Certainly people will harp on about how Obama is trying to suppress competition in the Democratic primaries, but this election is really no time for screwing around with protest or comedic candidacies. We truly are on the verge of deciding which direction we are taking this country. We all might have different ideas what that should be, but votes shouldn't be wasted on a candidate who admits to not being serious (only wants to win S. Carolina).
I love Colbert, but the joke's over.

Wow, if Obama is worried about losing votes to Colbert then maybe he should give up now. Edwards had more to lose, being from SC, and he was having fun with the issue.

I think they had already done this long time ago….What again?

Heh, why would he do that?

Maybe because Colbert would have taken some of his voters Think about it, almost everyone who watches the daily show and the colbert report will vote for obama…unless colbert runs…

And with colbert registering 2.3% in the polls, he might have pulled a ralph nader on the democratic primary?

Who knows…

who cares. colbert has bigger things to worry about with this writers strike going on.

Of course, Obama's minions torpedoed Colbert. Obama is so pathetically uncompetitive they had to remove the professional comedian because he'd embarrass him.

I like and admire Obama, but this is a bit hard to forgive. He must not know Stephen the way we fans do. Colbert may appear at first glance to be just a comedian, but he's much, much more than that.

Does this really matter? I mean both candidate's are complete jokes. I won't waste my vote on Obama or Colbert. And all those that do vote for Obama are no better than the 97,000 idiots in Florida 2000 that voted for Nader. Writing 2 self-aggrandizing books, skipping votes, and being a community organizer does not qualify you to be president. Is every boy scout leader out there qualified too?

Please don't vote for NObama. Nice guy, but he will lose it all for the dems. Plus, no one ever talks about how ineffective he wiould be as president with no allies in dc.

Another non story…CNN…get a grip.
The author of this article took great pains to continuously refer to "Obams supporters"….but the Obama campaign was not involved in this "issue".

This is so lame, CNN.

Very suspicious actions on the part of the Democratic Party. I was under the assumption that a democracy stood for choice during elections. Yet it seems that members of the Democratic Party are actively pursuing to limit choice. How ironic: the Democratic Party against democratic choice.

It looks like this was something engineered by Tenenbaum on her own. The Obama campaign was not involved.
Tenenbaum seemed to be threatened by Colbert's not serious candidacy. Which is sad. it was a fun thing and would have been great to see him in a debate.
Unfortunately this will also drag Obama into it as people will think he was behind this.
Sometimes supporters, the high profile ones with clout, can do alot of damage in their zeal.

Someone how this doesn't surprise me. Obama is proving that politics is politics regardless of what you say.

The sad thing is that Colbert isn't as funny as the rest of the clowns that both parties are putting forward. I think he should have tried to run as a Republican in the state because he always presents himself as one. It's obviously tongue-in-cheek, but he never "acts" Democratic.

Who cares!??? Ron Paul is the NEWS NOW!
Move over Obama, Hillary, Romney, Fred, Guiliani, etc…. all cookie cut cookies of the Communist, Facist, Anti-Consititutional Government!!!

REMEMBER THE 5th of NOVEMBER!!

I agree with Obama on this point. We can use all the satire and jokes we want, but the primaries are the Real Thing, not just for fun.

Seriousness about our votes is always important - and I hope they are all counted, too!

Sen. Obama claims to be a candidate for "change" but squeezing someone from the race seems like business as usual, at least for Washington insiders. We all know that Stephen Colbert was not a real candidate, but denying him the right? Squeezing him from the race, pressuring officials to side one way or another - this is definately no change from what we are already seeming from the current Administration

Shame on you, Obama. Popular support for Colbert's "campaign" is a reflection of the frustration mounting in the general public. We are tired of Democrats acting like Republicans. We are tired of a two-party dynamic in which there is no measurable, practical difference between regimes.

Instead of taking the mock presidential campaign as a personal affront, maybe someone should wake up and realize that if our elected representatives were doing a satisfactory job, guys like Colbert would have no audience. Colbert is not going to make our political institutions look an more ridiculous than a Congress that refuses to do anything, a president who openly mocks the traditions of representative government, or a judicial system that does nothing but preserve the existing power dynamic.

We are all tired of the b.s., Mr. Obama, but Colbert has nothing to do with it. Maybe you and your supporters should expend more energy backing up your tough talk in Congress instead of protecting the integrity of your collective ego.

Then only joke here is you.

I'd say this sounds like someone's holding a grudge that Colbert managed to drum up more 18-34 support in a few weeks than Obama has managed all year.

While I didn't necessarily believe that Colbert would win South Carolina's primary, I did think just by having him run caused a lot of good debate- as well as point out some of the hypocrisies that have kept a lot of those younger key voters away from the voting booths.

It's silly to say the $20,000 dollar payment was the reason to keep him off- they could have easily found donors to cover the charge.

What does it say about a candidate when someone like Barrack Obama feels threatened by Stephen Colbert?

I'm a supporter of Obama and I have said previously that Colbert should be allowed to run in SC. Whether or not Obama's people influenced the commission will not change my vote, I'm still voting for Obama. However, I think Colbert should have be allowed on the ballot, after all he was only running for one state. I live in Ohio and my vote would not affect Colbert's efforts for a delegate.

