comedy Central has had their legal team look into it. At BEST, this is a very gray area; at worst (for Colbert and CC) the Colbert Report will have to go off the air. CC is paying Colbert, and giving him a public forum on TV to state his views; all of that could be considered a campaign contribution.

          By nature of the show, it's ALL ABOUT politics. So, it also brings up the "equal time" rule that is supposed to apply to the candidates. So, is Colbert going to avoid talking politics for the next year?

          As I thought about this, though, it occurred to me; it won't be the Republicans that will pursue legal action against Colbert. It will be the Democrats, who are afraid of losing votes. The Dems did the EXACT SAME THING to Ralph Nader; they set up a separate not-for-profit organization whose sole purpose was to sue Nader in every state where he was on the ballot. They were quite successful, too, which is why Nader was not a major factor in the last election.
      • m0tbaillie, on 11/01/2007, -0/+4Not sure why they'd petition the FEC to get him booted off the air, since it's definitely the FCC who has jurisdiction over the airwaves, not the FEC. Also, like it was mentioned above, do you think this is some random hair-brained idea he's "masterminding" all by himself? You'd be naive to think Comedy Central doesn't have a team of lawyers covering every base with this.
        • Charlotte_Web, on 11/01/2007, -1/+2No, I mean FEC.

          If Colbert was saying the "Seven Words" on the air, then yeah, the FCC might apply.

          However, what Colbert is in danger of violating is rules and laws regarding such things as campaign contributions and equal time access.

          Expect the Democrats to put up a huge fight over this. They don't want votes to be wasted on Colbert, who is only looking to boost his star status.

          They did it to Nader, they'll do it to Colbert.
    • darkened, on 11/02/2007, -0/+20It's not that 35,000 is too much it's the fact if he spends that much he will be subject to a different set of federal laws than if he does not.
    • dictum, on 11/01/2007, -4/+2Not sure if you watch his show, but yes it is.
    • buildbyflying, on 11/01/2007, -1/+5different federal laws or not I say pay it. If you're going to do it do it right.
  • Vicujozobenaxod, on 11/05/2007, -48/+9Nobody is going to take him seriously.
    • doctorfungi, on 11/01/2007, -4/+29That may be because he's a comedian with no political experience at all.
      • Chompy, on 11/01/2007, -2/+20***** "political experience". What is that, anyway, professional experience at lying and cheating? Colbert's "campaign" is a joke, sure, but in general I really don't care about political experience. The last couple of idiots have had plenty of that sort of experience they ***** things up worse than ever. Whatever happened to citizen-legislators?
      • Jektal, on 11/01/2007, -1/+14I'd prefer to have somebody in office who doesn't have "political experience".

        Whatever happened to "anybody can become president"? The fact that it costs $35,000 to just get on the Republican ballot in South Carolina says a lot.
        • Charlotte_Web, on 11/01/2007, -5/+6Let's be honest; if you don't have $35,000 to get your name on the ballot, you definitely don't have the tens of millions that it will take to win the election.

          How to you get the money? From your supporters. If you don't have any supporters, then you don't have a presidential campaign. It's not like this election just appeared out of the blue without warning. Anyone who wants to run has had YEARS to build a support base.

          "Anybody can become president"? I don't want "anybody" to become president; only those who have widespread support from the voters.
        • Charlotte_Web, on 11/01/2007, -3/+2BTW, it's not the Republicans that Colbert has to fear. Personally, I would love to see Colbert pick up the Democratic nomination, because he doesn't have a chance in hell of winning the general election.

          Once Colbert puts himself into a position to siphon votes away from other Democrat contenders, expect the Democratic Party to start legal action against him.

