CNN

joseph, austin, tx

Thanks for offering. I can get the doritos...beer would be nice. There is absolutely no way that will happen though. Thanks again, tho.

CNN why is this news? if it is, my cat has 5 toes

So to summarize:
• Colbert can't win any b/c he's only registered in SC (reportedly).

• Edwards comment was witty, which some people don't get.

• Humor is acceptable, even in a "time of war", despite some people's opinions. By the way, on average, a child laughs 400 times a day; An adult laughs about 15. Some of you need to take a page from our children and lighten up; You might live longer. Then again... maybe you shouldn't.

• Hawk needs to learn some manners with his CAPS.

ALL the politiicans in this race are sellouts? Sounds like no one has heard of Ron Paul. I believe Colbert, while lampooning the white-collor bureaucrats in the race, would find a lot in common with Ron Paul: no nonsense, tell-it-how-it-is politics. If Americans took Ron Paul more seriously, Colbert wouldn't have to do all this in the first place.

zac, I hope you're astute enough to know that colbert is a typical hollywood leftist elitist.

HAWK thanks for your service and all but to all the people who are upset with colbert what you really need to see is what colbert is accomplishing. Colbert has gotten the youth interested into politics in which we have rarely ever have been. i am 17 (say what you want about my age) but colbert has gotten me to want to vote. i probably wouldn't even be commenting on this matter let alone be following politics. Colbert has acheived the respect of the youth of this nation. Something i doubt obama or hillary could ever do. In the corrupt system we currently have Colbert sheds light on a brighter future for this nation.

Correct we are at war, but with who?? We claim the war to be a war on terror but honestly you cannot eliminate the beliefs or race of a people. an example would be the nazi's, did they eliminate the jews,no. have nazi's dissapeared, no. the point im trying to make is instead being in iraq losing troops why not focus more on our nations security or problems like our growing debt with china. I will vote for colbert if he makes it which i hope he does and stephen being the intelligent man he is will make a great leader for our country

COLBERT 08'

Say, folks, Edward's spokesman is JOKING!!
Tom Praska

Great 20 somethings are getting their political news and views from hollywood leftist elitist like Stewart and Colbert!

Maybe to be fair and balanced, Ann Coulter should run for president pretending to be a limosine liberal socialist!

My Doritos' stock is skyrocketing and I'm buying more. God I love America, capitolism and Stephen Colbert!!

Its official. BIG DADDY himself has publically stated that Stephan Colbert is a..,
pinhead.

Pathetic. Stephen Colbert has a voice that speaks not only to the bussiness side of America, but to the collegiate side of this country. Wells is nervous, and rightly so, that John Edwards' campaign may be in jeopardy from a young satirist. Only time will tell. I for one would love to see Colbert in the white house, though at this point in the race, his chances are minute.

To my American Cousins

I have followed this debate about the seriousness of Mr. Colbert for quite some time now. He has made his presence known even here. I have always looked to my neighbours to the south as my brothers meaning well but sometime acting with less than ideal judgment. However, lately I see my brother needing some medication before he heals himself. HAWK, your service is noted, and dude, I did service myself, but come on...we are coming to the age when we need to be better than those yo-yos over there. I will be more than happy to sell you my oil up heren (proven reserves greater than Saudi). Colbert although unfortunately has little chance of winning actually could restore what was once good in America. Illuminate the flame in Liberty , inspire the world through example, not through lesson. Please, let me have a neighbour worthy of being called a friend in good and bad.

He's not seriously critcising Colbert. The statement made me laugh. Good on the Edwards camp for taking this as seriously as it's intended.

Edwards is trying to cash in on Colbert sudden popularity rise. By running for president, a simple joke, Colbert has been able to boost his popularity. Edwards has seen the success of this strategy and is trying to fuse comedy into his campaign. The statement by Edward's spokesman is a joking rebuttal.

To all of you who are FREAKING OUT about this,

I really don't see what the big deal is. Colbert is ONLY running in South Carolina. His campaign (though it's clear it's kind of supporting Edwards, wink, wink) ENDS in S.C.

So everybody lighten up....
... and by the way..

OBAMA 2008

On the contrary Hawk from Texas,

what we need now is Stephen Colbert.

Why is this man being allowed to make a mockery of the Presidential Election of the United States?

Anyone who thinks this is humourous, cute, or sane they need a few therapy sessions as does Colbert!

What a great boost to the American Image this will be!

are you kidding me hawk?? we need a president who is capable of being a real human being. what do you want a miserable person talking about how grave our situation is or a positive person talking about how good our situation could become.i love steven colbert for TELLING GEORGE BUSH TO HIS FACE HOW BAD OF A PRESIDENT HE IS AND FOR HOW HE DESTROYED BILL OREILLY ON HIS OWN SHOW!!! CHECK HIM OUT ON YOUTUBE HE WAS BRILLIANT

The Breck Girl needs to lighten up.

Nacho cheese FTW!!!

The heck with President, we should elect Colbert King for Life. I personally love Doritos. If Colbert promises price reduced Doritos as part of his platform, I will personally give every penny to my name to the Colbert campaign.

Some people take Colbert too seriously. What’s even more frightening are people that take themselves too seriously. Colbert, however you wish to pronounce it, does not take himself too seriously. He is mocking the madness of the political process which is, arguably, already beyond ridiculous.

For all those who are shocked and appalled, hem and haw, or are outraged that Colbert could do such a thing in a time of war/crisis/strife you should consider some important points.

1) Bush takes himself and his beliefs (I am not talking faith) too seriously. How did we get into Iraq this time anyway? If I recall correctly it was bogus and cherry picked intelligence reports. I am sure he believed he was right and doing the right thing and look where that got us. There is some serious ‘group think’ going on up there in the current administration and I think that is because they all take themselves a little too seriously.

2) Humor is an important part of freedom of speech. Is that not of the most fundamental rights that sets America apart? If you are an American Veteran, your time and service was not just for the freedoms for those you agree with or like. It is for everyone here in America, no matter how much they irritate you, Colbert included. That being said, I respect your right to disagree.

3) Good political satire is hard to find. Like Colbert or hate him, he is very good at what he does. He is obviously well read and always goes for the joke, even if the joke is ‘Colbert is an idiot.’ In an interview with Charlie Rose, Colbert said that there is no amount of prestige or respect that he won’t give up for a joke.

4) Typing in all capital letters is poor internet etiquette. If you want people to take you seriously then put your best foot forward. Even if it takes a little time to spell check your compositions and think it through before you post it.

Here is the most important one:

5) Colbert is only running for president in South Carolina. Why do you all think he is only running in one state? Once you can answer that question, then you will be in on the joke.

Just some food for thought...

it sounds to me like Edwards might be a little scared. why would he attack Colbert if he wasn't? he knows that Colbert has a solid chance of beating him out in South Carolina.

you guys need to lighten up!!!! the only reason anyone my age knows about anything political and anything about the campaigne is because of him and john stewert
lighten up

SSG Joseph T. Tobin, Bagdad, Iraq

Not to patronize you but if you need some doritos, I can hook it up, just need to know how to get them to bagdad.

What is wrong with you people? Do you seriously not understand that the response from Edwards' camp is a joke also? A joke– as in a funny, witty response. Do you really think John Edwards' spokesperson thinks there's such a thing as "taco chip lobbyists?" Get a sense of humor. To all who thought that was a serious response, all i can say is: wow.

Colbert is the antichrist.

Colbert and Doritos for Prez...Perfect! Now if he can just get a VP with connections to Pace Picante sauce, we're all set! He'd carry Texas for sure!

"TO ALL OUT THERE THAT THINKS THAT JOKES AT A TIME LIKE THIS ARE FUNNY, REMEMBER RALPH NADER.NO MY CAP KEYS ARE NOT STUCK. AND I AM A 69 YEAR OLD DISABLED VETERAN. I HAVE SEEN HOW PEOPLE CAN BE DISTRACTED FROM THE REAL ISSUES BY JOKESTERS, AND MANY PEOPLE WILL VOTE FOR NUT JOBS. WE IN AMERICA ARE IN A CRISIS. WAKE UP PEOPLE."

I'm a 30 year old disabled veteran and I've seen how people can be distracted from the real issues just by listening to false promises each party tells you and the mud slinging they bring to the table. As for nut jobs, look who we have as president.

And I clearly remember there was nothing funny about the '04 elections. In fact I barely remember the issues since there was so much mud slinging. Lighten up. Worry about him if he actually gets the primaries. Until then, at least he is getting the younger crowd into the process, the same crowd that complains about how screwed up things are, but don't really know how to change it. Maybe this might actually bring out the real issues to them in an understandable form, not in polititalk. (Wonder if he'll use that. I own that one and will want big royalties from it.)

"It's entertainment, not politics."

Funny line from Robert in Vivian, LA. You don't think politics are entertainment? The majority of the nation wouldn't pay attention to political campaigns if they weren't designed to be entertaining. Joe America wants the "gloves thrown off", "mud-slinging" type of campaigns.

Great comments people. This was a good one.

Colbert is hot! I'm voting for him!

Oh please, I'm sure Edwards has worse sponsors than Doritos. Shall we check on his history with pharmaceutical and credit card companies?

This article has 210 comments more than any other article today. People may claim that Colbert is not a serious candidate, but the people who visit this site are certainly taking it more seriously than anything else posted in this ticker.

Dude, all y'all saying this isn't funny? LIGHTEN UP! What this country needs right now is a sense of humor and the ability to laugh. We have lost this. Colbert's "campaign" is a riot, and we need the fun, with all the mud-slinging even within each of the two major parties. Cheez WIZ, folks! Get a sense of humor!

What you older "folks" don't get is exactly the problem. All you "Non-Colberters" lack the vision to see through the political fog. The new generation voters are blessed with ignorance and are voting with there hearts and not their membership cards to the country club. You don't walk out your door and not talk to your neighbor because he is of one party or the other yet that is all that Washington D.C. stands for!!! We are SCREAMING for a fresh start for our futures, our future childrens futures and to preserve the freedom many of you fought to protect and preserve.