The executive council who requested anonymity should feel like an idiot to even think about putting a comedian on the ballet. Steve Colbert would have made a mockery of the democratic process in South Carolina.

In what dimension is this still news?

I believe CNN is the most biased modern press I have seen in my entire life (even worse than Fox). CNN is so Pro Clinton, it actually stinks. Any and every article on Obama has a negative spin and all Clinton's positive. Just look at the latest poll results - The link on the political ticker is "Clinton Support Slips" (which by the way is the only suggestion of anything negative on a list of 8 items), but it's directly linked to the main news that a year to go Clinton remians the woman to beat. There are no headline news that Clinton has dropped 7 points since the last poll and Obama's picked up 4, or that Obama's got more totally likely voters than Clinton, 52% to 51%.. I held both the US and CNN as examples to the world, especially coming from a third world country where the press is not very free, but this kind of journalism makes me very very cynical, and for an international media house like CNN to carry on like is just totally irresponsible.

You tell 'em Bama. Really Michelle should be running.

Colbert was trying to make a mockery of OUR state's election to boost his TV show ratings. He hasn't lived here in ages and he's NOT a favored son!

I think it's funny that in an election where hundreds of millions of dollars are spent that Obama supporters claimed it wasn't fair that the state democratic party would have to pay $20,000 for Colbert's candidacy. Who's to say he wouldn't end up being a viable candidate this early in the race? Call it like it is - Obama's campaign was scared and so they pressured people.

And to think we live in a democracy…the democrats are just afraid to stand up for what they really believe in

I'm disappointed over his decision to keep Colbert off the ballot. I wonder why. He's certainly no opposition. Indeed, he would be more help than hindrance.
Now, we know he won't be on the ballot. Alas, and alack! Comedians have always been at the forefront of political crisis. Government has removed high profile ones in the past - Smothers Brothers, Mort Sahl, Bill Maher, et al. Maybe, because we listen to them, pray tell I query?

How is this news over Ron Pauls record setting day??? unbiased media??? right.

This seems like another hit job on Obama by HRC people. They are a sleazy bunch who fabricate issues.

Add "lacks a sense of humor" to the list of reasons why Obama cannot be elected.

If this is true I won't vote for Obama simply based on principle. It is horrible that Americans are told their entire lives that any citizen can become President.

Voters should decide who becomes President, not a committee of 16 people nobody has ever heard of.

Anyone who had a problem with Colbert running needs to rethink the situation. He had no way of getting any votes so people actually lobbying for him to loose just really didn't get the joke.

It's ridiculous that the story is framed the way it is. Neither of these people are official staffers for Obama; the article headline makes it seem as if the campaign is in some way connected to these two volunteers in some official capacity.

Keep on perpetuating Hilary's perceived inevitability by the media! Yeah!

Taking Colbert off the ballot? Come on…he can do a lot better than the idiots that's running for President. I would love to watch his "State of the Union" address if he was elected. Our first Non-boring State of the Union that will leave us laughing! ELECT COLBERT!

WatchingHillary.com

I agree with Mr. Sellers, a mockery of the democratic process did occur, by his actions and those supporters of Obama. The whole election process is a joke. How many on the ballot are not really nationally viable either? You could argue they should not be allowed. Maybe Mr. Colbert being on the ballot and passing a number of the candidates in the vote would give these candidates a dose of reality and that none of them are really appealling to the masses and they have a very high arrogance of their own self worth. Obama's campaign made it sound like this is the "Mother" of all elections (ok, i'm getting sick of that phrase too). Well guess what, so have the last 5 or 6. They must have had some polling data and were really afraid that Colbert might actually do significant damage. Its just like how the Big players keep the Independents and small candidates out of the debates, so they never get a voice out. They are the ones that make a mockery of our election system (BOTH parties).

Here I was with this illusion that anyone could try to run for President. How foolish am I?

Oh THIS is going to play well on Colbert's show!

Seems that St. Obama is just as nasty and underhanded as any other campaign. And what was he afraid of? A COMEDIAN?

I wonder what OTHER surprises Obama will reveal? Allah hu Akbar!

I gotta say, I don't think Colbert made a mockery of the process anymore than it already is.

Just the sort of soft-headed, humorless, self satisfied, weak brained part of the Democratic party that mirrors the Republicans. It shows me that, deep inside, politicians are really the same. They all want big corporate money, none of them want any real change. It's the Game. We are all the suckers.

I love Colbert, watch every night! However, this process is too important to be wrapped up in a comedy stunt. Yes, anyone can try to run for President. However, the Democratic Party is not obliged to support them.

So is this the politics of hope? I'm not sure if we are a country in despair, but we do have real problems and we need real leaders with real vision. We don't need candidates whose surrogates waste their time and ours by focusing on trivia.

If Colbert wanted to run to make a point about the process, he should have been allowed to. If Obama's surrogates have nothing better to do than worry about Colbert, what in the world is he even doing in the race?! These are serious times and we need serious leaders with real vision. Get real, Obama!!!

