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.

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.

[...] the skinny from CNN's "Political Ticker": Colbert campaigns in S.C.; Edwards camp attacks Doritos [...]

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?

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.

[...] Edwards' campaign pulls off the gloves: Edwards spokesperson Teresa Wells also ribbed Colbert for his ties to the snack food industry. [...]

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!

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 . . .

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

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.

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!

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.

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

Laugh to keep from crying.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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 $$$.

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

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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?

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

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!

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

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

If I lived in SC I would vote Colbert!

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.

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

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…

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]

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

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.

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.

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!!

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 was on the campaign trail in Charleston, South Carolina yesterday: COLUMBIA, South Carolina (CNN) — Comedian Stephen Colbert brought his mock presidential campaign [...]

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

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.

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.

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!!!

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?

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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 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.

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

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!!!

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.

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!

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

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.

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?

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!

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

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!

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

This is going to be the greatest election ever.

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!

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.

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

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…

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

GO COLBERT!!!!

(A) Colbert is very funny.

(B) Doritos are quite delicious.

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

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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!

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.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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.)

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!

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!

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

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.

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.

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

"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.

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

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.

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

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!

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

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

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

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!

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.

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

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

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

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!

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..

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.

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

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

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

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

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"…

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.

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.

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.

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

I can't even believe the hatred around over something so comedic! a few of you get it! Yo