We want change!
We want a fresh face with fresh ideas!
We want a "Repocrat" ™ in office!
We want Stephen Colbert!

What are we allowed to laugh at?
Are we not allowed to be amused my Colbert's cariacture + how he demonstrates how ludicrous the 21st century environment of politics is? Can satire not be enlightening?
Can we not cheer on Colbert's hilarious antics, while at the same time looking at the policy-points of the other candidates before voting?

Please, all you people in the comedy/seriousness police, tell me what I can + can not find amusing. And please don't let it be Larry the Cable Guy, though I expect that to be the consensus.

Stephen Colbert, maybe an attention hound!!!! But not as bad of an attention hound as the real candidates! Vote for Colbert in South Carolina!!

Laughing and joking are peaceful methods of raising hope and moral by a serious individual. If you want a candidate like bush, or any of the candidates in the past 20 years, vote for someone else. If you want someone who is going to make a difference, and SUCCEED, vote for Colbert.

Any of the statements claiming that this is inappropriate or that the election isn't mean to be "comedy material" in these times of war – give me a break. Not only is Colbert making a statement but it's his darn right to do it.

It seems the only time people get upset by this is when their own candidate can't be as refreshing as Colbert.

Like our political system and the idea of a true democracy ....

THIS IS ALL A JOKE FOLKS ... lighten up

I'll only vote for Colbert if Jon Stewart is the VP, Dave Chapelle is the Secretary of State, Gallagher is Treasurer, Bill Mahr Defense Secretary, Jamie Kennedy CIA Director, Conan O'Brien as Press Secretary, Dennis Miller as Ambassador to Pappa New Guinea.

"a good democrat is a dead democrat" – Dan, roanoke

To Dan:
The more traditional form of this phrase – and the comparison you are unwittingly making – is "The only good Indian is a dead Indian." This was attributed to Union Gen. Philip Sheridan of Civil War fame, though he denied ever having said it. No matter who first said it, it was repeated for a century with sincerity by white people. Newly freed black men were happy to kill Indians for a few dollars a month as US soldiers. You are still repeating a modified form of it now, a century and a half later.

Words have meaning, and the men who wished for dead Indians had often killed lots of them. They were not kidding; they were speaking with great precision. When you refer to your fellow citizens who support a Democratic candidate, I assume you don't really want to herd them onto reservations, starve them, and kill them. I assume you are actually speaking of the figurative death of their unpatriotic ideas, so that they might live life anew as a member of the one, true, patriotic party. That is to say, your party, Dan.

Venomous rhetoric is poisoning our democracy. Those who wish to speak thoughtfully about a topic, explore various sides of a question, and hear what others think are lost in the roar of shouted mindless cliches. I was a Communications major (don't start) at a backwater state college, but even I know that the first rule of public speaking is to have something to say.

Politics is not a team sport where our side tries to cheer louder and be ruder than their side. Politics in a democracy is a process of thoughtful discussion followed by careful decision-making. Politics – to good Liberals like me – requires civility in the public square. We not only want others to know our opinions, we also want to know the opinions of others. We do not want the majority to squash the rights of the minority in any area, so it is our patriotic duty to listen carefully to them. Political speech consists of listening and THINKING ABOUT WHAT YOU HEARD most of the time, then speaking thoughtfully and civilly when it is your turn.

When and if you read this, Dan, if you perceive it as a scolding then you have missed the point. Instead, it is a challenge.

Lack of sense of humor is generally a sign of lack of education.

WOW. A bunch of idiots post on here
I AM WRISTSTRONG. for wrist injury awareness!!

also, The show the Office and John Stewart are not serious either

TO ALL OUT THERE THAT THINKS THAT JOKES AT A TIME LIKE THIS ARE FUNNY, REMEMBER RALPH NADER.NO MY CAP KEYS ARE NOT STUCK. AND I AM A 69 YEAR OLD DISABLED VETERAN. I HAVE SEEN HOW PEOPLE CAN BE DISTRACTED FROM THE REAL ISSUES BY JOKESTERS, AND MANY PEOPLE WILL VOTE FOR NUT JOBS. WE IN AMERICA ARE IN A CRISIS. WAKE UP PEOPLE

This old Hawk-codger is right: these nutjob-voters voted for Bush/Cheney... twice, I'm ashamed to say.

Thanks to the Rove/Cheney Lie machine, just look at how much the rest of the world hates the USA now.

I love this, and I love Colbert for bringing attention to the election. Most of my friends (fresh voting age, we were 17 the last election) did not even start caring about the election until Colbert got involved. Now they watch him for entertainment value but then they seriously consider what other candidates are about. Props to Edwards, he knows the odds of him winning are very very slim, so props to him for getting involved with Colbert to excite the masses.

any thread in the POLITICAL TICKER with the word Doritos in it shows how low we've sunk as a culture

This would be the only reason I would ever vote in the presidential elections. Too bad I don't live in SC.

HAWK thanks for your service and all but to all the people who are upset with colbert what you really need to see is what colbert is accomplishing. Colbert has gotten the youth interested into politics in which we have rarely ever have been. i am 17 (say what you want about my age) but colbert has gotten me to want to vote. i probably wouldn't even be commenting on this matter let alone be following politics. Colbert has acheived the respect of the youth of this nation. Something i doubt obama or hillary could ever do. In the corrupt system we currently have Colbert sheds light on a brighter future for this nation.

Correct we are at war, but with who?? We claim the war to be a war on terror but honestly you cannot eliminate the beliefs or race of a people. an example would be the nazi's, did they eliminate the jews,no. have nazi's dissapeared, no. the point im trying to make is instead being in iraq losing troops why not focus more on our nations security or problems like our growing debt with china. I will vote for colbert if he makes it which i hope he does and stephen being the intelligent man he is will make a great leader for our country

COLBERT 08'

I've always liked Stephen Colbert, but it was only when he began his run for president that I realized I would actually support him in this. Frankly, I think all of the other candidates in this election are much bigger jokes than he is.
Not to mention the fact that Stephen Colbert is absolutely brilliant, and since he is a complete political neophyte he has not yet had to compromise his integrity for the sake of political gain, which I feel the vast majority of other candidates have done.
I like that Ron Paul speaks his mind and is consistent, but privatizing education? Repealing the income tax? I can't even begin to list the ways in which things like that would damage the country.

I'll vote for Colbert when he catches a Dorito in his mouth while doing a split.

Sorry, chessey, chessey Cheetos for me, but I do like those Dorito commericals..

I cannot believe that the Stephen Colbert Campaign would "dip" into the hors d'oevres and college food lobby. All of the corn that goes into producing this chip could be going into producing more environmentally-friendly fuel rather than the greenhouse gas (methane) resulting from dorito-digestion.

Terry in El Paso – excellent posts; well thought out, cogent analysis. You forgot one memorable Mark Twain quote, though: "Suppose you were an idiot, and suppose you were a member of Congress. But I repeat myself."

Seriously, folks we need to step back and take a nation-wide deep breath. What is happening here? A talented satarist is turning the laser beam of his art onto the political spectrum. And, in the best tradition of satire, we are being reflected in that beam. I wonder if that's the source of so much rage on this ticker? Not only is Colbert making fun of the process, he's making fun of all of US, bless him! He's exposing our shallowness, our hypocrisy, our lack of self-analysis and our utter childishness. No one likes to be laughed at, to be sure. But only the truly arrogant get angry and refuse to see the germ of truth that is the basis of all great satire. Deep breath, folks. This country has a history of the right person coming forth at the right time to be the right leader. Washington, Licoln, Roosevelt. It will happen again. Meanwhile, grab a few giggles along the way. We'll be a happier people if we do.

hawk thanks for your service and all but what we need to really see is what colbert is trying to accomplish. He has gotten the youth interested in politics.i myself would have most likely not have voted this coming up election but since colbert joined i started following politics and im only 17, say what you want about my age but colbert is ushering in a generation of younger voters who would have otherwise not voted let alone pay attention to the political news. Him being a comedian doesn't mean he's not serious, colbert is very intelligent and i learn a lot of things just by watching his show. So i say go colbert you have my vote

COLBERT 08'

OK, first of all, this isnt a question of wheather or not he is running for president do you realize that the Daily show and Colbert Report have done somthing that our own goverment and countless campaigns couldnt do they have kids watching the news about politics. So smash them all you want but to be honest they have done something that many couldnt. because before they came around many kids didnt even know that it was an election year, let alone who was running so this just brings to the forefront current events that our children need to know about to function in this world.

"a good democrat is a dead democrat"

OH YOU'RE SO SWEET!!! WE LOVE YOU TOO YOU PROFOUND DOG YOU.

Mmmmmm....Doritos!

As usual I find myself sitting in a built up observation post in the heart of baghdad. During my five minute break I have decided to scroll the Colbert Blog. I miss Doritos. MMMMMMM
If Mr. Colbert can secure his little piece of history (remember 'one delegate=victory) I will kick back with my beer and my jumbo bag of cheesiness (after 15 months in this lousy place...i deserve it) and salute Stephen for being a favorite son. This freedom of speech thing is one of the reasons that make me proud to serve. With the whole sponsorship thing, I am glad that Jon did not have to give up the cigars or hookers in order to finance your quest.

Walking my post defending beer and doritos and free speech,

A little mini history lesson, courtesy of me:

-George Washington was wary of the idea of political parties.

-The Republican Party actually started off as a third party.

-Great leaders have come from both parties: Teddy Roosevelt, FDR, Lincoln, JFK

What does this all mean?

1. Political parties are a menace, especially in a two party system like ours because they present a false dichotomy, cause the country to be divided many times throughout history, and because people are prone to party loyalty, thus voting for a party rather than a candidate.

2. Voting third party is not a wasted vote, otherwise you have to say that voting for Lincoln was a mistake. We could get some real change by voting third party and eventually either ousting the current two parties, or force them to rethink their candidate choices.