As usual, it's all about the money. Hardly surprising. As noted, Colbert's candidacy probably would have drawn a younger demographic to the primary, and then quite possibly to the final election. Getting the younger people in this country involved in the process isn't worth $20 grand?

Unacceptable!

Anyone who wishes to run for any office should be encouraged. Professional spinners, handlers and image managers shouldn't squelch anyone from participating.

Fresh ideas, multiple aspects and as many participants are what this country needs.

Who knows, perhaps a real leader with real leadership abilities might step forward!

Shame on Mr. Obama for allowing his cronies to stoop to this level.

I have lost any respect that I once had for Mr. Obama. He should personally contact the organizations that his henchmen pitched and do all that he can to reverse their decision.

The article title "Obama team helps kill Colbert campaign" is obscenely misleading. For one, it wasn't the Obama team. The actual campaign had zero connection to this: it was an unpaid Obama supporter. Additionally, the term "kills" is far too strongly worded and infused with bias, something that any credible news source should shy away from if it hopes to maintain a modicum of credibility.

Also, the article doesn't reveal until after the cut that Tenenbaum disagrees with CNN's characterization of her placing pressure through these calls, something that the beginning of the article asserts as if it were 100% true.

I like Colbert but votes for him would have likey come from folks likely to vote for Obama and I think deep down he truly wouldn't want that.

It would be a "2000 Election" situation all over again with him playing the role of Nader.

I'll continue to watch his show regardless (as soon as the writer's strike ends).

Is it just me or is CNN leading a hatchet job against Obama. They have run more negative press against him in the past week than any other major network. 2 supporters were against Colbert being on the ballot. What about the other 11 who voted against…are we going to speculate on their reasons.

What's Obama afraid of? That Colbert would get more laughs than he did on Saturday Night Live? Or is it that Colbert has more experience in standing up to Bush and his toadies?

I agree with sean. If anyone wants an example of the bias in CNN, here it is. The framing of this story is ridiculous. The headline of the story is ridiculous. The bias is ridiculous.

So much for democracy, I too believed any US citizen who met the proper requirements could run…..why is Colbert not allowed to? Sounds like fixed votes…..

Obama supporters are vicious.

This story is designed to look bad for Obama. The two people highlighted were not official members of his staff. Also, were these the only people that lobbied for their position? Or were they just the only ones mentioned?

It just gors to show, no matter the candidate, dirty politics is a reality we all have to suffer.

This better not be true, or Obama has lost my support. Obama had better go public with this. Are the Democrats that afraid of Stephen Colbert?

Any one should be allowed to run for president. And if you feel you are the right man for the job why should you care who else runs. Obama does not stand a chance in this election, He does not have experience lacks back bone to take own the tough issues facing our country. John Edwards will be the one for him to fear. John Edwards 08′

Obama loses another voter. John Edwards gains another voter.

One of the most interesting things to me about the whole situation is that Steven Colbert is making less of a mockery of the democratic process than the "real" candidates. The current candidates only want to perpetuate the rape of the American people to benefit themselves and their special interest groups and this goes for both sides of the aisle. Power and the seeking of power are the drugs that fuel the politician's addiction and like the addict they will say and/or do anything to get power and all at the expense of the American citizen. When are we going to see competent, honest people of integrity running for office? Steven Colbert is only holding the mirror in which the politicos see themselves.

"It is not a time for games or to make a mockery of the process."

I'm sorry, we've already made a mockery of democracy in 2000. Now is the perfect time to continue the mockery of our so-called election process by shining a light on just how messed up our system is. Write him in.

Yeah, and I bet the Republicans are behind this whole Colbert scam just to cause trouble and get the American voters angry. This whole country is a mess! I am one angry voter!

What a win for Democracy Obama, the same Democracy that allows you to run in the primary. When the term "viable candidate" is a matter of subjective "opinion" we no longer live in a true democracy. Are they going to give his money back? Doubt it. I'm a Dem and I wouldn't have voted for Colbert but this is complete bull. A shame and a sham.

Obama must come out publicly and denounce this action or he has lost any chance to lure my vote… Nation we have been insulted.

Obviously, if you can't pass muster with "the right people," you can't run for President, and you certainly will never be President. People in this country had better wake up to the unhappy fact that the most powerful leaders of this country are bought and sold. Plain and simple. No wonder our Republic is going to hell in a hand basket.

Anyone CAN run for president. This was a joke. Read the whole article. Find the Tim Russert interviews. Colbert even said, during the second interview, that he is a Democrat when not "playing the role" of his Conservative pundit show of awesome irony. He doesn't support gay marriage because such a ceremony only exists so heterosexuals can rub it in the face of gays and lesbians. Why else would someone get married unless they can taunt with jest a limited privilege?Please lighten up people. I really hope the citizens of my country are more awaringly capable than all these blogs I yes, sometimes get angry over. But I'm improving, aren't I? If you're actually interested in politics at all, and have been following any of this, especially the debates, then you would know Colbert, as an incredibly smart comic, is not Robin Williams from "Man of the Year". He only wanted to run in South Carolina as its "Native Son" because little by little the code is being explained.

