By Katherine Yaremko
Stephen Colbert, comedic political pundit and host of “The Colbert Report” shocked viewers nation-wide on Oct. 16 with his announcement to run for the U.S. presidency as a favorite son in his home state of South Carolina.
What first might have appeared as another of the satirist’s common jokes and sarcastic remarks was actually an act of seriousness. Debate ensued as a result of his decision to discover the “truthiness” behind the bid.
While previously stating his indecisiveness about a presidential bid on such shows as “Good Morning America” and “Larry King Live,” Colbert declared on the Oct. 16 episode of “The Daily Show,” “Tonight, I, Stephen Colbert, am officially announcing that I have decided to officially consider whether or not I will announce that I am running for president of the United States.” He went on to say that his official decision would be made on a “more prestigious show.”
That same night, Colbert selected a “more prestigious show”-his own-to officially announce his intent to run. “I am doing it,” Colbert said, as balloons streamed from overhead and his announcement flashed on the screen.
His announcement has angered some, who believe he will alter the way the election is run, possibly elbowing out or taking votes away from more deserving candidates. However, many students do not take his intentions seriously, laughing off the idea of the comedian seriously running. “I thought it was a joke. It seemed a little late for an announcement, like something off of Jerry Springer,” said Rasheena Thomas, a senior sociology major. “He is smart, though, and honestly, I think he would make a good president. We need someone who cares.”
Marifa Mohammed, a junior psychology major, added, “I think it’s a joke. He’s hilarious, but he has no chance of winning.”
During an Oct. 21 interview on Tim Russert’s “Meet the Press,” Colbert revealed his decision to run in his home state of South Carolina as both a Democrat and a Republican. “I’d like to lose twice,” Colbert said.
When asked about his policies during Russert’s interview, such as his stance on gay marriage, Colbert provided a response in character, a right-wing hardline answer that would easily have been uttered on the set of “The Colbert Report.” His run for the presidency could violate federal election law, according to a Politico.com news report. Federal election law bars corporate campaign contributions of any “value” to “influence elections”; Colbert has announced support from Doritos, and his show provides a media outlet at his disposal. The Politico.com report said that if Comedy Central employees work on his campaign, that would be a violation as well.
Politico.com reported Oct. 26, that Comedy Central has contacted a top Washington, D.C. law firm, Wiley Rein, whose lawyers have represented the Republican National Committee and former President George Bush’s campaign, to defend it against any accusations of violating election law.
Comedy Central issued a statement regarding the matter: “Based on the law, prior rulings made by the Federal Election Commission and advice of expert outside counsel, Comedy Central is very comfortable that the network, ‘The Colbert Report’ and Stephen Colbert are operating well within federal campaign election laws.”
It is possible that the idea of a celebrity figure announcing something as bold as the aspiration for the presidency may reveal something about American society as well as its politics. “I think his decision shows what a mockery everyone makes of the election,” said Jennifer Deniger, a second year student.
According to an Associated Press report, Colbert may have difficulty being listed on a ballot as a Democratic candidate; requirements state he must be a “viable contender” to run. As for the Republican ballot, Colbert breached the rules by physically modifying his application during his show.
Colbert’s decision is still largely perceived as a stunt. “I don’t want to be president; I want to run for president,” Colbert said. Regardless of the seriousness of the political satirist’s intentions, the announcement and publicity surge conveniently coincides with the release of his book, “I Am America (And So Can You!).” “His run and book release are either a great coincidence or a great marketing scheme,” said University student Kara Thrace.
Assistant news editor Samuel Rubenfeld contributed reporting to this story.

Stephen Colbert chose his own “prestigious” show to announce his candidacy. (www.ncf.com)