3. Don't vote Republican or Democrat, vote for the person. In fact, I think it should be illegal to announce your party affiliation until after you are elected.

I'm Canadian. Our political races are borrring, our politicians colourless. Maybe that's a good thing, intrinsically, but it sure makes for lacklustre entertainment. And so, we look to America to fill our hee-haw needs and she usually delivers - and this time, she's even delivering a real honest-to-goodness comedian drenched in Doritos! Go America!

If Colbert needs money, let me know. I can pitch-in $10, and that's almost $10 American now, eh!

Thanks, dan. You have just set the Republicans back even farther by your statement. Do you know what a tool is? Or maybe the political definition of a sheep? I bet you have relatives or friends who are Democrats, who would probably be sad to hear you narrowminded statement.

At least he's a candidate that has some real ideas. Right now it's going to come down to Hillary and Giuliani. Both are fascists. Hillary is because she will 'take money away from individuals and corporations for their own good'. Probably to spend on her pet projects like hippy museums. And Giuliani is a fascist because he is a jack booted thug with insane zero tolerance policies. But at least he would get something done, rather than Hillary that will tax and spend this country into ruin.

Go Colbert, and expose these frauds, sellouts, and traitors for what they are.

For everyone who thinks this is a serious run, you are idiots. How can you honestly believe that Colbert will earn presidency?

Not that it would bad for America, I think we need some appropriate humorus changes in this country.

(That was also a joke....)

Lay off of the caps lock, by the way.

Anyone who is truely upset about this needs to get over themselves! If you're going to be upset about someone running for Presidant how are you not outraged by the "serious" contenders? If this country ever becomes as humorless as those who report to be our leaders we are in serious trouble. What bothers me most is the large number of people who don't think Colbert is funny because they are too thick to pick up on his satire/sarcasm. We are quickly becoming a country run by "holier than thou" pundits and "bumper sticker patriots." God forbid someone break the tension and get us to laugh at ourselves! God knows the rest of the world is!

Thank you all for 20 minutes of non-stop laughter!

Mr. Hawk, thank you for the sacrifice you made for your country.

I would like to start out by giving a shout out to my main man in Texas...HAWK!!! Keep on Keepin on....
These stupid liberal left-wingest patronizing devils need to get on Task!!! WE ARE AT WAR!! DIG IT!!!

Stephen COLBERT (pronounced Coal-BERT) needs to go back to his stupid little Hollywood set and report the News or write Republican how-to-books. Leave the Politicking to the real experienced patriots like Mit 'monog' Romney, Rudy '911' Guilliani and Fred 'DA' Thompson.

We all know that Doritos is a facist left-winged brand hell bent on world cheese domination of lesser Christian souls....America, don't bend to the Colbert Nation's obvious ploys to convert Fun-Yun eaters.....

Keep on Task America........there are Wars to be fought Now and in the Future....and we need to election our next War Monger!!!

Stephen Colbert needs to get with the program.....fall in line....and vote for a War/Oil Lobbist-Backed Politican!!! Only then will we fear a little less at night...

Does no one remember Andy Kaufman????? The minute our society can't handle satire is the minute we're taking ourselves too seriously. Wake up and enjoy the joke. Laugh. God knows we need it given how screwed up the current administration has made things. This is freakin' hilarious!

Those up you upset at Colbert need to remove the device from your rear end.

He's making a political statement, as well as adding a little humor in the process.

It's about time some of you wake up and realize how messed up politics really is lately.

Hey CNN, you probably won't post this comment, but I just want to know why this, out of all the serious stories including the escalating war talk against Iran, is the only story your readers can post a comment on? Probably because this is a good distraction from the real issues, and the only thing mainstream media feels safe giving the public a voice in. Otherwise readers of this tabloid might learn that most of the public is against attacking Iran, and also questions the official story behind 9/11. (and it's not just a fringe movement consisting of nutcases, but includes pilots, government officials, and structural engineering experts, like Dr. Stephen Jones at BYU... to list just one name). Ted Turner should have never sold the station. If you care anything about this country step up and do your job.

a good democrat is a dead democrat

So what do you think Dan. "Notcho White House", "White Cheese House", "New White House With More Taste", or the dual flavored "Americone Dream/Peach Cobbler House"

Colbert/Nelson '08

Sorry to call you out DW, but Colbert actually announced Doritos as his campaign's official corporate sponsor on his show. It appears that in addition to having a sense of humor, the Edwards campaign actually does its research, unlike some people

I enjoy the Colbert Report very much. Having seen Stephen come out of character on "Larry King", I can see that he is a thoughtful, intelligent man. The right wing blowhard "Colbert" character had its gestation while he was a "correpsondent" on "The Daily Show". His satirical knife skewers the brain stem reactionary views espoused by BOTH sides of the policital extreme.

However, in this 5 second soundbite world, politics has actually become more centrist, with candidates fearing their every gaff, and courting the lowest common denominator. The Mark Twain quotes cited earlier were excellent, and indicate how little has changed.

There ARE candidates with at least a few different ideas, such as Ron Paul and Dennis Kucinich, but they're marginalized as cranks and nut jobs.

I know Stephen is only taking his candidacy so far to make a point, but wouldn't a "Republocrat" or "Demopublican" ticket of Arnold and Colbert be cool?

P.S. – I think the comment earlier about Elizabeth Edwards was uncalled for, she is battling cancer after all.

IT IS VERY SAD THAT A PERSON CAN LAUGH AND JOKE AT A TIME WHEN THIS COUNTRY IS IN SO MUCH TROUBLE.
-HAWK,TEXAS

IT IS VERY SAD THAT A PERSON IN THIS DAY AND AGE DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO TURN OFF CAPS LOCK.

Lighten up people. Those of you who are truly upset by this should check with your doctor to see if paxil is right for you.

America needs to laugh at itself once in a while.

He has stated that he is only running for president in SC...the danger is (as with the Rhino Party in Canada) if he put up a serious campain accross the country he would be in serious danger of actually getting elected.

This should concern both political parties, but it appears to be business as usual.

I actually kind of think the Edwards response was very appropriate and in keeping with Colbert's intentions.

Colbert will make a better president than the clown who has been running the country for the las 6 years.
Go Colbert, I will vote for you.

The ancient Athenians had a wonderful method of filling political offices. From a list of qualified (free, male) candidates, they drew names at random. The citizen was bound by oath to fulfill the duties of his office with dedication and honesty. After his term in office, a judgment was made as to how well he performed.

Random selection from a list of qualified candidates (not self-qualified candidates, but candidates chosen by others) is not a bad method. The problem we have with the presidency is that no stable, mature personality would want the job. Most presidents express their relief on leaving the job. Harry Truman, in his wonderful Memoirs, expressed doubt that any man could perform the job as voters expected. Some men have run for president over and over, making it obvious to us that the presidency is or was the ambition of their lives.

Perhaps we could make use of the Electoral College by voting for electors who would then choose a president.

Our greatest presidents have mostly been accidents. Lincoln could have only been elected during the peculiar circumstances of 1860. Teddy Roosevelt was vice president when President McKinley was assassinated. Woodrow Wilson could have only been elected if Roosevelt and Taft split the Republican vote. Harry Truman was chosen as vice president rather casually as a compromise candidate with no one really considering that he might become president if the aged, ailing FDR died. Johnson, whose greatness was poisoned by the Viet Nam war, had failed in his quest for the presidency. Kennedy chose him as VP to deliver Texas and a few other southern states to the Democrats in 1960.

The presidents we chose, who were not accidental presidents, were Taft, FDR, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Nixon, Carter, Reagan, George Bush (the good one), Clinton, and George Bush (the other one). Only FDR stands out from that list as great, though Eisenhower did have two successful terms. Kennedy's presidency is hard to evaluate due to his assassination. Nixon's presidency was successful, except for the Watergate thing, but great? George Bush the elder was a stable executive and his leadership in the Gulf War was exemplary. Clinton started with a Democratic majority in both houses, but managed to hand the country over to a Conservative Republican Congress which stumbled from one scandalous disaster to another from 1994 to 2004, an unrivaled decade of theft, corruption, and scandal.

In short, we voters tend to prefer men (so far all men) who are of limited gifts and short vision – people kind of like us.

I would just like to point out one thing.

To Hawk, TX, okay so its supposedly "not funny." That's your opinion and you're entitled to it. However, don't yell at every other American who does think it's funny. After all, here in America, we're ALL entitled to our opinions. That's what makes America worth fighting for. If that entitlement is gone, then the country is no longer worth it and it should go down the drain.

Besides that, calling Colbert a joke is exactly right. The difference between Colbert and all these other candidates is that Colbert very clearly lets you know he's a joke with that dry sense of humor. Anybody who believes that the character Colbert has created for himself is the actual Stephen Colbert is highly delusional and has access to some very good medications.

Furthermore, Colbert has brought up some good points in a humorous fashion. In case the rest of you don't get it, let me spell this out for you. The YOUTH is the future and it is the YOUTH that the campaigns should be trying to reach. YOUR generation had its time and messed up the whole world, just like the generation before you did to you. Now OUR generation gets handed this absolutely terrible state of the world and I for one am hoping that we don't turn out to be the same hypocritical generation (complaining about what the gen before did and then showing a complete lack of care for how our actions affect the future generations) that yours did.

So it's wrong for Doritos to donate to the Colbert campaign but it's ok for Big Tobacco, Oil companies, government contractors, and other lobbyists to donate to "legitimate" polititians? What sort of conflict of interest will the snackfood industry have with him running the country? Will he feel obligated to go into the middle east and start a war to get a piece of big oil and to give his buddies in construction and the mercenary business multi-billion dollar contracts? Does Pepsico (owner of Doritos) have a stance on gay marriage or have some sort of agenda to make sure it can or cannot happen? The worst thing that could come from Colbert taking campaign money from Doritos would be that they might want naming rights to the White House, as if it were a sports stadium. He would be able to sleep at night AND still have a conscience.