Isn't that a mob (see: Family) tactic? Pressuring to get what you want…

Another attack on competing candidates in the twig that ones was a towering redwood.

This country has had a tradition of political satire from before the revolution. I remember Pat Paulsen'n presidential bids, and that nobody seemed too frightened. Why is it that suddenly having a mirror held up to our process is something to be squashed like a bug? I hope that people who are dissatified will consider a write-in, if not for Colbert, then maybe for "none of the above".

Obama will absolutely not get my vote in the GA primary nor the general election.

I will say that I don't hold this against Obama. I hold it against the system. I wouldn't vote for Colbert, but it's simply disheartening to know that we fight wars to instill democracy in other countries, when we ourselves are in fact not a democracy. Colbert didn't win, I doubt he ever intended to, but he did prove a point, and I respect it.

Obama and his campaign should be embarassed that he had his goons pressure officials to remove Colbert from the SC ballot. I thought this was a country where anyone can be president. Are comedians excluded? Come to NH. We'll let anyone run. Live Free or Die!

Unfortunately, though I like Colbert, the notion that änyone can become president" is irrelevant to this situation, and those who repeat that myth are missing the point here entirely.

They seem to forget that Colbert's "candidacy" was merely a joke. After the last two presidential election cycles, when the slimmest margin of votes made an international impact, you would think people would understand that we cannot play around with something this serious.

I agree that Colbert might make an interesting president, but perhaps he should have chosen a primary that occurs later in the season, once the primaries become merely academic.

What a nation we live in… our representatives vote to remove VIABLE candidate Colbert off of the ballets, but we have Bush re-elected. I thought this country was a democracy, run by the people? No one ever asked me my opinion, or my neighbor's opinion, or probably yours either, reader. I want to vote for my OWN choice of candidate. I do not want my options filtered by some committee of whom I know nothing about.

I think what we need for a president is simply a positive diplomat for our great nation. With Bush in office, we have severed so many ties with the rest of the world. Pick up a newspaper in almost any major city; you’ll see that a majority of the world has negative feelings toward us. It didn’t used to be like this. We used to be admired… almost feared because we were so powerful. Now we’re the jerk that stays around at the party that ended hours ago. I think you understand what I’m saying.

Although it is the President that ultimately has the final say on almost all domestic and world issues, he is surrounded by a team of the most talented individuals in the world. They do all the research, the development, the planning, the forecasting, and the execution. The President simply gets the credit, whether it is successful or not.

My point is; I would be much more comfortable with a person like Colbert to address our nation’s world interests than I would anyone else right now. Everyone else is too abrasive, too unlikable, and too unviable. And let’s get serious; by the time he’s elected, Bush will have been running this country for 8 years. Can it really get any worse?

You'd thnk it is a free country. What a shame!!!!

Obama is simply showing that he is just like the rest.

An individual with no real experience who simply has and will do the same, suck off the taxpayer and business as usual.

Obama is simply afraid of Colbert as there would be someone who actually answers questions AND has a personality.

How insecure does one's supporters have to be to feel threatened by Stephen Colbert's demographic? Sheesh, have a little confidence in your candidate, people, a take a chill pill.

Just another reason I'm Over Obama

Trying to keep competitors off the ballot is becoming a Democratic tradition. The Democratic Party filed multiple lawsuits to keep Ralph Nader off the ballot. The suits had no legal merit, but Nader's tiny organization had to use its resources to respond to lawsuits in a dozen states. This is shameful. The state of South Carolina and Obama engaged in shameful behavior.

If the voters don't want Colbert, they can reject him at the ballot box. It is not up to a committee of political hacks to decide who we can vote for.

I'm agree with everyone in this, I really hoped that Colbert could have been on the ballot and WON, that way it shows all those politicians, that anyone can play by their games. We, the people, who are indeed smarter, choose not to.

I guess the Democratic Party is not "all inclusive" like they say they are. It would be refreshing to have a working class guy running this country instead of a bunch of dimwits born with silver spoons in theirs mouths telling us they know how to help us. In reality are we a democracy when the political elite pick who were allowed to vote for. Kind of sounds like Communist Russia or China. Way to go Obama.

This is a well known Obama tactic. He has kicked other candidates off the ballot before. He did it in Chicago by challenging signatures.

The "nice guy" stuff is so very false. Obama is the most cut-throat and scary politician of them all.

WHY is everyone taking this so seriously? I think he is just a viable candidate as Ross Perot was and HE got on the ballot.

The oppressed are now oppressing interesting.

I am glad that Colbert was stopped. He was making a joke of the political system by offering to run on both ballots.

TO: Chris, Atlanta Georgia

Trust me, if that all it takes for you not to vote for Obama, it's safe to say that either you weren't going to vote for him anyway or you the most fickle voter in history.

One more example that Barack Obama isn't what he portends to be. He is one more hungry, desperate, win-at-all costs politicians.

I guess there is only room for one joke candidate on the ballot, and Obama is just protecting his territory.

Once again it goes to show that no matter who you are , you cannot even get on the ballot unless you have BOAT LOADS of MONEY. Freedom isn't free… You got to have the Benjamins or you are just another peasant. Looks like Colbert is still a peasant too.

