Stephen Colbert is running for president.
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.
While his candidacy is obviously a joke, I’m not sure he wouldn’t be formidable. Celebrity goes a long way in politics and he’s got a huge following. Plus, he’d have the advantage of getting votes both from people who agree with the things he says and from those who realize he’s doing satire.
Newshogger shamanic uses the occasion to get some digs in at Ron Paul supporters, quipping, “The biggest difference between the Paul and Colbert evangelists? Colbert’s fans know their guy’s candidacy is a joke.”
UPDATE: Here’s the video, courtesy Comedy Central.
