Spring Break
Colbert brings 'truthiness' to the election
Justin Gero
Issue date: 10/19/07 Section: Ed-Op
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As some of you have probably heard by now, Stephen Colbert announced on Tuesday's episode of the Colbert Report that he will be running for president of the United States. However, Colbert will only be running in his home state of South Carolina.
With red, white and blue balloons falling around him he proudly proclaimed that he would be running as both a Democrat and a Republican, and declared himself the "Favorite Son of South Carolina," in clear opposition to John Edwards' title as "Native Son" of the state.
It's tough to say how far Colbert will take his presidential run, but he's a brilliant entertainer and you can bet that he will milk this for all its worth in books sales and ratings.
Almost immediately after his announcement he drew criticism for making a mockery of the race for the highest office in the land. The chairman of the Republican Party in South Carolina, Katon Dawson, said, "My advice is that he should probably have more fun buying a sports car and getting a girlfriend."
However skeptics and critics don't see that Colbert could have a real impact on this election. Colbert has always done a great job of mixing informative entertainment and witty social commentary. He could have a huge influence on getting younger Americans interested and informed about politics.
It almost makes me laugh to listen to Colbert's critics talk as though he is tarnishing a dignified presidential race. This race has already made a mockery of itself. The way this country determines the leader of the nation is absolutely backwards.
We have created a system where money has become more important than the support of average Americans. If anything Colbert is bringing these issues to light.
On Wednesday's Colbert Report he filled out the paperwork to appear on the primary ballot for both parties.
He gawked at the $35,000 price tag to get on the ballot for the Republican Party, joking that he'd have to get some "corporate sponsors."
With red, white and blue balloons falling around him he proudly proclaimed that he would be running as both a Democrat and a Republican, and declared himself the "Favorite Son of South Carolina," in clear opposition to John Edwards' title as "Native Son" of the state.
It's tough to say how far Colbert will take his presidential run, but he's a brilliant entertainer and you can bet that he will milk this for all its worth in books sales and ratings.
Almost immediately after his announcement he drew criticism for making a mockery of the race for the highest office in the land. The chairman of the Republican Party in South Carolina, Katon Dawson, said, "My advice is that he should probably have more fun buying a sports car and getting a girlfriend."
However skeptics and critics don't see that Colbert could have a real impact on this election. Colbert has always done a great job of mixing informative entertainment and witty social commentary. He could have a huge influence on getting younger Americans interested and informed about politics.
It almost makes me laugh to listen to Colbert's critics talk as though he is tarnishing a dignified presidential race. This race has already made a mockery of itself. The way this country determines the leader of the nation is absolutely backwards.
We have created a system where money has become more important than the support of average Americans. If anything Colbert is bringing these issues to light.
On Wednesday's Colbert Report he filled out the paperwork to appear on the primary ballot for both parties.
He gawked at the $35,000 price tag to get on the ballot for the Republican Party, joking that he'd have to get some "corporate sponsors."
Viewing Comments 1 - 2 of 2
Gideon's Photography
Gideon Abbott Photography
posted 10/20/07 @ 11:44 PM EST
A new Golden Age of Satire arrives with this one! Thank you Mr. Colbert for tackling this difficult problem in a most original way.
camel jockey
camel jockey
posted 10/21/07 @ 12:33 PM EST
it is amusing to read the opinions of teenagers. colbert will change nothing and influence nobody, except maybe some shirtless jerks. It is just another scam, like little johnny edwards and his axe-handle wife. (Continued…)
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