This story is horribly misleading. Did the Clinton campaign send it out to everyone?

Two people who -support- Obama were calling them. Not two people who -work- for Obama. Are the candidates supposed to send out letters to their supporters with a list of all foreseeable stupid actions of what NOT to do?

Does anyone know what the word satire means? Colbert planned his "rejection" to coincide with the writers' strike. All of this ties in to publicity for his book.

The real joke is that if he was allowed to run, Colbert would win.
I'll write him in.

Haha, what a joke. It's sad when you're that worried of your presidential bid that you can't have Colbert on the ticket. Plus, Colbert defintely would have beat him.

Way to go OBAMA crew… When idiots like Colbert disrespect the process and make fun of it they should be refused. I never really liked Colbert and now I will stop watching his how.

OBAMA has my vote !!!

I was a little dismayed when Obama started attacking Ms.Clinton but this
Colbert business makes him look desperate.It was a joke. I think they would have done much better to play along.It was only one state.But it is important to see how people react situations like this and Obama is probably losing voters rather than gaining support. I know he lost me.

I agree with Chris from Atlanta. I thought we (the voters) could write in the name of our candidate anyway. Guess who I'll STILL be voting for. I deserve to make my own choice.

I for one would be interested in knowing why the Republicans and possibly the Democrats would go beyond and above their call of duty to intentionally cause havoc on voters lives. This is truly unbelievable and I can see no possible exlanation for this.

LOL Do any of you people see Colbert was ONLY running in SC. EVEN if he won SC he still had 0 chance in becoming the Prez. BECAUSE HE WAS NOT RUNNING IN ANY OTHER STATE! Colbert was just waiting time and money. When will America stop reacting through emotion and irrationality and start reacting with logic and rationality?

A candidate running FROM a comedian. It's a joke ….right?

Thank you, Rep. Sellers, for being another politician that wants to smooth things over for us poor dolt Americans. "Another Obama endorser who regularly appears at campaign events, state Rep. Bakari Sellers, also made phone calls to members of the party's executive council about Colbert, according to Sellers.

"I placed the calls as a concerned Democrat, realizing that we are a country in despair," Sellers told CNN. "It is not a time for games or to make a mockery of the process." . Well, well, well… just when you think a candidate might allow an American to actually think for themselves. SORRY it might take a few votes away from YOUR candidate- some of us in this country, SICK with politics as usual, enjoyed Mr. Colbert's run. Shame on you for considering yourself a "decider" for everyone else. Schmuck.

Are you KIDDING? This is just another CNN ridiculous spin. An Obama SUPPORTER (of which there are hundreds of thousands of us) was just following the rules for filing to run for president and said so. Period.
I can't believe you've wasted space to write such pointless article; I can't believe I took time to read it, and I can't believe anyone would actually think that Barack would have any motive to do this.

Just another Clinton News Network desperate attempt to make up negativity where there is none concerning her number one major threat.

I thought This was America people. What ever happen to any one
(Black,White,Hispanic,Doctor,Lawyer,George Bush) can become president.
Either Colbert's rights were trampled on or I have been lied to all my life.

Yet more confirmation that Obama is a sleazy operator, just like most of the other candidates. He scr-wed over the guy who set up a MySpace site for him, and now he's scr-wing Steven Colbert and the people who wanted to vote for him.

Neither he nor Hillary will ever get my vote.

I didn't see the humor of Colbert's candidacy. It was never a matter of the right to run for office as much as it was self-promotion by a TV personality. And, as the experts say, TV is the wasteland that attracts 14-year old mentalities, so we all know where Colbert's "campaign" was going. These are serious times, and Colbert had absolutely nothing to offer, not even good humor.

I could be wrong but anyone can run for president, assuming they are American born and over 35. Colbert can still run, just not on the Democratic ticket.

This is where you are wrong. Only the rich and powerful can run the country. All other minions just follow.

For the record not everyone can be president. There are rules, and apparently Chris from Atlanta doesn't know this. Which leads me to think he/she doesn't know how the political process works. Like the pathetic, dirty, juvenile tricks that are pulled by each and every campaign. Welcome to the REAL WORLD.

Good! We already have a joker and a fool running the country into the ground. Why wasn't he trying to get on the Republican ballot? He could easily beat those clowns.

I thought anyone I America could run for president? They just don't want college student's to vote for him because they need those votes..I'm not voting anymore

Yep, Obama just lost my vote.

At least the fiction that the American people decide who is a viable candidate has been laid to rest.

Inez Tenenbaum was a complete boob when working for Richland schools. She is a great argument for the privatization of the public schools.

Are all the other commenters kidding? People got the joke, but that is not the point. Some people are taking the joke too far and imagining funny speeches and the like while not thinking what could happen in the primaries. Colbert was never going to win and was only running in one state anyway. Momentum is key in primary elections. With South Carolina being an early primary state Obama could have key votes taken away which would give the primary to someone else. The other person would have the momentum and could take other states and win the nomination. What if, please consider, the person that does take the nomination isn't as viable a candidate for the Dems and ends up losing the general election!?