Thank you Greg from Mechanicsville, MD. I too was shocked to see that so many people missed the fact that the Edwards campaign had a sense of humor. No wonder we've been stuck with the current administration.

It wouldn't be the first time that someone with no qualifications got into politics and won. Do you need to be reminded of Jesse Ventura, Arnold Schwarzenegger, & Ronald Regan, all entertainers. Look a Bush for Christ sake, the guy couldn't keep an oil company running in TEXAS, and he got the job. I agree with Hawk that this is a serious situation, but history dictates that Mickey Mouse has a better chance of running and winning then a truly qualified and deserving candidate. More power to ya Steve!

Why is everyone wasting their time arguing over this? So what, the Edwards campaign is showing a little sense of humor over Colbert's SC campaign. How is this endangering our national welfare again? Yes, there are important issues that some unfortunate people are forced to deal with every day of their lives, but why does that mean that we can't all take a deep breath and have a laugh? Did the Bushies declare a sense of humor unpatriotic as well?

My favorites are the idiots that think he really is a conservative.

It won't be too late after the primaries for him to still run outside SC, will it? He still could run as an independent even if he doesn't make the repube or democrab tickets. He has FAR more knowledge of politics then most up there but Hillary! (after living there for 8 years you're going to claim she doesn't know "the game"?). I think he's quite serious and those who think he doesn't know the real issues don't watch his show. Someone posted that they wanted to know his views. Do you watch his show? While it may be satire anyone with 1/2 a brain can see his "smirk" and understand what he's REALLY thinking about issues.

The REAL reason that some people are upset is that deeeeep deeeep down, they KNOW he's actually got a chance. They can tell by how much people like him and talk about him. Ronald Regan? Arnold Schwarzenegger? Fred Thompson? Don't tell me that someone in media can't win or isn't being serious!

GO COLBERT!!!

YOU HAVE MY VOTE! (even though I already cast it by eating that HUGE bag of Doritos yesterday! MMMmmmmmmm Cheese!!!)

I'll definitely vote for Stephen Colbert, even if it's only a write in. I hope he campaigns in Greenville so i can go see him!

I understand what Colbert is doing–I find it highly comical. He's not running for president, period. I agree with everyone, we need a president would will restore this country to greatness. I have to trust in the intelligence of the masses (hopefully the unintelligent who voted for our current present have learned from their mistake).

If the American people cannot understand the joke Colbert is making, then honestly I'm not sure we can claim to be the greatest country on earth, nor can we even make a serious claim to deserving to exist. Where did this country go soo wrong.

I can't even believe the hatred around over something so comedic! a few of you get it! You can't run for President in SC...That's the joke!!! PEOPLE. Lighten up you finatics! Go back and watch your Entertainment tonight I'm sure Britney misses your attention! If you want your vote to count, vote for R. Paul. He's the only true candidate who is on the side of the people. Cooky? Sure! Honest YES! No flip-flopping, No sigle date harping here Guliani! Peace to all the people!

Hawk, try to get over it... you are sounding like a Republican. We have pills for that kind of thing now.
Red Idaho

Newsflash: Stephen Colbert and the Colbert Report are entertainment, not news. They have no responsibility to the voting public, and the fact that they can underscore the show with political tones and still be entertaining is wonderful. Yes we are at war, but it is not the job of entertainment programs to fix the country, it's up to the government and more importantly, the people. Also, I loved the response from the Edwards campaign, it was refreshing to hear someone running for office satire the current election process.

I find it kind of ironic that John Edwards says that by accepting campain money from Doritos, Stephen Colbert's hands "are stained by corporate corruption and nacho cheese." Especially when John Edwards' hands are stained with corporate corruption and the deaths of all the people who can't afford health care. I wonder how much cash is in his coffers from the health care industry? Hmm, responsibility for the sickness and deaths of millions of poor people or Nacho Cheese... I'm having trouble deciding which is worse.

Am I the only one who thinks this guy is so not funny? Why is he getting all this attention? To say his jokes suck is putting it mildly, and what is with the pronunciation of his name? This is stupid.

Dave, Cheverly, MD,
To get the funny you need to realize the irony in your "one more IDIOT!" statement. The idiots Colbert joins, per your assertion, are the politicians with the (largely) ultra-conservative, uber-Republican politicians he emulates on his show. Now, if you think Colbert is just "one more IDIOT"...

If anyone really cares about the Presidency then abolish the electoral college and truely let America choose our leader.

If you people think Colbert's campaign is the joke, you need to take another look at the rest of the candidates.

I'm sorry to say this, but reading up on this thread is funny and sad at the same time. Colbert IS a comedian. But, as one of you said here, he does bring good, covertly unbiast information to a demographic that otherwise wouldn't much care. So while his methods are unorthodox, no one can blame him for trying to bring a few smiles and laughs into a process that is otherwise dull and dreary. And watching your early televised debates, news stories, etc, there's one thing you have to say and that's they all pretty much cookie-cutter politicians, that will say (or won't say) just about anything to make sure they can sucker you into voting for them. "Shake hands, kiss the babies, wave for the cameras, don't point with your fingers.." They've all been trained to look a certain way to an extent that they loose who and what they really were and just become.. *shudder*.. politicians. All this to say that Colbert's (jokingly) honesty is refreshing and while he won't be imitated by any career politicians, well, it's nice to know that a glimmer of what a real election would look like is shining through this year. So please people, take a deep breath, and loosen up a little.

No Ed, we're talking about Stephen Colbert. His point, self-advertisement, just like the other candidates..

Well assuming he won
wouldn't it be like a bad Robin Williams movie?

Colbert is a genius cloaked in hilarity, and the most singularly effective force that has attracted America's youth to actually paying attention to the real issues that we have felt so alienated from before.

And parents just don't understand.

We of newly-legal voting age are not dense, and seem to be absorbing the core of his antics better than many unnecessarily alarmed 'grown-ups.' Behind his goofy, self-obsessed persona, there's a man, a dad, a dude, and we know that. The recent interview in Vanity Fair, featuring him in rare form– which is to say, out of character– solidifies my respect for the man. Even the accompanying photograph to the article reveals his humanity: it's just Stephen Colbert, devoid of his faux-hyper-conservative persona. He's in a regular dad sweater with bags under his eyes– it's a hauntingly honest portrait. The fact that he has become such a notorious cultural icon is astounding, considering the horrendous losses that he suffered earlier in his life. I respect his comedy, for it has helped me, and many of my peers, feel connected and involved in the true, grim issues plaguing this country.

We are not taking him literally, and we understand the wry winks behind his actions. Chill out, everybody. He is not doing this to seriously sabatoge the elections! And even if he were, I'd still love him– he's made me feel connected to our country and concerned for its future.

I guess America just needs to lighten up a little...calm down everyone...he is just having fun...i dont think he will win the presidency or anything..maybe if we all laughed a little more things would turn around in this country..

Randy S Lawton, OK: You are an idiot!
Correct soemone else's spelling error and follow it up with your own, nice! I do respect your service to OUR country however your ignorance to our current political crisis is amazing. We need someone to get something done, we don't need a woman who didn't have enough balls to throw Bill out when he cheated on her to run this Great, Great country you fought to protect!
Think about it!

Hillary's CNN, ABC, NBC, MSNBC and NY times sponsorships are much worse than Stephan's Doritos' sponsorship. To bad their not illegal too..

its interesting, we are here talking about the presidential elections...wonder if tahts the point?

I was so grateful to be at the event, and I loved Colbert. He is a fun alternative, and honestly, him and Jon Stewart are what made me interested in politics. Not that I take what they say at face value, however, it does make me look at things and a different light and reevaluate my position

Hawk, TX

Something everyone living in my lively hood realizes is that Colbert is exposing the process for what it is through satire....

Where "legit" candidates have to project sincerity and dour concern in order to be perceived as "presidential", Colbert projects "truthiness" and in so doing indirectly teaches what happens during a campaign. Steven Colbert's campaign has more to offer when viewed as a lesson in politics – rather than something to be ethically judged.

Nice to see someone REAL in the running. Too much BS political plays on all the other sides. This country is in BAD shape and needs someone to ask the questions, the others are afraid to ask.

Good for Cobert to stir it up.

Ron Paul, although odd.. says the stuff that none of the other candidates have the balls or (ovaries) to say.

Tired of the buddy system taking the govt apart, even though it has always been this way!

I think a Colbert-Edwards ticket would be amazing. I would vote for that.

I really don't think that our country/world is in so much trouble. I'm sure Mr. HAWK will recall that 40 years ago we were fighting a war with a non-voluntary military and there were enough fingers on "the button" to end the world.

I think it's great that we have a whole generation of young people that don't know what a fall-out shelter is or the nearest one is located. I hope no one tells them either so there's room for me. teehee

if we abandon our sense of humor, the terrorists have won...

FIRST OF ALL, Colberts viewers skew HIGHER in political knowledge than EVERY other news source audience, except...The Daily Show, per several polling sources. SO, to HAWK and the rest who think this is a laughing matter to Colberts supporters, you are DEAD wrong. The fact is, what Colbert is doing is VITALLY important to the political process, which has INEED become a JOKE and a SLAP in the face to the American People. Colbert, through humor, is shining a light on this very real crisis. And he pulls no punches to wither side of the aisle, both of which have SCREWED this country, but good!

hey hawk, texas...ever think thats the point of colbert running for president?

I don't think you can write this off as just a joke. Colbert's presidential run is a tactical way of exposing what the current problems are in the U.S. His run, while arguably not serious (because of his show and his limitation of the campaign to one state) demonstrates the problem with linking the media so closely to presidential campaigns. Yes, the election and the war are serious issues. But more importantly, the public needs to be aware of what the media can do to a campaign. After all, Howard Dean lost because of a small scream...possibly 2 seconds ruined his entire campaign! Colbert is trying to show us the demise of campaigning because of corporate sponsorship (though with other candidates its HMOs, oil companies, and international contractors instead of Doritos) through satire, and I commend him for that.

