A new canidate

Suntan Superman

WC's Resident Samoan

The Associated Press By JAKE COYLE AP Entertainment Writer
NEW YORK Oct 17, 2007 (AP)

Share Stephen Colbert has announced his candidacy for president on "The Colbert Report," tossing his satirical hat into the ring of an already crowded race.

"I shall seek the office of the president of the United States," Colbert said Tuesday on his Comedy Central show as red, white and blue balloons fell around him.

Shortly before making the announcement, Colbert appeared on "The Daily Show" (the show that spawned Colbert's spin-off) and played cagey, claiming he was only ready to consider a White House bid. He entered the studio set pulled by a bicycle pedaled by Uncle Sam and quickly pulled out a bale of hay and a bottle of beer to show that he was "an Average Joe."

Colbert said his final decision would be announced on a "more prestigious show," which turned out to be his own.

"After nearly 15 minutes of soul-searching, I have heard the call," said Colbert.

His recent best-seller, "I Am America (And So Can You!)," allowed him to mock the now-standard approach to a White House run, complete with a high-profile book tour.

Colbert said he planned to run in South Carolina, "and South Carolina alone." The state, one of the key early primaries, is also Colbert's native state. Earlier this week, South Carolina public television station ETV invited Colbert to announce his candidacy on its air.

Exactly how far the mock conservative pundit planned to stretch his impression of a presidential candidate wasn't clear. Colbert rarely breaks character on camera, including at his memorable speech at the White House Correspondents' Association Dinner last year.

The Comedy Central host has often mobilized his fans ("Colbert Nation"), encouraging them to vote to have a Hungarian bridge named after him, for example, or to vandalize Web site Wikipedia.com with his version of "truthiness" and "wikiality."


wow...

Freak

This is so awesome. The funniest show on television just got funnier.

Dakstang

WC's Resident Redneck

The sad thing is....some people will actually vote for him.

Hypocrisy at it's worst!

Suntan Superman

WC's Resident Samoan

What's wrong with people voting for him? I believe that if his political stances are in line with my morales he has my vote. Seriously, isn't that why you're voting for Ron Paul? Who cares if he's made his money off of comedy? How do you know what he's going to do in office?

Dakstang

WC's Resident Redneck

I was under the impression that this is a joke. His whole t.v. show is a joke that makes fun of both sides of the political spectrum.

If he is going to be serious about a Presidential run and put his real agenda out there, there is nothing wrong with people voting for him. If he just keeps it a big joke and takes away some votes (although it will be very few) from the real candidates, that would be irresponsible.

Hypocrisy at it's worst!

Suntan Superman

WC's Resident Samoan

That's where politics is always skewered. You see like you Dak, you hate all the big party candiates when the rich get richer, but the rich love them. I mean really who we vote for should be dependant upon our morales and values and who best fits them. If Michael Jordan ran for president, and was Pro-Gun Control, I might not vote for him even if he's like my favorite person of all-time

Dakstang

WC's Resident Redneck

...I don't really understand the point you are trying to make here.....

Hypocrisy at it's worst!

Suntan Superman

WC's Resident Samoan

Point a.) From what I gathered you assumed just because his show is a joke, he's a joke. I don't think it should matter, what should matter is the issues and where he stands.

b.) You said people would vote for him even if it's a joke campaign, I failed, I admit it in saying I don't know how many people would really vote for him knowing it's a joke other than the people who think voting is a joke.

c.) this wasn't in the post but just so i can say it. If you don't vote, you have no right to complain how the country is run.

Dakstang

WC's Resident Redneck

Like I said, if he gives a serious stance on issues and not the satirical stuff he is famous for on his show, I would have no problem with his run. If he continues his jokes, I personally do have a problem with that. I take politics very seriously because they can affect our country. For someone to take something as serious as running for President and get someone to vote for them in a joking manner is unnacceptable to me.

That is just my opinion though.

Hypocrisy at it's worst!

Inogenius

Man of the Year?