          I guarantee it.
    • millerftw, on 11/01/2007, -3/+18That doesn't stop guliani.
      edit: @doctorfungi
      • Coven, on 11/01/2007, -2/+22but guiliani isn't funny...just scary
      • boonesfarm, on 11/01/2007, -6/+2It doesn't stop Obama or Hillary either
  • xsquirrel378x, on 11/05/2007, -7/+100its virtually impossible not to crack a smile when colbert's involved, i wish him luck if he is ever serious about this
    • TypeEE, on 11/01/2007, -0/+4He is seriously about to demo in his show a mini version of presidential run. It somewhat impact the outcome but I have been learning a lot from his Dorrito supported campaign coverage.
      • ToadLeg, on 11/02/2007, -0/+2Anybody else think the sale of Nacho Cheese flavored Doritos brand Tortilla Chips will increase substantially? I hear they're good for lunch time, munch time, any time.
  • grantmoore3d, on 11/05/2007, -11/+75I would honestly vote for him, but... alas, I live in Canada :(
    • MorbenDK, on 11/02/2007, -0/+7you could always come here... history has shown Canadians make it pretty well in the US
    • haiduz, on 11/02/2007, -1/+10I would honestly vote for him, but... alas, I live in Pennsylvania :(
      • Dested, on 11/02/2007, -0/+22lol Would have been funny if you said florida.
        • haiduz, on 11/01/2007, -12/+2lol. I just got it. +1 for you! or as the trendy kids on digg say:
          I SEE WHAT YOU DID THERE
        • brjndr, on 11/02/2007, -3/+7People in Florida will say they tried to vote for him, but didn't understand the ballot.
      • LloydBentsen, on 11/01/2007, -2/+1oops.
      • kaykfrink, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1You could always do a write in for him. I am honestly considering that as a New York voter. I'll have to see how the candidates pan out by election day.
      • vatd112, on 11/02/2007, -0/+2it does not matter you can always write in his name...but make sure you spell his name correctly
    • TheIinLive, on 11/01/2007, -17/+2canada sucks man. i don't understand why people from PA (where I'm from) go up there. Wait, there's no drinking age. I typed this message over the span of 5 minutes because I am high.
      • Jektal, on 11/01/2007, -1/+4Dumbass stoner. There is still a drinking age limit there. It -is- lower (19), but it's still there and in effect. You want some reasons that my friends and I have used for going to Canada (from PA)? How about: -Lower- legal drinking age (yay, bars), Currency exchange rate (before our experienced career politicians f'ed that up, you could get around $1.75 canadian for each American dollar a few years ago), lax pot laws (there's one for you, stoner), and Casinos (only 2 in Niagara, but they're fairly nice, and cheap. I'd rather gamble in Niagara, ON than Atlantic City, NJ)
        • trimpnick, on 11/01/2007, -0/+4Speak for yourself non-quebecer. Here it's 18, and most people have started drinking occasionally at 16 without harsh repercussions...
          (I do not want to start a QC-ON war here, just setting up the facts straight)
        • jebus123, on 11/01/2007, -2/+2Ontarians think they are Canada and the other provinces are like Canada Jr.
          • skyteria, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1Maybe 10 years ago. I ,for one, bow to our new Albertan masters.
        • LogicBomB, on 11/01/2007, -2/+2Yes, Quebec is lower by 1 year, however you also have to deal with the french people scoffing at you when you speak english to them.
        • lasko, on 11/01/2007, -1/+1more like "having to deal with the french people scoffing at you at all times.
    • NoodleGuy, on 11/01/2007, -1/+3There's always write in candidates
    • Carsonauto, on 11/01/2007, -1/+1The first time living in Canada has become a bad thing.
    • Cockjuice, on 11/01/2007, -1/+0You'd vote for him if you ONLY lived in Canada.
    • gd1z, on 11/01/2007, -1/+1If he somehow makes it on to the presidential ballot, it will probably be as a third party candidate, and then it would basically be a thrown away vote. The system is silly like that.
    • rz8472, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1To touch up on the Obama soundbyte 'gobama'...
      GO-BERT!

      But one unfortunate element of this is that Colbert will probably take a delegate away from Obama or Edwards. If he took one away from Clinton, I'd be even more elated.
  • EhrenReilly, on 11/05/2007, -23/+4I really hope this is a publicity stunt, and he's not actually thinking of turning our electoral system into even more of a circus than it already is.
    • pintomp3, on 11/01/2007, -3/+21maybe it's both, highlighting how idiotic our electoral system is.
      • Egoist, on 11/01/2007, -4/+3What do you propose that works better?
        • 30thElement, on 11/01/2007, -1/+10Direct republican democracy. The thing that people think we have, where our vote actually matters, where our vote isn't just for someone else to cast their vote.
          • floorman56, on 11/01/2007, -4/+4Why so that New York, Ca, and Fla are the only ones who will elect a president?