Long live the Colbert Nation!!! Long live Steven Colbert!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Truthiness for all and all for America!

"Taco chip lobbyists!" "Salty snack industry!" OMG the response from the Edwards campaign is too funny! I love it!

Nice that he can have a sense of humor at the same time, while running a serious campaign to take Washington back from lobbyists.

Humor has always played a part in politics. Politicians are themselves very serious, with a few exceptions, and they take themselves VERY seriously. The political pageants that we are presented with have all the mock solemnity of a homecoming queen coronation.

Humorists are able to present thoughts about politics that we would never hear otherwise.

Will Rogers said, "This country has come to feel the same when Congress is in session as when the baby gets hold of a hammer."

Mark Twain said...
"The political and commercial morals of the United States are not merely food for laughter, they are an entire banquet."

"In religion and politics people's beliefs and convictions are in almost every case gotten at second-hand, and without examination, from authorities who have not themselves examined the questions at issue but have taken them at second-hand from other non-examiners, whose opinions about them were not worth a brass farthing." – Twain

"...one of the first achievements of the legislature was to institute a ten-thousand-dollar agricultural fair to show off forty dollars' worth of pumpkins..." – Twain

"Look at the tyranny of party–at what is called party allegiance, party loyalty–a snare invented by designing men for selfish purposes–and which turns voters into chattles, slaves, rabbits, and all the while their masters, and they themselves are shouting rubbish about liberty, independence, freedom of opinion, freedom of speech, honestly unconscious of the fantastic contradiction; and forgetting or ignoring that their fathers and the churches shouted the same blasphemies a generation earlier when they were closing their doors against the hunted slave, beating his handful of humane defenders with Bible texts and billies, and pocketing the insults and licking the shoes of his Southern master." – Twain

"The more you read and observe about this Politics thing, you got to admit that each party is worse than the other. The one that's out always looks the best." – Will Rogers

"It has been my experience that folks who have no vices have very few virtues." – Abraham Lincoln

"Whenever I hear anyone arguing for slavery, I feel a strong impulse to see it tried on him personally." – Lincoln

John from New York, don't worry about james in Buda and his supposed concern for the issues...go ahead and vote for your first time, we are pround of you...if you'd ever been to Buda you'd understand.

Dear Hawk: You have seen it, haven't you? You have observed a lot in your 69 years. And, it is also a pain to worry about typing upper and lower case when EVERONE is squinting at the little computer screen past the age of 40. You are right, and it is so tough out there for Americans to make a decision in 2008 with what we have available. Maybe that is the answer to the question. You are one of the SO many Americans I have been reading making comments on
http://www.draftgore.com
No, he is not running....they want to "draft" him, like DDE. The stories they are writing in the signature comments are serious, funny and filled with hope from people from around the world who actually care about our future. I am not a Democrat or a Republican, I define myself as "concerned citizen of the Earth with one vote". By the way, the Colbert Report is very funny – we are going to need it to cheer us up all next year.

This kinda feels like "Man of the Year" again. Good feeling. The question Colbert should pose to the other candidates, would you rather be sponsored in public by a tasty cheese chip or be given millions in bribes by Halliburton or Drug Companies? I'll stick to supporting the chips

As a Canadian looking in, I cannot believe that anyone would be upset at a comedian running for president, serious or not...have you seen the other candidates you have down there? And compared to Bush, wow, Stephen Colbert would be a Godsend in the Whitehouse.
Whether this is a "serious" bid or just a "spoof", at this point I think that anything that gets voters out, young and old is a good thing...even if he doesn't follow right through, just to get potential voters interested in the political system is a step up.
We just had a provincial election here, and sadly, only 52% of all eligible voters excersised their right to vote! Instead of people complaining about Stephen Colbert being a "Nut Case" maybe they should spend their energy getting involved and volunteering trying to attract new voters!

It's good to be king, john, and riverman are so right.

We have handed over and catered to the left and right wings so much in the last few decades, that the middle (the middle calss, the working man, the moderates)...the foundation of America, has lost their voice. The left and right winger voters, the Democrats and Republicans, have shown that they are indeed incapable of running this country. This election, I urge all of us "regular folk" to go out and vote.

Colbert in 2008!

First, I haven't read all 111 comments, just about the first 30 or 40. I did want to say that satire is necessary in a democracy... at least it has been around since colonial times in this country to skewer the policies of those in power (i.e. England). So although what Colbert is doing is humorous, it is political, and I believe a healthy thing for our democracy in pointing out the faults in our political system. I wouldn't say that it's some thing that folks haven't already known. McCain and Lieberman have sponsored campaign finance bills as I'm sure others have. There should be serious debate about free speech and campaign spending since that seems to be the crux of the matter. As for all the Rep and Dem candidates being cookie cutter candidates, isn't that the point? How else do you appeal to broad enough spectrum of highly diverse voters to secure yourself a win? We are a nation of special interests, like it or not. That's what happens when you have 300 million plus citizens in a highly diverse population with different needs and desires. It makes a cumbersome political process. Remember Churchill: Democracy is the worst form of government, except for all the rest. (I'm sure that's a paraphrase.)

John Rigney, Miller PLace, New York
Tossing around that IDIOT word like you're not one. you arent going to vote who are you kidding. You couldnt tell me what stephens' positions are on things like immigration, the "war on terror" etc. So save it with the Im interested in politcs crap, smoke another one, and enjoy the rest of your college years, because it wont be funny any more when you enter the real world.

The scariest part of all of this is not that some people missed the fact that the "comment" from the Edwards campaign was a joke (and the sentence even used the verb "ribbed", no less!). The scariest part is that these same "reading-for-comprehension-and-context challenged" folks have the right to vote. That's scarier than anything we'll see on Halloween or in the movie theaters.

To WMDAggie in Texas: He who is without sin...

Livelyhood is spelled livelihood. Check your fact before criticising others, otherwise you lose credibility.

Although, I agree that HAWK is an embarrassment, not just to Texas but to other DAV's like myself.

i cried tears of joy when colbert said he was mounting a campaign...
maybe we should write doritos and thank them for sponsoring the most intelligent candidate...
also nice to see the edwards camp has a sense of humour...

My god, can you people please write an article that doesn't have spelling errors. Every day CNN, the NY Times, and every other bastion of news integrity can't go without ridiculous errors in their articles. It's called proofreading, and it used to be popular and important when you actually had a news staff and credibility mattered.

As a young (26), college educated( B.S.) female soldier, I LOVE what Steven is doing.
My husband and I are going to war, it doesn't get any more serious than that, and we would STILL vote for Stephen Colbert!
I learned two elections ago that my voted doesn't count & when someone is elected they can twist and turn things to make events go the way they would like.
At least if Stephen was elected president we could blame all his mistakes on the fact he is inexperienced comedian, instead of a political moron.

Gimme a break people! Oh no, we're at war! Well, Boo Hoo. When was the last time this country wasn't at war or had our troops supporting some effort abroad? Maybe we should never have let Reagan, Schwartzenegger, or Jessie Ventura run b/c they were entertainers? Colbert's campaign may be a joke, but who says he couldn't lead the country any better than the other candidates? Just as other leaders have done, he is smart enough to surround himself with the right people.

Colbert is a breath of fresh air compared to the same old boring dolts in these elections. I hope he can get them to address serious issues and honestly speak their minds rather than catering to the Right or Left wing freaks. If Colbert wins the primary, great; Maybe it will get the others to realize some of us are tired of listening to the same old garbage year-in year-out. If he doesn't (which I expect) I am looking forward to the entertainment.

Hawk, Thanks for supporting our country. BTW, is it possible that your "disabled" status requires software that only types in CAPS? Keep on keeping on.

Pools are showing that if Colbert ran as in Independent, against Clinton and Giuliani/Thompson, he would get 12-13% of the vote.

Food for thought.

Hello I am here to say to hawk and people who agree with him that you are IDIOTS!!!! I am what you would call a youth you have no idea what a big impact Colbert has made on youth voteing. I am 20 and for the first time I have heard my peers talk about voteing. Sure we shall be voteing for a comedian in 2008 but he has started a new generation of people to care about politics.

We are the "now" generation and we are sick of politicians!!! I've seen it my entire life. I tried voting for yes Perot hoping for a change. We can make a change now if we all work together.

You pick a President:
A)Stephen Colbert
B)Rudy G
C)Hillary C

The Choice is plan to see.
Indiana Wants you Stephen
Colbert '08

To HAWK, one, we all know its satire, obviously you don't. Two: Stop typing in all caps, we can see your an idiot, you dont have to shout it at us. If you REALLY want to make a point, be semi-literate, Livelyhood is one word. You are an embarrasment to real Texans.

Colbert is GOD! He skewers the political imbeciles and president by showing their innate stupidity. His speech at last years' Press Dinner was pure GENIUS! If any of the presidential candidates had half the brains of Stephen Colbert, we might actually have a choice, but the Republicans keep giving us corrupt, corporate cronies and the Democrats keep offering bozos. GO, Stephen, GO!

I personally wish he was serious about running. He's far more intelligent than half the people on here are giving him credit for. The candidates so far aren't hitting on too much, and sadly we will likely have to vote for the "lesser of two evils" come election time. John Edwards and his team are quite humorous. I love how upset they get over small things. I'm asshamed that he's living in my state.

I think its about time America got a president who's not afraid to defend The Truth, whether or not its actually under attack. This man, doesn't just stand for things, he stands on them... like podiums, the ground, and the backs of the lower middle class. Vote Colbert for a nation with more Truthiness and less bears!

