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.
Click here to see CNN's new political portal: CNNPolitics.com
- CNN Ticker Producer Alexander Mooney
From CNN Politics
- READ: Trump lawyer's full memo on plan for Pence to overturn the election
- House prepares to vote on bill to avert shutdown and suspend debt limit September 21, 2021 11:01 pm
- Memo shows Trump lawyer's six-step plan for Pence to overturn the election September 21, 2021 09:39 pm
- Small aircraft intercepted by fighter jet over Hudson River for violating temporary flight restriction during UN gathering September 21, 2021 09:11 pm
- The clock is ticking for Congress to get things done. Here's what to know September 21, 2021 09:01 pm
- New York Times: Trump campaign was aware attorneys' voting conspiracy theories were baseless, court documents show September 21, 2021 08:52 pm
I wonder if he'll appear in the Daily Show and interview with Jon?? 🙂
Actually – if Jon ran.. the guy would be a serious threat!
Colbert 08!!!
Should totally get John Stewart as his running mate. They'd have my vote lol
I think I've just changed who I'm voting for. Do you think we could have a three person ticket...Colbert-Colbert-Colbert...maybe a Vice-Vice President.
I know this is a gag, but hell, I'd vote for him!
Yeah! Colbert for President! At least people might get a laugh out of the President. Either way from the looks of our candidates we are pretty much screwed. At least we'll go down in a blaze of glory!
The ponytail looks so pretty on him. Who knew?
All the people who don't vote, or put a blank ballot in the ballot box now have a humorous way to thumb their noses at the system they are so fed with.
Friends, Patriots and Countrypersons:
There is hope!
Shades of Pat Paulsen's 1968 "Sure, why not?" campaign.
He's got my vote..
Actually this is great news. Colbert has the balls to speak his mind...at least we'll have someone in the race, who is willing to expose the candidates for the people they are.
It sure doesn't look like the media is willing to expose the candidate's dirty little secrets.
Sometimes I wish he'd quit screwing around and support Dennis Kucinich on CNN like he did on his own show.
What the heck, he's head and shoulders above all the Republican candidates, in terms of knowledge, charisma, humor, youth, and dashingly French last names. I'd enjoy the wacky unpredictability of a Colbert presidency. Also, I'd suggest he pick Lewis Black as VP.
It's official, our Democratic system is a joke!
Ha ha...I love it...
Colbert has my vote, he has something the other candidates don't: better qualifications and a sense of humor.
as funny as he is, he is actually better than our current president
Let this trigger a third party revolution – I can't tell the difference between the two anymore.
Are we seeing the beginnings of a Ron Paul/Stephen Colbert ticket????
i love this guy i wil vote 4 him
Finally a candidate the public can get along with. My vote is locked-in. People are tired of career politicians. Win or lose, Stephen Colbert will have a huge affect on the 2008 election.
Awesome! Go Colbert! Finally someone with a soul runs for president...
Is he really serious? Would we get nightly State of the Union addresses on Comedy Central if he were elected President? I would love to see the US President call Congress a bunch of pussies or something!
Wait....what?