            Those 3 states have more people than the rest of the country Or close to it
          • Lythium, on 11/01/2007, -0/+5@floorman:
            "Why so that New York, Ca, and Fla are the only ones who will elect a president?"
            No; so 3-rd party candidates will actually have a shot at the "big-time," thus breaking the main parties' stranglehold on politics in this country.
          • pintomp3, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1floorman: they also get more people in the electoral college. as it is you get the whole state by getting 51%. one man, one vote makes a lot more sense.
          • syntastical, on 11/01/2007, -0/+0floorman:
            So what your saying is that elections should be determined on geographical location and not who voted what? If someone cast a vote anywhere in the United States it should count for as much as anyone else casting a vote. This whole system of win half win all is absurd!
    • EndersGame, on 11/01/2007, -1/+32Or maybe he is just exposing our electoral system for the circus it is. Whats wrong with that?
      • alciadanet, on 11/01/2007, -13/+5The US is no democracy. And it shouldn't be one.
        • alciadanet, on 11/01/2007, -6/+3Oh, I got dugg down? Maybe you should read the constitution: "The United States shall guarantee to every state in this Union a Republican Form of Government"
          But hey, it's just the constitution, who cares what government you are under?
          http://www.house.gov/paul/tst/tst2004/tst122704.ht ...
          • PhantomRogue, on 11/01/2007, -0/+8At the State level, which means that each state has its Governor and Representatives in Washington. However, the President is ELECTED, each man and woman over the age of 18, has a Vote, and my vote counts as much as your vote. That is the definition of Democracy. Of course, that idea has become so warped in current Gov't, which is what I think Colbert is trying to prove with his 'Running'.
    • DrGamez, on 11/01/2007, -1/+1It might be what we need. Show the US and the people running that this ACTOR and COMEDIAN has a better chance than them. Maybe then it will show them they should stop just using words and actually try to do something.
      America is about to choke on its own bureaucracy some times.
      • skyteria, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1This sound like the making of a plot for a ***** movie.
    • altgeeky1, on 11/01/2007, -1/+1I agree... I mean, we can't have noobies ruining the delicate balance Bush has worked so hard to produce. (Yeah, stolen Daily Show quote ).
      I think your concern was water under the bridge when we elected that failed actor in 1980... Bedtime for Bonzo anyone?
    • heresy_fnord, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1Our electoral college is a joke already. He doesn't have to do anything, though I think it's great that he's running.
  • Speaking, on 11/05/2007, -20/+835k is nothing if you are running for election, but no one mentions that the DNC has a board that determines if your allowed to run. Yeah, that's fair.
    • Tiak, on 11/01/2007, -1/+14No one mentions... Other than the article?...
    • DavidGX, on 11/01/2007, -6/+15And the GOP has a WHOLE BUNCH of religious psycho ***** that determine if you're allowed to win. Yeah, that's.... crazy.
    • JoeVet, on 11/01/2007, -1/+7Much more fair to limit the entrants to the wealthy.
    • cruisinaruban, on 11/01/2007, -1/+6...of course it's fair. This a party, composed of members. No one is saying you can't run for President, but running as a DNC candidate means being endorsed by the DNC. They can choose who they do or do not wish to support.
  • hardwarehank, on 11/06/2007, -6/+163Sweet! Now he can take votes away from Hillary!
    • EndersGame, on 11/02/2007, -8/+36And not away from Ron Paul :D Although I think most people that are smart enough to enjoy Colbert's humour are smart enough not to vote for Hillary in the first place. In any it will be awesome if he gets into one of the debates.
    • epicstruggle, on 11/02/2007, -5/+49Sorry to rain on your parade, but he will take votes away from Barack and not Hillary.
    • LBobRife, on 11/01/2007, -2/+5Are you not aware of how the elections work? The winner of the parties primaries becomes the nomination for that party. There is absolutely no way he could steal votes from any democratic candidate on the actual election night, other than joke write-in votes.
      • adventchild08, on 11/02/2007, -0/+8He may be implying that anybody other than hillary winning the primary is a good thing...cause thats what I hope happens....
  • vault, on 11/05/2007, -32/+10This whole thing really is not that funny...one more example of Colbert staying in his schtick too long.
  • doctorfungi, on 11/05/2007, -25/+8I like the guy, but I would never vote for him. I trust him to make me laugh, not to run a nation.
    • Tiak, on 11/01/2007, -1/+13He isn't actually trying to run a nation... Unless of course South Carolina got quite a few more delegates since Iast checked...
    • kreneskyp, on 11/01/2007, -0/+3well all bush is good for is laughs. i'd prefer a comedian for that.
  • Reponere, on 11/05/2007, -17/+3At least there's now someone to root for on the Dem. side. Paul-Colbert '08!
  • WaterDragon, on 11/05/2007, -16/+5When Dr. Ron Paul becomes the Republican candidate, and Colbert is recognized as the best Democrat, then Ron Paul will probably offer Colbert the position of Secretary of State, in the coming, awesome (for a change) Paul Administration.
    Stephen could be well suited for that position.
    • doctorfungi, on 11/01/2007, -3/+12You don't actually believe that will happen do you...?
    • ramiro, on 11/01/2007, -0/+2Stephen Colbert will be the Court's Jester.
  • k3ano, on 11/05/2007, -0/+65Will he be included in the debates?
    • MiceElf, on 11/02/2007, -0/+83That would be a debate I would pay dearly to watch.
    • thomasX, on 11/01/2007, -0/+4He better!
    • dawgma, on 11/01/2007, -9/+3NO. Because he is not serious about actually winning the presidential election. As he has REPEATEDLY stated, he is running in ONE state. Why don't you go figure out what that means, then you will see how little effort Colbert is putting into this.
      • dylan420, on 11/01/2007, -3/+1he is *campaigning* in one state.
        • tnoy, on 11/01/2007, -0/+3No. You need to look up how the primaries work. He will only be on the ballot in one state.
      • k3ano, on 11/02/2007, -0/+6I'm from the UK and have only recently started paying attention to US politics because of the state the world is in at the moment, mainly thanks to the US. So I'm not really clued up on how the show is run over there.