On the contrary to the feelings of Hawk and other like-minded posters, one can actually cut through all the crap of the "serious" candidates simply by watching The Daily Show and The Colbert Report. Is what Colbert is doing any more dangerous than the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Ann Coulter, Sean Hannity, Glenn Beck and others that clog up the airways with vile hatred and actually do influence elections and what "serious" politicians think and do? That filth chokes up the airwaves and little is done about it (even when Rush can bash a real soldier for having the audacity to base his feelings about the war on his personal experiences in Iraq). Please. Lighten up. If there was real leader in the mass of automatons running in both parties, maybe Colbert and Stewart would be out of jobs. Seems to me they have a lifetime of job security and the rest of us have a lifetime of incompetent, selfish, ego-driven "leaders" to deal with.

You're right, this isn't a joke. But many of the current candidates and the news media are. Problem is, they are just not funny. Like Fox News. One sided reporting..now there's a joke.

To those of you complaining that the media should not be covering him or that he is diverting from the elections or issues-

Your insistence that only experienced, seasoned politicians should be given coverage is the reason our government is in the state of unproductivness that it is in. Some of us want change, not your Democratic or Republican lifetime Senator or Congressman who know how to "work" the system so they can accumulate the most lobby dollarrs for the least amount of work. You politico hacks actually have the nerve to tell us who can and can run based on how many Washington ties someone has?

Hillary Clinton says we are not tough enough on Iran. Does that tell you ANYTHING? Romney and Giuliani are also tools of the lobbysist system. Don't force your politics on us, it has already been shoved down our throats for the last 20 years throughout the BUSH/Clinton dynasty. Time for change.

People really need to read things before they respond about it.

Stephen Colbert is not running for president. He is running to get 1 vote at either the Republican or Democratic convention. He has stated bluntly that he does not want to be president. While his campaigning is serious, people need to realize the scope of the campaign. His ambitions are small. This should not insult or offend any citizen of this country if they know the facts behind it. Although I'm sure this comment won't stop the influx of ignorant comments.

Also, I'm sure more than a few young military vets would find this amusing to say the least. My brother is a warrant officer in the army and he finds it hilarious.

C'mon people our current political system is flawed. We are a democracy in name only. We need Colbert and others to step up and stop this cycle of "Country Clubbers" elected President.
Colbert '08

It's going to be hilarious if anyone of Stephen Colbert's associates read through this blog and use it for the show. I'm watching intently now.

I think Stephen Colbert, should run. The crap they have running now is a joke. None of them could run the country any better than Stephen! I think this country needs someone in office that is not affiliated with the democratic or republican parties. They have their own agenda and they are not putting us, the people first. So I say vote for Colbert, he's a smart guy.Way smarter than our C president that is in office now! South Carloina, get him on the ballot so the rest of us americans can vote for him! Good luck Stephen! May the country be bright enough to vote you into office!

(A) Colbert is very funny.

(B) Doritos are quite delicious.

(C) Edwards is quite certainly in on the joke.

GO COLBERT!!!!

Until there are serious canidates, I'll take the fake ones. At least they are more real then Hilary's laugh or southern accent. HAWK is right about the state of America, but don't tell me that Stephen Colbert is the reason. The real reason the country sucks right now is the broken political system that people like Hawk still have faith in.

And so it goes, the mainstream media has more respect for Colbert than they do Ron Paul, a REAL presidential candidate with real principles, and with a real plan for change.

Colbert may be a Comedian but he is definitely not doing what Comedians do!

He needs to give himself a Reality Check. How many Comedians have you known that have feigned to run in a Presidential Campaign?

In my view, he is insulting all Candidates Running as well as America and the Constitution of the United States. America has plenty of Comdedians in the White House presently without Colbert adding his Hat to the Oval Ring.

I plainly think he is way out of line and quite frankly disgusting.
And that's my view from the outside. Take what you like and leave the rest.

I usually don't pay attention to politics, but as a huge fan of Doritos Collisions (the Blue Cheese and Buffalo flavor), I was impressed by Colbert being able to obtain Doritos sponsorship.

He has caught my attention and I may actually vote this time.

I saw someone posting stuff about the war above, and I am amazed that people actually say this election is about war, not about people, candidates, or issues here at home. Sorry people, keep your whining to youself, don't ruin the fun.

In America, ANYONE can be come President.
Judging by the past 6+ years, that may not be a good thing. Where are my Doritos?

This is really funny, I think that the Edwards campaign isn't hitting below the belt. They are doing a great job of sounding just like the Colbert Report's writing staff. I like it, makes me like Edwards

Why is this on the "POLITICALticker"?

This should be on E Entertainment television or Comedy Central, not a major news organization.

It's entertainment, not politics.

Some of you people amaze me. I'm a moderate Republic who did not vote for W last time. I love the fact that Edwards "gets" the joke and plays along. However, I think Colbert is a brilliant satirist, and to be one you have to have a solid understanding of the real issues in order to mock it. I would certainly vote for him if he takes his campaign nationally, and I think lots of serious Americans would, because we're all fed up with the idiots the system produces. However, I would be more solidly behind Colbert '08 if he got sponsorship from Lays, and not Doritos...much higher potential for humor...

first off, this is the funiest thing anyone has done in the race since I can remember. It's a stunt, but if the people actually elect him president that their fault...not that I think he would do that much worse a job than Hillary

I would love to hear what Steven Colberts' positions are, and not what Steven Colberts' characters positions are. Once he exposes his left- wingedness Im sure people(sane ones) will stop paying attention to him. As for the young vote, they will forget to show up as we always do, "wasnt I supposed to do something today" will be said alot come election time among the 18-30 year olds.

At least Colbert is trying to be funny and KNOWS he's a joke, in terms of being a presidential candidate. As for the majority of the other candidates, I'm not so sure they are aware of the fact that THEY ARE JOKES, TOO!

This is going to be the greatest election ever.

Oh, how I wish I still lived in South Carolina. GO STEPHEN!

Great story! People need to relax, this is a comedian doing what comedians do. Granted, the country is in peril, however, that doesn't mean we still can't laugh. And thumbs up ( can I say that without being sued?) to the Edwards campaign for playing along with the obvious joke and commenting as such. That was brilliant!

Perhaps Stephen meant that he was the flavorite son of South Carolina. After all, he is white and a faux neocon....

It's a sneaky attempt to allow the Frito Bandito back into the USA. Colbert is soft on Mexican Food! And are these the 'chips' Tancredo is cashing in?

America wants to know!

Hawk-
I don't think I would have bought your argument, but since you TYPED IN ALL CAPS I'm all with you brother! Nut cases don't type in all caps, do they?

One more note – to those who are concerned with the welfare of the soldiers and insist that this is not newsworthy becuase people are dying in Iraq. Look at our history (in the media), since WW2 we have not gone into any war wholeheartedly. If it isn't someone mocking the elections, its Britney Spears or Tomkat or some crap like that.

Another thing is that as a veteran, this is the kind of news story that any GI in indian country awants to hear. They don't want to hear about 10 guys getting blown up in the town next to where they are. They just want some sleep, entertainment and the occasional illegal contraband mailed to them from home until DEROS time.

Mr. EDWARDS how dare you attack Doritos and all that is cheesey...
Thanks I will be voting for Colbert the true favorite son of South Carolina

I was going to not go to the polls on either primary or General election day – since the game is so rigged as it is. Now I amy actually go, if Colbert is on there. It may make a small statement, but its all in good fun. BTW to those conspiracy theorists who think that Colbert is trying to steer votes to one democrat or another, flush out you head-gear, its a joke.

He is only picking on Edwards because he is the only one claiming afilliation with SC. I am from NY, live in SC but was born in CA, should I try to win the primary there as a goof? (I am not famous so theres no chance, but if I could afford to run – why not?) I didn't like Arnold for winning a "recall" election, or Hillary for moving to NY just to be a senator in a state where she knew the people would pull the blue lever. Now I am over those feelings because its all rigged. If you have the dollars, the position follows (if you want it) otherwise you can stay behind the scenes and tell the president what to think through your donations.

Look at it this way. Comedy Central gets higher ratings because of this, more sponsors, Stephen Colbert gets to become more famous, and all those "Americans" who take themselves and politics too seriously mess themselves. All too funny!

Can someone explain how the deaths in Iraq are funny or can be made funny?

If we were not at war, "I'd say go have fun with it, Colbert," but we are at war. We need someone who will speak to the injured soldiers with no legs, arms, or eyes. We need someone who will speak to the widows, and parents, and children of the fallen soldiers and give serious answers to serious questions.

We need to focus on an exit strategy from the mess in Iraq and defeating Al Quaeda and the Taliban in Afghanistan.

Yes, anyone who qualifies can run, but does the media have to waste time covering it? Why isn't the media assembling wounded soldiers or widows and having them ask the candidates questions? I'd love to see Colbert joke about war casualties.

This election is no joking matter. WE ARE AT WAR, AND PEOPLE ARE DYING! Not funny, Colbert.

That is really imature Peter! Just becuase your jelous that you aren't as smart, sexy, or achieved a Stephen!! Please lets keep our personal problems at home! Doritos original flavor and triangular shape really satisfiy my hunger!!

VOTE COLBERT!!!

It's very sad when a person doesn't know how to turn off CAPS LOCK.

I think it's okay for people to not like Colbert. It is understandable that he will be viewed as not serious and that this is merely a ploy for ratings. However, the Colbert Report is one of the biggest generators of political interest in young adults. In this age of political apathy, he sparks interest in the issues. There are also some points that I think need to be made.

1) He is not running a national campaign. He is only on the South Carolina ticket (whether it be Dem/Reb/Both), and therefore it will be impossible to win either party's nomination.
2) Just because Colbert is a comedian doesn't mean he isn't serious. He is a political analyst of sorts, and I think it is obvious to any who watch his show that he cares about the issues of this country. His campaign brings to light serious misgivings people have about the major politicians and the way campaigning is done in general.
3) Lighten up a bit. You may not like that he is running, but he has every right to do so. America is not going to be any less guarded just because he is running, and he helps voters understand more of the issues which will, in turn, encourage them to vote in elections, a thing this country needs.

Stephen Colbert can not be the favorite son of South Carolina because he pronouns his name Stephen Colbair.
Maybe France but not South Carolina..

