October 17, 2007
Colbert Watch: He’s In!
Step aside, Unity08. There's a new bipartisan presidential ticket in town, and it's a lot truthier than yours.
That's right: Stephen Colbert, Comedy Central's flag-loving talk-show host, threw his hat into the already crowded presidential ring last night with much fanfare and patriotic pomp during "The Colbert Report."
The faux conservative commentator took the traditional route in plotting his course to the campaign trail. After the publication of his new book, "I Am America (And So Can You)," Colbert remained coy on the talk-show circuit when asked about his political intentions. Then, last night on "The Daily Show with Jon Stewart," Colbert's own alma mater, he "officially" announced, "I have decided to officially consider whether or not I will announce that I am running for president of the United States." He added that he'd "be making that announcement very soon, preferably on a more prestigious show."
Less than an hour later on his own program, Colbert did just that, pledging to run as a "favorite son" in his home state of South Carolina. At least one Palmetto State media outlet has already expressed interest in giving him a platform.
In an interesting twist, Colbert has said he will run as both a Republican and a Democrat. And feverish fans who have already purchased Stewart/Colbert '08 bumper stickers should take note: The newly minted candidate says he's more likely to look to former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee or Russian President Vladimir Putin to share the satirical ticket with him.
Comedy Central's Indecision 2008 blog has video of both announcements.