        It was just a question, thanks for your reply.
    • Jektal, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1That depends on if they put him on the ballot, no?
    • Chirp08, on 11/02/2007, -0/+3has a better chance than Ron Paul the way this ***** up country is...
  • Quicksilver4648, on 11/05/2007, -2/+23I personally love the Daily Show and the Colbert Report, and I love how he is taking this presidential campaign so seriously, truly hilarious. However, and I do hope, he does get shut out early. Republicans typically have a strong following and he would stand no chance as to getting enough votes, however, running as a democrat he could take down some actual candidates. Independents and etc. typically take votes away from Dems, and with such a strong following of Colbert, his joke might actually do some damage. But then again, I may just be taking this too far and I am wrong, either way, I will continue to spread wrist safety awareness.
    • nkohari, on 11/01/2007, -0/+12There's no way that he would take it so far that it would impact the general election. I'm sure all he wants is to get a delegate in the primaries.
      • Jektal, on 11/01/2007, -0/+3If the Dem. primaries turn out in favor of Clinton, I'll write in Colbert.
        • LBobRife, on 11/01/2007, -0/+2Well then there is no way that you would be voting for Hillary anyways, so it didn't really affect the election, did it?
          • GliTCH82, on 11/02/2007, -0/+1But he might have wrote in Obama. So yes, he could affect it.
  • earthceltic, on 11/05/2007, -9/+28>> Another council member, Charleston Democratic Party Chairman Waring Howe, was more blunt: "Over my dead body will Colbert's name be on the ballot."

    Ya know what, if "marijuana is a LEAF"-Schwarzenegger can be governor of cali and country-western star Ronald Regan is his predecessor, I have no problem with f'n colbert being president right now!
    We all know he'd do better than the temper tantrum child we got up there now.
    • brjndr, on 11/01/2007, -2/+1Ronald Reagan was president of the screen actors guild at a time when communism was thought to be trying to invade Hollywood, and he took serious steps into making sure that communist were exposed. Right or wrong, he displayed leadership ability to the public. He had a strong moral sense, and people appreciated it.
    • RabidAngel, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1It's not even fair to compare Schwarzenegger and Reagan to Bush. It's like comparing Apples to rotten, moldy potatos.
    • stevedemon, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1We'd do better not having a president than electing another Bush.
  • Daimwn, on 11/05/2007, -6/+120Don't assume anything this man does is a joke. He does allot of serious things but he does them jokingly. Stephen and Jon are amazingly intelligent people. And brutally honest, yet sarcastic. We would be lucky to have them. If we can elect wrestlers and actors into office that don't ruin the state or country, I'm sure having Stephen as a serious president could not be so bad. I would rather have a half witted sarcastic comedian than ANY of the ***** money hog corrupt ***** that are in the running now. Luckily he is no half wit. but my statement still stands.
    • sremick, on 11/01/2007, -0/+13As they say, "Many a truth is said in jest."
    • dertykevin, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1Well the reason we are taking it as a joke is because it IS a joke. He is only running in one state...his speech was a huge joke...his whole character is a joke.