I realize this is a lot of this are what ifs, by why take the chance? Are young, educated Dems willing to risk four more years of Republicans for a laugh? Let's just think before acting.

One of the primary reasons they did not want a person like Colbert to run for president is, while they knew he wasn't a serious candidate who wasn't going to win, what he was doing for the short while he was in the process was shining a huge light on a clearly not-too-very transparent process. His attempt showed that the idea that "anyone can grow up to be president" is a myth and that those "not in the club" will barely be able to make it past the front door of either party.

Additionally, when was it public knowledge that it cost $2,500 to register to run as a Democrat and $35,000 to run as a Republican. Also, because of his starting the filing/funding process we can see how presidents are really chosen before they are elected, by board and committee. We are also shown how big business meets election funding through individuals contributing via networking in their corporations instead of the corporation itself contributing.

This, combined w/the thunder he'd be stealing from the other Dem. candidates is why they 86′ed him outright. The bottom line is that he was putting too much light on the elite selectivity and bureaucracy of the process.

Strike one for America on this…

This just goes to show you how low these Democrats will stoop to keep a good Jesus loving man who thinks with his gut out of their party! Why are they too cowardly to let him in? Do they really hate America this much?

Its not just Obama's people that are at fault for calling for a crucifixion of values that reminds me of the freeing of Barabas, but the entire Democratic party! FOR SHAME!

Was this a slow news day? Who gives a darn? Being president is not a joke. Especially right now.
These people are not staffers. So quit with the slamming of this man. He had nothing to do with it.

Those who have a problem with Colbert's quick demise as a Presidential Candidate must be seriously lacking in American Pride.

Maybe a course in 101 Reality may help these people see the total disrespect for the Constitution this man holds.

His inane claim for power and wanton lack of respect has served only in further eroding the American image around the world.

Simply amazing, there were sixteen amature comedians that were successful in keeping a true American professional comedian off the ballot, and the best one of the bunchat that.

Let's be clear though - If Colbert was serious, he could run as an independent. What was being denied was not his ability to run for president, but to run for the democratic nomination. Considering that Colbert does not have longstanding ties with the democratic party, this result was highly predictable. The fact that Colbert declined to run as an independent demonstrates his lack of serious presidential aspirations, making the SDC part exec verdict, in terms of their interests, a good decision.

Wow, won't be voting for Obama….

This is not Obama's campaign, this is two prominent people in South Carolina that happen to be supporters of Obama.

Thanks again media.

I was inclined to support Obama, now I'm disinclined. I hope he loses more votes countrywide then he would have lost in South Carolina

I'm a big fan of Colbert. He's a sharp-witted entertainer and I rarely miss a show. His campaign is all in fun and should not be taken seriously though. I sure Colbert would be the first to agree, the last thing Americans need is another joke in office.

The article says "prominent supporters" of Obama did the dirty work. If other Obama supporters think that sounds too much like Obama STAFFERS did the work, then what does THAT tell you. I think the nation has had enough of "Oh WE didn't do it, some unrelated party did it!" from the current administration (Swiftboat = Exhibit A).

Whether these people are Obama staffers or not makes little difference. His campaign just lost another vote.

I think CNN has an agenda against the Obama. I mean if you are campaigning for Hillary just come out in the open instead of resorting to such tactics aimed at casting the Obama campaign as playing dirty politics. Good journalism comes with some responsibility. I don't know why CNN hates Obama so much!

This is just another example of the politico-industrial complex squashing the fervent aspirations of the comedic-light industrial complex. It's a battle of the jokes. The Presidential campaigns need to protect their high-stakes joke on the American Public, so like any good business, they kill competition, or buy it out.

The argument that Colbert would have made a mockery of the political process is unfair. The rest of the candidates are already doing it as well as he could!

"It is a time for change!" Hasn't this been the mantra for the Dems? What is changing? I think B.O. was afraid that Colbert would do better on the primary ballot than he did on SNL.

This is America, he met the requirements as outlined in the Constitution to be President. He registered to be on the ballot. No where in the American Constitution does it say a bunch of never bes can decide who can and can not run.

Write Colbert in, make Obama's day.

I know if my legislature here in Kansas would give the people of Kansas a voice by holding a primary, I sure as heck would.

Does the Obama campaign not realize that Colbert could destroy his campaign just as easily?

This doesn’t have anything to do with who can run for president. He was trying to get on the Democratic and Republican ticket. He can still run as an independent if he desires.

http://www.wittybanter.wordpress.com

I hardly think that Obama supporters have this kind of clout..or else he'd be 20 points ahead in SC polls..

This is another tactic by the Clinton machine, aided and abetted by the CNN and the other MSM outlets to denigrate the best politician our country has seen since RFK running for president.

The American people see this and in January, the MSM will too.

Its interesting how the Clinton News Network framed this to make it sound as if Obama actually had anything to do with it. The headline could easily have been "Clinton supporter files to have Colbert on the ballot" this sounds like an attempt by the Clinton machine to use Colbert to dilute and split the youth and young adults' votes from Obama.

