2008 Woodie Awards
Stephen Colbert for President
Comedy Central TV host announces campaign 2008
Evan Duffy
Issue date: 10/25/07 Section: World Views
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Last week, political humorist Stephen Colbert announced his candidacy for president. Comedy Central's The Colbert Report (pronounced "Col-bear Re-pour") is a spin-off of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart that follows Stephen Colbert as he critiques politics and major media outlets.
Although Colbert claims to be an Independent, he admittedly loathes liberals and constantly praises President Bush and the Republican Party. In one episode, he asks guests, "George W. Bush: great President, or the greatest President?" Colbert, in my opinion, is one of the most clever and witty TV personalities of this decade (Larry David, a close second). He is able to convey political ideas and philosophies through satirical humor that actually angers leading political figures in America.
Though his work as a political humorist remains unfinished, Colbert has decided to embark on his next great conquest: The Oval Office. Colbert appeared on The Daily Show and claimed he would announce his candidacy on a more "prestigious" show, which turned out to be his own.
As red, white and blue balloons poured out on to the audience, Colbert announced his plans to run for President only in his home state of South Carolina. Colbert believes it's time for both Democrats and Republicans to focus on South Carolina, saying "I don't want Iowa and New Hampshire to be the only people in the United States who get to control who is a bellwether state. And if Iowa and New Hampshire don't like that, they can take some of that Iowa corn and stick it right up their Dixville Notch."
If you can't tell, Colbert rarely breaks character on camera, and it will be interesting to see how his fan base, affectionately nicknamed "Colbert Nation," will respond as the South Carolina elections grow closer.
In the past, Colbert has mobilized his fans to vote to name a Hungarian bridge after him and to vandalize Wikipedia.org. Colbert will be running as both a Democrat and a Republican so that he can "lose twice." He has mentioned fellow Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, Russian President Vladimir Putin and, of course, himself as running-mates.
Although Colbert claims to be an Independent, he admittedly loathes liberals and constantly praises President Bush and the Republican Party. In one episode, he asks guests, "George W. Bush: great President, or the greatest President?" Colbert, in my opinion, is one of the most clever and witty TV personalities of this decade (Larry David, a close second). He is able to convey political ideas and philosophies through satirical humor that actually angers leading political figures in America.
Though his work as a political humorist remains unfinished, Colbert has decided to embark on his next great conquest: The Oval Office. Colbert appeared on The Daily Show and claimed he would announce his candidacy on a more "prestigious" show, which turned out to be his own.
As red, white and blue balloons poured out on to the audience, Colbert announced his plans to run for President only in his home state of South Carolina. Colbert believes it's time for both Democrats and Republicans to focus on South Carolina, saying "I don't want Iowa and New Hampshire to be the only people in the United States who get to control who is a bellwether state. And if Iowa and New Hampshire don't like that, they can take some of that Iowa corn and stick it right up their Dixville Notch."
If you can't tell, Colbert rarely breaks character on camera, and it will be interesting to see how his fan base, affectionately nicknamed "Colbert Nation," will respond as the South Carolina elections grow closer.
In the past, Colbert has mobilized his fans to vote to name a Hungarian bridge after him and to vandalize Wikipedia.org. Colbert will be running as both a Democrat and a Republican so that he can "lose twice." He has mentioned fellow Presidential hopeful Mike Huckabee, Russian President Vladimir Putin and, of course, himself as running-mates.
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