      We're not assuming we just know. It's satire...
  • rtphokie, on 11/05/2007, -4/+30Might this $35k fee be there to prevent morning zoo DJs and comedians in general from running for office as a joke? Hmmmmm
    • Charlotte_Web, on 11/02/2007, -2/+3No doubt... of course, the article also mentions that the Democrats will have to pony up $20,000 for each candidate that they put on the ballot, so maybe the GOP is just being smart and collecting those fees on the front end.
    • JoeVet, on 11/02/2007, -1/+10Or could it be a way to keep out less wealthy candidates and be a backdoor money maker for the party ($35K x 50 states)? You decide.
    • Beylan, on 11/01/2007, -1/+5If the morning zoo DJ's feel like they could do a good job as president why shouldnt they be able to run?

      The situation we have now with the country in the hands of incompetent bureaucrats and corrupt politicians (on BOTH sides of the isle) can be directly traced to the current parties only allowing "acceptable" candidates to run. Of course an "acceptable candidate" is one who is just as incompetent and corrupt as they are.
      • 3adkied, on 11/01/2007, -0/+3"to prevent morning zoo DJs ... from running for office AS A JOKE"
        As a joke being the key here. Running for office is fine. Running as a joke only to add a bit to your show isn't something we really need to go out of our way to protect.
    • toddhenkel, on 11/01/2007, -2/+3Actually it sounds like the GOP committee there is fiscally conservative (not all GOP are neocons kiddies) by charging the full amount (and enough extra to cover their own expense) while the Dems are staying true to liberalism by providing a subsidy.
  • Purin, on 11/05/2007, -12/+1If anything, this is just going to take potential votes away from Ron Paul.
    Colbert is a joke. I really hope he gets shut out as soon as possible.
    • Senchou, on 11/01/2007, -0/+7Do you have any idea how the electoral system even works?
  • Mockylock, on 11/05/2007, -4/+12Colbert doesn't have $35,000?
    • romeov, on 11/02/2007, -5/+20Of course he does, he just doesn't want to throw 35 grand away on running as a Retardican.
      • MorbenDK, on 11/02/2007, -1/+21rather, I seriously doubt he wants to give the GOP 35k.
    • goldfishy, on 11/01/2007, -11/+0Rather...of course he does, he's just using that as an excuse so he doesn't take votes away from the only good candidate running in this election.
    • haiduz, on 11/01/2007, -0/+10Colbert does have 35,000 of personal money, however, since this is a publicity stunt for his show he would not just through away that cash to pay for a ridiculous fee (compared with the dems) to get his name on the ballot. Remember that Colbert the comedy central tv show character is running (not the Real Life Colbert). Comedy Central (or doritoes) can't pay the 35,000 dollars because it would vioilate campaign laws. That money has to come from contribetion or colbert's pocket cash. 35K is way too much cash to throw away on a bit in your show, and comedy central cant just bump his salary by 35k cause hes under contract (xmas bonus maybe?). The other choice is have poeple donate money (just like people collect signatures). However, this is quite foolish for a RP stunt because the said contributions would much better go to charity then the pockets of republican administrators. In fact, thats exactly what colbert has done! The charity of his choice is http://www.donorschoose.org/ where 44 thousand dollars in his name has already been contributed to south carolina schools. After his charity cast auction (and the mike savage congress letter action) on ebay Colbert realized that there is a great potential to turn RP stunts for his show into philanthropic events to raise big money for good causes! Thats ***** awesome.

      Summary:
      $44,111 in donations at http://www.donorschoose.org/donors/viewChallenge.h ...
      Google news mentions in past week:
      Results 1 - 10 of about 1,735 from Oct 25, 2007 to today for stephen-colbert
      Results 1 - 10 of about 1,167 from Oct 25, 2007 to today for jon-stewart
      Results 1 - 10 of about 1,222 from Oct 25, 2007 to today for bill-o-reilly
      • Samizaza, on 11/01/2007, -0/+8O'Reilly is a ***** *****. He is nothing compared to Jon and Colbert. I really hope he gets run over by a bus.
  • 97bravo, on 11/01/2007, -8/+1If he gets indicted and goes to PMITA prison for a year or two I would not be able to stop laughing for a week. Then and only then would I concede that this guy is funny, really funny. I think he has crossed a line and the joke is on the poor fools who would cast a vote on a parody. It is not funny, not even close.
  • linkerjpatrick, on 11/01/2007, -5/+4Did Pat Paulson do the same thing in the 60's? The funny thing is Paulson looked a lot like Ron Paul but goofier.
  • insonh, on 11/01/2007, -26/+8Too funny
    Colbert hosts a show that mocks conservatives…..leftards love it

