Colbert announces bid for the White House
Colbert said Tuesday he will run for president in South Carolina.
WASHINGTON (CNN) - He hinted at a possible run for the White House on CNN's Larry King last week, but Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert made it official Tuesday night: he's jumping into the presidential race in his home state of South Carolina.
"After nearly 15 minutes of soul-searching, I have heard the call….I am hereby declaring that I will enter the presidential primary in my native South Carolina, running as a favorite son," Colbert said on his show Tuesday night. "I defy any other candidate to pander more to the people of South Carolina - those beautiful, beautiful people."
South Carolina is one of four lead-off primary states that will likely play a crucial role in determining the eventual nominee of both parties.
On Larry King last Thursday, Colbert laid out his potential electoral strategy, saying he'd see how he did in South Carolina before deciding to move on to other states. (Watch Colbert discuss his political life on CNN's Larry King)
"I think maybe there's something I could offer the campaign on a state-by-state basis," he said. "I would target a state individually…a test run."
Colbert, author of the recently released “I Am America (And So Can You!),” also told King he'd seek to run as both a Democrat and Republican.
"I'd let the people decide what party I belong in," he said. "I don't dictate the people's actions."
In the interview with King, Colbert also brushed aside suggestions that it was a "cop out" to run in both parties, calling it instead courageous, because, "I could lose twice." (Related video: Watch more of Larry King's interview with Colbert)
In the slim chance that he wins a party's nomination, Colbert said Tuesday he'd consider either Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, Russian President Vladimir Putin, or himself for a running mate.
"Colbert-Colbert - that's a strong ticket," he argued.
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"The facts show, Lib and Liar are synonyms."
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Please check ANY dictionary for definition of the words "facts" and "synonyms". Then look up "opinion" and "truth".
Amen! Praise the Lord and pass the Rolaids! Where do I apply for an internship? (As for the suggestion of Lewis Black as VP, don't you see him more in a Secretary of Defense role?]
for the love of america, vote for colbert! read between the political satire and see the vision he has for a constitutional, capitalist, fair and just american state.
Those of you who think he's actually running for president need a lesson in sarcasm... I feel sorry for you.
I will not vote for him. What's the point Colbert?
I'd love to see him participate in a Republican debate. Most watched debate ever?
Finally, the race is getting interesting. Colbert comes across as better read and less manufactured than any candidate in either party.
A good showing in South Carolina would probably kick both parties in the pants and create a minor panic. Maybe the campaign season will become issue driven and relevant to the millions who do not vote.
Now that we don't teach civics in school anymore, apathy (and ignorance)about the government abounds. People have forgotten how to be informed voters who are interested in this precious gift of democracy. Cobert has their attention and loves the constitution. We all win if he can get his fans interested in the electoral process.
Although I don't think he is seriously going to go past one primary, don't discount him. Ronald Reagan, the actor and Sonny Bono, the comedian both did better in their elected positions than they did in their earlier professions.
He's got my vote. Go get 'em Stephen!
Back in the day when Pat Poulsen ran for President it was fresh and funny. Colbert is no Pat Poulsen. Grow up and go out and get a real job. What a hack.
To those touting that Colbert cannot run because he is Canadian; no he isn't. He was born in Washington D.C. Stephen Colbert the person and Stephen Colbert the character are very different people, with very different backgrounds.
eg. Colbert the person has a wife, while Colbert the character has an unhealthy obsession with a high-school crush named Charlene.
Is Colbert any more of a joke than our current White House?
Yesssss Colbert is so awesome, that if he was even more awesome, that would make him less awesome, that is how awesome he is.
Seems like the movie "Man of the Year" is actually going to become a reality. Colbert has my vote!
He should do it like Jay Bulworth. or Robin Williams.
to the people saying that he is making a joke of the system. hes not its the politicians that have done that. its about time that someone is running who most people can relate to. ill vote for him
This sounds like a version of the Rhinoceros Party? Is he serious or just goofing?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhinoceros_Party
yall know he will loose his job if he runs or gets elected?
I would vote for Colbert!!
I would vote for him. Colbert 08!!
Wow people, genius! Either Stewart/Colbert or Colbert/Stewart, I don't care. Here's a suggestion: Write them in anyways. It's better than voting for who is actually running.
He's got my vote, and among the people I've talked to he has our votes solely because we know our votes aren't going to count anyways. I found this website had some good information about Colbert's official statements, and how to write in a candidate that is not already on the ballot. http://www.WriteInColbert.org
I'm from Charleston,South Carolina (the Colbert home-city), and I'm a HUGE Stephen Colbert fan...
I want him to run for the Presidency, but I really don't know what it means for him to run only in South Carolina as a "favorite son". Does that mean that if he makes the ballot here that he gets to go on the big ticket?
Tell me, CNN! I need some clarification!
Yeah!!!!!! Finally a real candidate.
I can't wait to see him debate and crush all the other loser candidates.
Colbert for President!!
i hate the fact that people dont take this guy as a serious threat!! hell if i was american and lived in south caralina i would vote stephen... WHO wouldnt!!. the man is a figgin god! :> i love the colbert report!