NEW YORK (AP) -- 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.
Colbert, 43, had recently satirized the coyness of would-be presidential candidates by refusing to disclose whether he would seek the country's highest office -- a refusal that often came without any prompting.
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."
Colbert said he would run as both a Democrat and Republican. He earlier explained the strategy: "I can lose twice." He claimed three running mate possibilities: Colbert-Huckabee, Colbert-Putin or Colbert-Colbert.
Minutes after announcing his presidential pursuit, Colbert welcomed CBS political analyst Jeff Greenfield to ask how he had changed the race.
"This is going to be one for the books," said Greenfield.
spokesman for Colbert said he would be unavailable for further comment Tuesday evening.
In a guest column for Maureen Dowd in Sunday's New York Times, Colbert wrote: "I am not ready to announce yet -- even though it's clear that the voters are desperate for a white, male, middle-aged, Jesus-trumpeting alternative."
I picked up his book the day it was released and the first thing I thought was "he is going to run for president" and then..he did.
the book is interesting, that is for sure. I am especially surprised to see exactly *how* conservative he is. I knew he was though..but this book definitely tells all.
I like him so much, and it's not because he is from south carolina, but I guess some of it is, too, after reading this book. I grew up the way he did really...it's so familiar. it makes sense to me and I think the fact that he is funny too, just takes things to a new level.
I'm not sure if people will be able to take him seriously.
BUT
if you read the book-you will realize that you have to take him seriously..and at the same time laugh at the jokes. because the jokes are genuinely funny...I think it's possible he is the funniest person in America right now.
Last night's show had me ROLLING when he tried to start the blender and it wouldn't start, so he started swearing...if you didn't laugh at that something is wrong with you. I am in LOVE with stephen colbert and I have had dreams about him, haha!
I would vote for him and if you haven't gotten the book yet do it quick! I signed the petition today to get him on the ballot.
Personally for me I was very impressed with his off show interview someone posted a while back. I know very little about where he stands on most issues, but based on what I saw and my perception of his character I'd have to seriously consider him even if I didn't agree with him on some key issues. I don't catch his show unfortunately... I just don't watch a lot of television, nor do I try to catch what I miss replayed on the internet. My question is this, was his announcement done as a joke, or is he serious.. or at least half serious? Also is anyone else thinking "Man of the Year".
Raymond S. Kraft wrote:The history of the world is the history of civilizational clashes, cultural clashes. All wars are about ideas, ideas about what society and civilization should be like, and the most determined always win.
Those who are willing to be the most ruthless always win. The pacifists always lose, because the anti-pacifists kill them.
I'd much rather see Jon Stewart run, but oh well. I find him to be both more entertaining and more mature, plus I just think it would be amusing to have a Jewish president.
KaiineTN wrote:I'd much rather see Jon Stewart run, but oh well. I find him to be both more entertaining and more mature, plus I just think it would be amusing to have a Jewish president.
Actually I was thinking Jon Stewart when I wrote my previous post... got the two confused.
Raymond S. Kraft wrote:The history of the world is the history of civilizational clashes, cultural clashes. All wars are about ideas, ideas about what society and civilization should be like, and the most determined always win.
Those who are willing to be the most ruthless always win. The pacifists always lose, because the anti-pacifists kill them.
If he runs, he could win. He'd get tons and tons of liberal votes PLUS he'll get tons of dumbass conservatives voting for him because they don't get the "joke". Win!
Tossica wrote:If he runs, he could win. He'd get tons and tons of liberal votes PLUS he'll get tons of dumbass conservatives voting for him because they don't get the "joke". Win!
I think the dumbass conservatives *won't* vote for him cause they'll assume he's liberal since he's on TV. I don't know.
this could go either way..I'm curious to see how it turns out. I'm definitely in support. I had a ron paul thing going but...this changes things.
Everyone would get pins and bumper stickers and then a few weeks before the election everyone would be afraid of "the other guy" winning so they'll all buckle down and vote for the lesser of two evils.
If he seriously ran, he'd get like 5% of the votes.
according to my conspiracy buff friend, the only person who ever wins the election is someone who is related in bloodline and that since obama and cheney are cousins, obama will win and nothing will change that.
araby wrote:according to my conspiracy buff friend, the only person who ever wins the election is someone who is related in bloodline and that since obama and cheney are cousins, obama will win and nothing will change that.
Your friend is an idiot.
How do you like this spoiler, motherfucker? -Lyion
Narrock wrote:Colbert is good at dodging questions and shifting focus when certain questions are asked. Plus, his sarcasm is extremely weak. Here's more proof:
Narrock wrote:Colbert is good at dodging questions and shifting focus when certain questions are asked. Plus, his sarcasm is extremely weak. Here's more proof:
Saw him on Meet the Press Sunday morning talking about running for president. If I recall correctly, he just wants to run...he doesn't want to win. , anyway, it was entertaining at least.
, anyway, it was entertaining at least.