    Colbert decides to run in NC primary….leftards love it

    Colbert decides to run in NC primary as a Democrat because he can afford the $35,000 to registrar as a Republican (who his show makes fun of because leftards love it)

    Now leftards are angry because he’s going to suck votes away from their candidates and could possible with in NC

    Too funny
    • Rotzooi, on 11/01/2007, -5/+7Hey rightard, you're late for your NRA puppy shoot meeting.
    • fr3nch13, on 11/02/2007, -2/+15SC
    • look4alec, on 11/01/2007, -5/+4dude, who cares about primaries in the democratic party? neither fans of obama or hillary are more likely to vote for colbert, plus its not like he will give the gop the edge by running in one state primary.

      Oh and rightard sounds more like retard than leftard.
    • christor, on 11/01/2007, -3/+6Right, too funny - and typical. Leftard? Where do I begin... Well, first of all it's SC, not NC. And you wrote "can afford" where it seems you meant "can't afford." (I'll leave aside that the issue likely is not whether he could pay such a sum, but whether such a sum is worth it, given that he can accomplish his goals running as a Democrat.) I don't usually correct people's spelling, but if you're going to use a word like "leftard," you should probably spell the word "register" correctly. Further, in a post in which you imply that your opponents are mentally disabled, you should probably use punctuation, in particular periods to end your sentences.

      In short, Colbert is terrific, but we obviously don't need someone of his considerable talent to mock the sort of conservatives that still stand behind Bush. You do it quite well all on your own. There are many, many decent and thoughtful conservatives in the U.S., and goodness how I wish we liberals could be engaged in serious debates with them over things like tax and fiscal policy, and even the various plausibly sane approaches to preventing terrorism, rather than with the likes of you over whether we should do stupid things like attack Iran and waterboard detainees. You people have done more to destroy America's status as a superpower, and to put at risk our economic and moral influence, than even those who actively desire to destroy us. Many thanks from me, my kids, and, one day, their kids for your and your president's toxic combination of tenacity, authoritarianism, and outright stupidity.
  • sn0t, on 11/01/2007, -5/+8Seriously. Colbert will probably win the election and be president. If only because of the usual like 40% vote and his target audience consisting mostly of people who are eligible to vote, being the type that don't normally make up that 40%. He's got the younger vote. and Probably everyone else. 'cause what better choice do you have? Everyone's an idiot. He's just a comedian. Done deal.
    • tnoy, on 11/01/2007, -0/+4He's only going to be on the ballot for the primary in one state.
  • addictist, on 11/02/2007, -2/+83Dont ***** this up South Carolina!!!
    • GruntboyX, on 11/02/2007, -0/+9we will find a way. Its our specialty. Just look at our education system
    • filefly, on 11/02/2007, -0/+18Some people don't have access to maps.
  • ramiro, on 11/01/2007, -9/+5Stephen Colbert will be the Court's Jester.
    • Charlotte_Web, on 11/01/2007, -10/+4To be considered as a Court Jester don't have to be FUNNY?
      • ramiro, on 11/01/2007, -4/+2You're right, I forgot that detail. :)
      • Btzarro, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1For a woman to be a republican wouldn't you have to be a tranny?
    • RabidAngel, on 11/02/2007, -0/+6Which would still make him about 1,000 times smarter than our current president.
  • cash0utcurse, on 11/01/2007, -4/+32I love how the media is falling right into his trap. Yes America is as stupid as he believes it is.
  • GruntboyX, on 11/01/2007, -1/+25Well at least i can now smile and have a laugh when i throw my vote away
  • McBradd, on 11/01/2007, -2/+30I've been saying for months that Jon Stewart should run for president with Stephen Colbert as his running mate...