"Official staffers"? "Volunteers"? The State Superintendent of Education and a State Representative make personal calls to the committee in charge and you [Sean, Los Banos California] actually think they're not "connected" to the Obama campaign??! Wow. How's that whole "head-in-the-sand" thing workin' out for ya?

If this is true, then Obama just lost my vote.

Anyone who is eligible can run for president. You may still write in Colbert, and he could still run as an independent if he chose.

The democrats have simply decided to not officially list his name as a democratic candidate on the ballot. I am willing to bet that Colbert will still get at least 1% of the write-in vote - though I wouldn't expect much more.

Not a viable enough candidate? But all the other Dems are extremely "viable"…Ridiculous.

Well, it's a lucky break for Colbert, who's just been knocked off the air by the tv writers' strike. He'd have been in reruns today anyway.

How scary that about a dozen people can keep someone off a ballot. What country is this again? SC State Dem Executive Council - you're ON NOTICE!

So, I have the same problem with Colbert not being allowed to be on the ballot as I do with 4-H being forced by American Indians to remove tribal names and activities from the annual camp bonfire. God forbid American kids should be made curious about and learn a bit about American Indian tribes through participation in 4-H. God forbid a well known comedian should draw attention to the most important political campaign in this country. Colbert's antics capture people's attention who might not otherwise be paying attention. I applaud him. I think SC and the Obama campaign are ridiculous for making an issue of it and not allowing him on the ballot. If 100 more Americans tuned in to debats as a result, he would have accomplished something. But, then this is the state where Greenville County passed an anti gay resolution and where women are forced to take a course in how to be subservient to their husbands at Bob Jones University. Nothing surprises me.

Wag of the Finger to the South Carolina Democratic Party executive council.

What were they afraid of? Did they think Colbert would actually pose a threat to one of the other candidates?

Colbert should file to run as an independent in November, just to tick them off!

Stephen Colbert for President!

Anyone can run as long as you are "viable" meaning you are part of the in crowd approved by the mythical councils.
Once again, decisions made by a few determine the outcome for the masses.
Can you imagine the debate, it would have been the best ever. They were scared!

While I too feel that ALL American's should have the right to be president, one has to consider that being the President of the United States is not a big fat joke (sorta what it is like now with Bush).

I've seen Colbert on both Larry King and this weekend on Tim Russert's show, and unfortunately Colbert could not break out of costume for one minute to answer a serious question. Don't get me wrong…when I stay up late enough I do catch his show as he is funny as hell. BUT - do I think he ever had a chance to be president…NO!!

Maybe to some $20,000 just to stick a person on a political ballot is no big deal. BUT…think about how much food $20,000 could buy for homeless shelters or another worthy cause. I think the State of South Carolina made a good call.

Oh - and I totally agree that this whole article is skewed - none of the people who voted were offical Obama staff members. I guess everyone is trying to find SOMETHING wrong with Obama…what is everyone afraid of - that he could actually win and be a great president?

Colbert Nation needs to stand up and not take this garbage. Colbert/Stewart 08. Lets get some real people in the White House, even actors are more real than any canidate these days.

Keep in mind the Republicans did not even give him a chance, at least the Dems let him get this far.

Anybody can run for president, as long as you have enough money…

It is a joke to kick Stephen Colbert off the ballot because he is not "viable enough." Half the candidates aren't viable. That doesn't mean we should stop listening to what they have to say. And last I checked Obama didn't look as viable as as some of the other candidates.

If you had asked me six months ago to list the ten most important qualities in a U.S. President, "sense of humor" would not have made the list. Now, though, I'm starting to think it should place in the top three.

Looking beyond the fact that the head of public education in the State of South Carolina is out campaigning for a presidential candidate, this story emphasizes the fact that Barack Obama, his campaign, and his supporters take themselves too darn seriously. The difference between Obama's reaction to the Colbert campaign and Edwards' reaction is striking.

Wooow CNN,
Your futile attempts to KILL the stories about Hillary's messed up week of flip-flopping will not succeed by focussing on Obama

I for one am definately not going to vote for Obama after seeing him, at a recent, event not place his hands over his heart during a national anthem and not recite the Pledge of Allegiance. I could have cared less about wearing a lapel pin, but those offenses can't go unnoticed especially if he wants to be our President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces. Other wise he would lose all respect of the Armed Service Members just as the Clintons did. But, it's obvious that didn't bother them.

I thought anyone could run for President? I guess not.

Darn, I was SO looking forward to the freshness that Colbert would inject in to the campaign! Remember, we can still write his name in on the big day no matter what state we are in.

The headline is totally misleading. According to the story, it was not Obama and his campaign who were responsible for keeping Colbert off the ballot, it was two "prominent supporters" who volunteer for Obama. Nice attempt to smear Obama as humorless.

First of all, anyone can run for President. That doesn't mean that anyone can get on a particular party's ballot in a particular state.

Second, as much as I love Colbert, I understand why Obama supporters would be concerned. South Carolina is a key state that Obama will need in order to secure the nomination, and part of his main source of votes is among college students and young people, who also love Stephen Colbert.

Also, it doesn't appear that this was a campaign decision.