I think that Colbert is simply giving the defunct government and our inept President the finger. If anything he is trying to expose the flaws in our society and is possibly trying to point out that even a T.V. "Anchor" from Comedy Central could run for President.

By the looks of Elizabeth Edwards, she might be linked to Doritos and nacho cheese or should I say they are linked to her.

The truthiness of the matter is Stephen T Colbert is a great candidate for our next president. He's getting younger people into politics at a time when they probably wouldn't be.
Not to mention he has over 1.1 million people supporting him on Facebook....versus Obama's measly ~300k supporters.

I cannot believe that you're actuallr running this piece. How absurd!

I am simply amazed at how dense people can be. Allow a little humor into your lives people! I find Colbert hillarious; certainly a welcomed relief from the blowhards actually running.

You know what? Colbert is EXACTLY what the US needs right now. He will not seriously win, but after the last seven years.....I would think a good laugh is just what the doctor ordered and an opportunity to lighten up if only just for a while...enjoy it for what it is.....don't you think your are entitled to a little FUN now and again?

If Mr. Colbert can keep me laughing every day of his presidency like I did today- well, darn it he HAS my vote. I don't even care if he fixes half of the problems we're facing. If he keeps me laughing, I won't notice half the problems anyway. YEA DORITOS!!!

Hawk, what they mean is that when you type in all caps you are SHOUTING! DON"T SHOUT – IT'S RUDE! Also nobody's going to vote for Colbert except in SC, and GOP is guaranteed to win SC.

It is really sad that some people are so f'd up that they cannot see the humour in Wells' response. Edwards has certainly risen in my estimation. I can't wait for the response when Colbert goes after the Hillary campaign, though.
And HAWK, do the rest of us a favour and please get some reading glasses. Then you can go back to lower case.

I knew Pat Paulson and I assure you Colbert, you are no Pat Paulson.

He's not the first comedian to do this.. nether was Pat Paulsen. Gracie Allen did this in 1940 and got some votes in that years Nov election, now this was before WWII would start for the US but everyone else was fighting at that time, and she did then what Colbert is now, trying to bring a little bit of humor. Kudos to the Edwards campaign for understanding this, this and his recient apperance on Real Time with Bill Maher is making me an Edwards voter, the man knows serious, but can be humorous.

Colbert is a hoot. The Edwards camp showed thier light side by playing along. America needs to chuckle once in a while. All you rightwing prudes need to take some exlax and get a grip!!

THIS IS NOT A JOKE. You people who seem to think he is hurting the country are missing the point. Colbert is Honest and believes in the good that is America. And He is using his status as a public TV figure to point out the absurdities in our system. And besides, if he raises awareness and gets more people to vote, old or young, he has done something useful. The "Real Issues" we should get back to should not include trivial trite like banning gay marriage, banning flag burning, or trying to make abortion illegal. We need to get back to the core issues of uniting the country, getting out of this war and back on track to worrying about us, not worrying about the next terror attack, or worse that your marriage might suddenly somehow be destroyed because two people with the same genitalia are now allowed to get married. Colbert's satire is much needed to point out the huge issue in today's politics, that we are avoiding the real issues.

wow. first of all, he is only running in SC, so it's not like he has a chance of winning the actual nomination. secondly, as an independent, again – no chance. maybe if you understood his politics and what he was trying to accomplish with this, you'd feel better. he points out the failed policy and hypocrisy on both sides of the political spectrum, which is something most in the media fail to do.

Oops, forgot to mention that Pat Paulsen WON the EMMY in 1968.

Did Colber actually 'steal this comedy routine'? Smothers Brothers 101: Pat Paulsen's biography:

http://www.paulsen.com/

Deadpan Pat Paulsen in 1968 played this same 'joke'. Those were very, very serious times, too. Maybe the Daily Show can resurrect the 'Flying Fickle Finger of Fate' and really 'Sock it to 'em'. [Google: rowan & martin's laugh-in]

Yes – how can someone joke at this time? We should all be dour and humorless as long as our nation has problems. Maybe we should start wearing hair shirts and whipping ourselves as well...

The Edwards spokesperson was CLEARLY making a joke. How stupid are you people?

Gees. People need to lighten up. Edwards's campaign was just playing along with the joke. I give the guy and his staff credit for being good natured.

If I lived in SC I would vote Colbert!

I love it! Colbert is hilarious, and I don't think he is going to ruin anything. He is not running as an independent, just as a repub and dem nominee, and he is not going to win either, so settle down. To the person that said the joke is old and not funny anymore, i disagree. Please continue Clobert!

OK, some seem to be missing the point. The Colbert candidacy is a JOKE. He (the writers on his show, Comedy Central, their lawyers, etc.) carefully planned it so there wouldn't be actual disruption to the campaigns. I.E. he's running in both parties (attempting to), has a corporate sponsor (a clear and obvious violation of the election rules), and, he's only running (though not even officially) in one state – and, oh, he's a comedian on a political satire TV show! Yeah, maybe this “says something” about politics, but mostly, it’s a joke. Get it now?

The Edwards response was quite funny ... "his hands are stained by corporate corruption and nacho cheese" ... Good for them.

This is not funny. It's hilarious. Political satire is a very useful expression of our first amendment rights. We take ourselves way too seriously. Comedy allows us to look at ourselves and our culture in a critical way – if we want to grow as a people and institute positive change, this is an important tool.

This is going to be one of the biggest things political history.

Many of the politicians on both sides of the party have a lot of love for Colbert. They will make sure that he is heard, loudly and clearly. Mostly loudly.

I have to agree with Hawk, TX. This is NOT funny at all. We are a Country that is CURRENTLY at WAR with no clear way of getting out. We need to choose a new leader for 2008.

That we do. Unfortunately, many Democrats and Republicans think that we, as voters, will sit down, shut up, and take the options given to us by them.

If Colbert draws enough following, it may finally show the Dems and Repubs how dissatisfied America truly is with lackluster leadership that panders to PACs/special interests, and lobbyists rather than voters, who use shallow-depth hot-button issues to campaign on rather than addressing our true problems, people who promise, but rarely listen and rarer still deliver.

If Colbert wakes up the bankrupt political society that makes up much of Washington DC, perhaps we'll get somewhere and remind those there that this is a nation of VOTERS, and that voters are who they should be responsible to.

Edwards is expending a lot of energy, oxygen, and money attacking anything that moves. Does he realize it is ideas that will win this election? Ease up John! Let's hear why we should elect you!

Go Stephen!
http://democratequalssocialist.wordpress.com/

This country doesn't need a islamic apeaser or a socialist running this country. It makes me sick when these rich SOB's blame corporations for everything!

It AMAZES me that that clowns like Edwards actually think people are stupid! These rich guys 'slamming' corporations and capitalism that made them rich in the first place! He's a true phony baloney

Just as a little tidbit, I do find it ironic that the part of the country that was so ready to tear it apart in the 1860's is the part that espouses the most uber patriotism now. Is this the result of cousins marrying cousins for a hundred years or what?

As a fan of the Colbert Report, I can say for sometime I have been unsure of the seriousness of Mr. Colbert. This is right out of Robin William's movie. If he was elected, would he accept? Has he even filed paperwork? Just because he pretended to on his show does not mean anything was filed.
which leads us to tonights word, Vote. As for the side of the debate who says this election isn't a joking matter, look at the democrats... the beginning of a joke. A spanish guy a woman a metrosexual and a half african american are all running for president.... can't remember the end but was it funny!
typical republicans though a mormon a chicken little (9/11...9/11 is falling) and an actor... that joke not as funny but come on...
the reality in politics is that people still vote based on which side they sit not the candidates... i'm a republican or a democrat and that who i am voting for. they don't need to discuss current issues or future plans they just need to be on the winning side at the right time. ignore the politics of politics and send a message, NO vote!!! its the same in every democracy... and that's the word!

Dear HAWK,
First of all, thank you for your service to our country. However, I doubt you've ever seen The Colbert Report because you're really missing the point. He's trying to get on the ballot for the South Carolina primary. The whole 'running for president' thing is just to get ratings. He's trying to run as both a Democrat and a Republican. He'll be lucky to even get on the ballot, let alone take a primary election away from a 'real' candidate.

And finally, please lighten up a little. It's times like these when we NEED to laugh. Yes, the country's a mess right now, our foreign policy is a disaster, and the world thinks we're a bunch of arrogant a-holes who believe our way is the ONLY way. But Colbert's little 'diversion' isn't going to change anything. If I were you, I'd be more worried about the nutcases that listen to the likes of Rush Limbaugh or Sean Hannity. They're more likely to influence the election that Stephen Colbert.

The press is getting the whole Doritos thing wrong– he never said that Doritos would sponsor his campaign. He said that they are sponsoring his *coverage* of his campaign on his show. Big difference– check your facts, CNN!

How can someone laugh and joke at a time when this country is in almost no trouble? I don't know.

Also, for thou interests. America is not at war. War has never been declared, therefore there is no war in Iraq. The media has coined it a war on terror and so has Bush. Also, our country isn't in trouble... Really. Relax.

I love how the edwards camp can join in on a funny joke that has given us a breath of fresh air in this tumultuous campaign process.

Good for a laugh, but we need to get to business and fight our government and stop the wars.

LOL, good response.

Sure beats the so sad round of 'TV talker sell your book here' interviews that fell to the depths of 'totally humorless'. Even Colber seemed to have lost his sense of humor, but it didn't seem to hurt the book sales which had to be the purpose of his 'candidate spoof'.

Follow the $$$.

"stained by corporate corruption and nacho cheese. John Edwards has never taken a dime from taco chip lobbyists and America deserves a President who isn't in the pocket of the snack food special interests."

You have got to be kidding me, snack food special interests. Wells should have just laughed this off.