    Did you see him destroy the hosts of Crossfire on their own show?!?
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aFQFB5YpDZE
    • labmouse42, on 11/02/2007, -0/+9I don't think that Stewart has any interest in politics, other than making fun of it.
      • Firehed, on 11/02/2007, -0/+3I've heard him say that he'd make a terrible president (it was at one of his live shows not for TV where someone in the audience had shouted that he should run for president and the whole audience started cheering). I doubt he'd be bad and certainly couldn't be worse than what we have now, but the job clearly doesn't interest him.
    • RabidAngel, on 11/01/2007, -0/+2Destroy is a mild term for what he did. Meanwhile, as they say, "No man who actually WANTS to be president should be allowed to have the job". Stewart does not want the job, which is one of MANY reasons that I'm fairly certain he would be the best president since... ever.
  • bat-21, on 11/02/2007, -0/+5Maybe we should start a collection.
  • oregonlion, on 11/02/2007, -4/+4for those of you squawking about Colbert taking votes away from other candidates. SHUT UP. If you don't know already let me fill you in on something; it doesn't matter WHO is elected as the next president, they will still tow the Washington line and they will still have more to undo than they can handle even if they sit 2 terms. Colbert may be a comedian and may be making obvious fun of our system and our candidates, but the guy has just as much to offer our country as any of the other candidates. And besides.. you think we are all idiots and really taking him seriously? I agree the country is full of idiots.. but come on!
    • xlar54, on 11/01/2007, -2/+1Anyone who votes for Colbert isnt stealing votes from anyone. These morons would vote for Micheal Jackson if he were on the ballot. Those who dont take the election seriously to begin with wont be giving their votes to anyone based on real issues anyway. Id rather shunt their votes off to Colbert than to let them make an important decision about our nations future.
  • phoenix3200, on 11/01/2007, -4/+0Is this a plea to raise $35k?
    • Charlotte_Web, on 11/01/2007, -2/+5Come on, how many millions is Colbert raking in annually as a TV celebrity?

      Do you really think that a measly $35k is why he didn't run as a Republican?

      What he's probably NOT saying is that his fanbase is primarily Democratic, so registering as a Republican would just be throwing money away.
      • GliTCH82, on 11/02/2007, -0/+1Actually, his fan base is neither Republican nor Democratic, they're for whoever gets the job done.
  • jphudy, on 11/01/2007, -5/+5All this really tells me is that party affiliation is total BULL!! I mostly laugh at people who say - I'M A REPUBLICAN or I'M A DEMOCRAT and that affiliation simply wraps up all the issues in one nice little package.

    Give me a break - honestly party affiliation means nothing. I wish everyone would take the time to study the history of this country and that of others. Because I think that my civil rights are being infringed, (and I trust localized government) I'd call myself a member of the federalist party. My vote is for Dr. Paul, not because he is Republican (which means nothing), but because he aligns with my views more than anyone else ever has. I want my state's sovereignty protected because the federal gov. is making a mockery out of ALL states and ALL citizens.
    • Lythium, on 11/01/2007, -1/+1The problem with our current system is that you cannot say "party affiliation has no meaning." The only way you can get elected is to be a member of one of the parties; hence you cannot afford to alienate it by pursuing your own agenda - if you do, they won't nominate you next time. Even if you're the incumbent, you don't stand a chance if you don't have your party's nomination in the next election. Because of this, even someone who is more ideologically alligned to you will act in a way that is ideologically consistent with his party's stance - to do otherwise is political suicide.
      • gtblake, on 11/01/2007, -0/+0We're no longer a democratic republic. We have become a government by bureaucracy. If it really mattered do you think they'd let you vote?
  • ronaldinho, on 11/01/2007, -2/+7"Opponents such as Howe argue that Colbert makes a mockery of the political process"? I thought Bush already did that, and the way it is, it DESERVES to be mocked
  • AdamAbeles, on 11/01/2007, -9/+2http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2tLn2T2vL-E

    SEN. HILLARY'S STRANGELOVE: How she Learned TO LOVE THE BOMB

    Hillary Clinton, a wishy-washy Pseudo-Republican who masquerades around Washington as a Democrat,learns to Stop worrying about Bill and starts LOVING the BOMB. Loving the Bomb for a war with IRAN.