What is Obama afraid of?

No surprise here. Obama has helped take out the only Democratic hopeful I would vote for. At least Steven Colbert says the Pledge of Allegiance unlike Mr. Obama.

Wow… is CNN trying to kill the Obama campaign??? Why bothe mentioning Obama in this section. It was his supporters, not him that blocked Colbert. This could really hurt Obama if Colbert's supporters decide to not support Obama now.

Sean, exactly. These people were endorsers, not official members of the campaign, and it is extremely unfair for CNN to couch this story in this way. Most aren't going to read the entire article so they are going to miss the important point that these aren't members of the Obama campaign. Ridiculous.

If Colbert meets the requirements set by the Constitution how can this be blocked. Isn't that in itself Unconstitutional? I think OBAMA needs a lesson in Government 101 as well as protocol lessons on putting your hand over your heart during the Pledge of Allegiance and the National Anthem.

Obama denied again, he always denied when he has troubles. Mr. Hamby told us who called but Obama still denied. Obama and his team are liars and do anything for their benefits. People are smarter than Obama and his supporters, he will be sorry soon.

The headline "Obama team helps kill Colbert campaign" on your front page is extremely disingenous. It doesn't make any sense to immediately give the Obama "team" responsibility for all of its supporters actions. If they are actually part of Obama's campaign staff, then say so in your article, if they are not don't insinuate that they are by posting bogus headlines.

"Obama might potentially lose some votes"…so we won't allow another candidate on the ballot? I'm not even from the US, but that seems incredibly ridiculous. There are other candidates that might take votes from Obama as well, should we make some calls and get them off the ballot so he wins by default?

This is why young people are so disillusioned with politics. It's no secret that Republicans are out of touch with society, but it becomes clearer and clearer every day that Democrats aren't much closer.

Obama just lost any chance he may have had of landing my vote.

You know your campaign is over when you have to take Colbert as a serious threat. Time to go home Barack.

This is yet another example of the black man keeping the white man down!

Shame on you CNN for having the headline on your main page that you do for this story. It is clear that the two people of note are supporters, NOT members of the Obama campaign. This is ridiculous. Please get out of Hillary's pocket for just a minute and correct the error.

Any citizen should be able to run for president, but if that citizen is not even serious about his/her candidacy, then they should be denied. Colbert said it himself, that he didn't want to be president, he wanted to 'run for president.' If he would just step out of character and run as the real person, then I wouldn't mind hearing him out. But this is the presidency, and we can't afford another mistake like Bush.

Isnt it amazing that barack of all people wants everything to be exclusive now. what about politics of hope, I guess that is only for people who look like you, mr obama.

Senator Obama's volunteers obviously don't have an ounce of humor in their bodies. What a sad state this country has come to when a politician's supporters are afraid of a comedian.

NOW, I get it.

CNN is puts out these stories to test just how stupid people are so they will know how to spin their future coverage of the election. Now I get it.

Yet another sneaky move by Obama where his excuse is that he wasn't aware and it was staffers/supporters acting alone.

This has nothing to do with Hillary, Sean. Obama was simply scared that Colbert might drain more votes from him than he picked up by pandering to ultra-religious homophobes.

What the heck is this. If this is true print the proof. This is a manufactured story until I see it. Is CNN in the business of lying to the American people? If this turns out to be untrue CNN runs the risk of seeing a massive boycott coming.

The Democratic Party as a whole fought to keep Ralph Nader off the ballot in 2004.

It's situations like this that make candidates look bad, whether or not the two were staffers of Obama's, Obama has not stepped forward to say anything about it. I would never vote for Hillary so Obama was the best decision… now I'm unsure of that…

Colbert was only running in one state, and that to me at least doesn't make a very viable candidate. He was running to make a mockery of the election process and to increase his ratings, nothing more. I'm glad he was not allowed on the ballot.

Anyone CAN become president, if they actually have the intention to hold the office.

I really hope that CNN isn't pinning the actions of one Obama supporter on the entire campaign. The Ticker headline implies that Obama's campain had a role in blocking Colbert, while the story suggests it was just someone who happened to be a supporter of his.

Granted, Colbert is probably no more a "viable candidate" than Pat Paulson was back in the 1970's. But when did we enact this "viable candidate" rule in order to get on a ballot?

If Colbert were serious, he would run as an independent. But that would cut against the progressive agenda of getting Hillary elected because Colbert would draw to many mindless dem voters away from Hillary in a National election.

There are no reruns as President when your puppet masters writting the scripts go on strike..

First of all, Colbert didn't meet the standards required for a candidate; he didn't have any intention of running for President; by running in only one state, there is no way he could be considered a serious candidate, which doesn't meet the standards to be accepted. Seems the committee agreed on that.

Second of all, HE'S A COMEDIAN!!!! Don't you people get it? This is a joke on America, and FOR Americans. The fact that CNN picked this up is also a joke (tho of a different sort).

Third, he can still run, as an Independent, Green Party candidate, or completely un-sponsored by any party. He doesn't want to be President…(get it yet? this is ONE STATE!)

Fourth, (before I move on to some REAL news)