Thats right, we do need a serious candidate, someone with courage. Stephen Colbert is the only presidential candidate that I have seen stand up to Bush and the press and point out how ridiculous they really are. Just watch his speech at the 2006 Correspondents Dinner. I find it appalling that people do not do that sort of thing more often. If 66%(or is it higher now?) of the country really does disapprove of the job the president is doing right now then I would think that there would be just a bit more of a public outcry for change.
Since there's no real candidates who are willing to stand up for us than sure I'll take a comedian, the message is still the same. Although I cant speak for everyone else what I can say is this I'm are sick of seeing these same coached candidates who think more about what they need to say to stay in everyones good graces than what really needs to be done to make the changes necessary to make our country a better place to live for everyone.

TO ALL OUT THERE THAT THINKS THAT JOKES AT A TIME LIKE THIS ARE FUNNY, REMEMBER RALPH NADER.NO MY CAP KEYS ARE NOT STUCK. AND I AM A 69 YEAR OLD DISABLED VETERAN. I HAVE SEEN HOW PEOPLE CAN BE DISTRACTED FROM THE REAL ISSUES BY JOKESTERS, AND MANY PEOPLE WILL VOTE FOR NUT JOBS. WE IN AMERICA ARE IN A CRISIS. WAKE UP PEOPLE.

This is fantastic. Edwards clearly has some great people on his team. Parlaying Coble's comments into a great P.R. opportunity was a wonderful idea. Whoever writes for Wells is very clever, and whoever authorized the light-hearted response has set an excellent precedent for their relations with Colbert. His viewers know that he loves engaging in these kinds of competitions, and it'll be a great way for Edwards to get airtime on Doritos' dime. Kudos.

Look – Colbert is funny, and some people need to lighten up. Yes we have serious issues that need to be adressed but sometimes humor is the best way to reach people. Colbert will bring people into the process who haven't been involved and entertains many who are. Good for the Edwards folks for playing along with the joke. I say keep it up Stephen, I'll be voting for Obama, but I'll always be laughing at Colbert.

While I am a Colbert fan, I would consider voting for him (if I lived in South Carolina, where my mother once considered buying a house) only because Jon Stewart is not on the ballot. I have learned over the many years of political activity that sometimes compromise is a necessary evil, morally repugnant as it may be. Should Colbert fail to make it to the national elections, I will grit my teeth and vote for Hilary.

Colbert is not running for president; he is running to win the SC primary. I don't watch his show. I found this funny for the first week, but now it's old. Drop this, Colbert, and get back to your show. We get your point, and the gig isn't funny anymore.

A comedian shouldn't be joking? Or did you mean the Edwards campaign should be as humorless and robotic as the Repugs? I, for one, have adjusted my opinion of John Edwards quite a few notches upward for having a sense of humor. We need a normal person in the White House, not another psychopath.

First let me say, I was at the rally this morning, I enjoyed it because I've never seen so many people not bound by political rancor involved and interested. I must say I find it puzzling and very much ANTI-AMERICAN that people would say that in these 'desperate times' we can't make room for laughter. If you want to decry the seriousness of this candidate than look to the rest of them, all of them in bed with warmongering contractors, big corporations, big business – that is a more sad situation than a political satirist trying to do nothing more than make people 1) aware of the process and interested in politics and 2)give this country a moments pause to breath and laugh. You hard-nosers need to get a grip and lighten up.

Oh, come on people! If you think this was a real criticism by the Edwards Campaign, you've got another thing coming.

"His hands are stained by corporate corruption and nacho cheese."
"... Edwards has never taken money from taco chip lobbyists..."

That quip is just like something off of Colbert's own show. They are clearly having fun with it.

Lighten Up.

Actually Hawk this country needs some humor. Go Colbert! Bush has brought this country down so much. We have Iraq, Afghanistan, the economy, health care and illegal immigration to contend with. Oh yeah, lets not forget the gas prices and the foreclosures on homes.
GO COLBERT! SC FAVORITE SON!!
We need the laughs right about now.

Colbert is as much a "serious" candidate as anyone else in the field. The whole election process is a joke and Colbert is simply in the position to openly ridicule it.

Everyone should be happy that Stephen Colbert is getting involved as he is. He adds a humorous element to an otherwise long, bitter, emotional campaign season and he gets people interested in the process.

Would he make a good President on the extremely, extremely slim chance that he'd be elected? Perhaps so! At any rate, let's not underestimate the power that an ironic comedian can have on the way we look at issues. Some of his "The Word" segments and other items on his show are quite insightful in the way they look at current events.

Obviously, Colbert is not going to become President, but at least he's adding a brand new dimension to the whole political discussion that is otherwise monotonous, cliche, and aggravating to the American public.

If Colbert wants to build his ego in his own mind and spending the money he apparently does not need or maybe he is trying to raise some to increase his bank account so be it. He will not get any from any thinking resident of this state or any other as far as I can see, unless of course we have some here as far out on a limb as he is.

I was at this event this morning. I think most level headed people know exactly what is going on. Yes, maybe this should not be a joke, but Colbert is exciting younger voters who will make a serious choice down the line. Colbert is not a nut. Anyone who says that, does not pay attention. He and Jon Stuart are probably the two most honest men in "media" these days. I am backing a serious canidate, but it was wonderful to see young and old so happy in Columbia this morning. Keep up the good work Stephen.

Not to say the presidential race is a joke, but what is a joke is the scandals
that have surrounded our administrations for decades. Our vice president shot some one in his face, FEMA led by a Arabian horse farmer with no credentials totally forgot about New Orleans FOR LIKE 3 DAYS.. Oops..I could go on forever.. You have my support Colbert.. and i do love Doritos

Hehehehehehe,lol,hahahaha, CNN just return my post that I said Colbert is nothing but John Edward Campaigner and the game is to bring Edward closer to clinton and leave Obama to 3rd place of which if Clinton wins Edward will be the running mate, Or what do you think CNN?

You're right, the US does need a good leader when 2008 rolls around. That's why if I had the ability to vote (I don't; I'm Canadian), I'd vote for Colbert. Given what I've seen of the other candidates, they all suck, to put it bluntly. They're all cookie-cutter politicians, and if you think they will keep their promises of ending the war or whatever trash they've talked, don't bet on it.

The comments of Wells just show how uptight and self-righteous these other candidates are. I mean, didn't Kerry have ties to Heinz or something? Talk about blatant hypocricy. Sickening. I hope Colbert makes fun of this on his show.

The nerve of some of you people. Are you not Americans? Do you not realize that EVERY CITIZEN HAS A RIGHT TO RUN FOR PRESIDENT, no matter what their qualifications? Anyone here could do it, and that's their constitutional right. Leave Stephen Colbert alone.

I think its cool that Cobert is polling higher than any republican candidates among the 18-30 demographic. His candidacy can really be a wake up call to both sides about the ways that campaigns should reach out to young people

Say what you will about Edwards and his camp – but they do have a sense of humor and it can be a refreshing change of pace.

Colbert is going to bring much needed humor to this otherwise incredibly boring, uninteresting, Stepford wives political campaign. Of COURSE he's spoofing the campaign. It deserves to be spoofed. The current crop of both R and D campaigners is so trite it makes one's skin crawl. There's not a statesman in the lot, only sold out politicians.

This is a way funny. We need a good laugh, since our country is so messed up now.

Laugh to keep from crying.

Colbert's satire works precisely because he IS serious about the issues and then distills it into comedy. His faux campaign is a swift kick in the butt to all the cliche spouting hypocrites at the campaign stump who refuse to address anything real.

Colbet is nothing but a campaigner of John Edwards and this is to hurt Obama! That is the trick! Then he will endose John edwards who will be a running mate with clinton. Watch out the game unfold!

Um.....DW, the Doritos bit was part of the Colbert Report, which he accepted sponsorship to raise money cause he had "zero millions" so far. You should probably watch the show before you get all upset. I thought the Edwards campaign response was funny. To others who actually take this run seriously....c'mon, it's always good to laugh a little, it normally helps you keep away from the caps Lock.

Is he going to fight Obama for the ex-gay vote?

At least we have Colbert to lighten up these dreadful election campaigns run by too many serious candidates. You gotta admit, the "response" from Wells was pretty cute. Hawk, this isn't the first time a comedian has mocked presidential races. Oops, showing my age here . . .

I have to agree with Hawk, TX. This is NOT funny at all. We are a Country that is CURRENTLY at WAR with no clear way of getting out. We need to choose a new leader for 2008.
Nothing is funny about that. He should get back on his show and interviewing the serious candidates on their stance on Major issues. So the voter can determine whom they will vote for. Like "The Daily Show” has done. And I hate to say this but, instead of doing this and making himself look like just one more IDIOT!. Who ever in your circle that is telling you this is Funny, is WRONG!

I wish Colbert WAS running, as I'm sick to death of the imbeciles on the Democratic side and the corrupt hypocrite, Bush-wannabees on the Republican side.

Hehehehehe....someone doesn't get the joke....I guess they make 'em thicker in Texas....denser, if you will...also louder, apparently, although maybe his caps lock key was just stuck. Who am i to say?

IT IS VERY SAD THAT A PERSON CAN LAUGH AND JOKE AT A TIME WHEN THIS COUNTRY IS IN SO MUCH TROUBLE. WE NEED SERIOUS PEOPLE RUNNING FOR PRESIDENT TO TURN US AROUND FROM ALL THE TROUBLE AND HATE AGAINST AMERICA THAT THE BUSH BUNCH HAS CAUSED.WHAT DO WE GET. ANOTHER NUT CASE. WAKE UP AMERICANS IF YOU CARE ABOUT YOU LIVELY HOOD AND THE VERY LIVES OF YOUR CHILDREN. A NUT LIKE THIS GUY, AND THE REPUBLICANS WILL KEEP US AT WAR FOREVER IF IT MAKES THEM A DOLLAR.

Edwards is definitely hitting below the belt...the Dorito's comments are another jab at Colbert's alleged "stoned" viewers. Say what you will about Colbert, That he is in this race at all underscores the serious deficiencies present in all of the candidates, GOP and democratic.