    "ALL OPTIONS ARE LEFT ON THE TABLE WITH RESPECT TO IRAN"= CODE FOR NUCLEAR WEAPONS STRIKE

    STOP THE BOMB- www.gravel2008.us
  • PFinn, on 11/02/2007, -0/+4regardless of whether this is a joke or not, Colbert is still finding a way to do some good in South Carolina. At the end of the article he asks his "supporters to donate $100,000 to South Carolina schools at the Web site donorschoose.org, which already has raised $40,000."
  • dawgma, on 11/02/2007, -1/+2What happened with the signatures? Colbert couldn't get 3000 people to support him or what?
    • LloydBentsen, on 11/02/2007, -0/+2He probably could have received 3,000 signatures, but they would have needed to be from voters of the previous primary and party affiliation. I could be wrong though.
    • PURPLEDRINK, on 11/02/2007, -1/+1I think he needed 3000 for the dem party only. otherwise he would have had to pay like $2500 to run.
  • martoq, on 11/02/2007, -4/+2Let me start by saying, I think Colbert and Stewart are comedic geniuses. That being said, I don't think this is a good thing. The democratic field is going to be strong this time around. All this does is muddy the waters and split tickets, any splitting vote will only increase the value of a republican vote in the long term. Granted this is only in SC and only for the primaries.
  • azprofessional, on 11/01/2007, -0/+23Ya someone who actually does daily political analysis, and can give ***** to either side of the political system, no matter how comedic, is bad for a country with liars from top to bottom in their political ranks.

    Step 1. Get the stick out of your ass

    Step 2. Stop indulging dishonest question dodging cartoon characters as serious leaders for a country of 300 million people.

    If you don't like him fine. To act asif he's ruining your precious buffoon circus you call a political system is about as out of touch as you can get.
  • geogia456, on 11/02/2007, -2/+0"it's the rational choice"one of economist at millionairematch said.
  • animus, on 11/02/2007, -3/+0I love that this angers partisans.
    hope Colbert seriously runs...
  • lifeinanalog, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1If he files and runs it will be too much like the Robin Williams' film "Man of the Year". However, I'd like to see how things will pan out for him.
    • GRTWHT, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1Except in the movie, Wiliams took ALL politicians to task for being worthless or worse, while Colbert is very political himself...
  • fuzzynyanko, on 11/02/2007, -2/+1It seems like the Democratic Party in South Carolina will have to pay $20k themselves, but will probably foot the bill because they see it as a chance to bring more Democrats into the party.
  • V1ncent, on 11/01/2007, -1/+2Either ways this ends, Colbert wins and has the last laugh!
  • Frei, on 11/02/2007, -0/+13I just wish they'd invite him to a debate.
    • banq59, on 11/02/2007, -0/+13That would be the most watched debate in the history of politics, and the funniest.
  • TheMachine1, on 11/02/2007, -1/+15Charleston Democratic Party Chairman Waring Howe, was more blunt: "Over my dead body will Colbert's name be on the ballot."

    Point is if Colbert is series canidate he has to be prepared to kill this guy.
    • geekee, on 11/02/2007, -0/+4He's not a serious candidate if South Carolina is the only state where he's trying to get on the ballot.
  • justo, on 11/02/2007, -0/+2how can i contribute to his campaign?
  • xlar54, on 11/01/2007, -1/+5In other news, it takes at least 35,000 bucks to become president these days. A spokesman for the US Constitution is upset that he wasn't informed.
  • profcornbread, on 11/02/2007, -0/+2Colbert is not running for real, he is just demonstrating how ridiculous the process is for running for president. And let’s be perfectly honest, Colbert would probably do a better job than some of the current candidates.
    • LBobRife, on 11/02/2007, -0/+2I think that after this election we should have something called the "Colbert Line", which would be whatever approval rating he gets according to the polls in the runup to the election. A political candidate will have to do better than the Colbert Line to be considered an actual candidate that has a chance of winning.
      • Hastin, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1Yes, but what we're to happen if that candidate appears on The Colbert Report? Does the "Colbert Bump" apply to the "Colbert Line"?
  • Rewdog, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1I'm a South Carolinian, but I consider myself Independent. You have to be a democrat to sign the petition, otherwise I'd be signing.
  • cambrown99, on 11/01/2007, -0/+1Last night, at the end of "The W0RD", that statement he made about not running for President, but running for President Bush because no one should have that much power over anyone's freedom -- I don't think that was the 'character' Stephen Colbert saying that... I'm sensing he has a much higher purpose in doing this than just getting laughs. http://www.cafepress.com/colbert08hq
  • thespecialist2, on 11/02/2007, -3/+2I am voting for Colbert! Let's put him in the whitehouse in 09, seriously! Why not??
    • Chirp08, on 11/01/2007, -0/+3Because Bush is considering staying himself...
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