Stephen Colbert announces candidacy
Popular comedian to run in South Carolina presidential primary
Emily Maxwell
Issue date: 10/24/07 Section: Opinion
Others disagree with his approach. "I think he tries too hard," said Brittany Green, 3rd year biopsychology major. "Isn't it time to get serious about the government? Sarcastic humor shouldn't win votes."
However, critics believe the biggest element of this event is the fact that Stephen Colbert's book, I Am America (And So Can You), has recently hit bookstores and is rapidly becoming a bestseller. Is it mere coincidence, or is Colbert using his run for presidency as a publicity stunt to sell his book?
It is very likely that his motive is a combination of all of these factors. Whatever the real reason may be, the reality of the situation is that he is sincere and his staff have already done their homework. The Colbert team has thoroughly researched how to enter into the race and put their best efforts to work. Theoretically, Colbert only needs 2.5 percent of the votes in the primary to get one delegate. On the show's Web site, there is a link for registered South Carolina residents to electronically sign the petition (as well as multiple links to order his book).
America is truly curious to see if his entry will affect the campaign process. Colbert has a huge following and a strong presence in the media. Since the show first aired in 2005, Stephen has managed to have the word "truthiness" added to Webster's Dictionary, a Hungarian bridge named after him and his own Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavor.
Even though he intends on just winning the delegation of one state, his influence on the nation may have more weight than we all think. We'll just have to wait and see whether the joke turns out to be on him or us. Be it ratings, publicity or a stab at America's political system, he has definitely caught the attention of the nation.
However, critics believe the biggest element of this event is the fact that Stephen Colbert's book, I Am America (And So Can You), has recently hit bookstores and is rapidly becoming a bestseller. Is it mere coincidence, or is Colbert using his run for presidency as a publicity stunt to sell his book?
It is very likely that his motive is a combination of all of these factors. Whatever the real reason may be, the reality of the situation is that he is sincere and his staff have already done their homework. The Colbert team has thoroughly researched how to enter into the race and put their best efforts to work. Theoretically, Colbert only needs 2.5 percent of the votes in the primary to get one delegate. On the show's Web site, there is a link for registered South Carolina residents to electronically sign the petition (as well as multiple links to order his book).
America is truly curious to see if his entry will affect the campaign process. Colbert has a huge following and a strong presence in the media. Since the show first aired in 2005, Stephen has managed to have the word "truthiness" added to Webster's Dictionary, a Hungarian bridge named after him and his own Ben and Jerry's ice cream flavor.
Even though he intends on just winning the delegation of one state, his influence on the nation may have more weight than we all think. We'll just have to wait and see whether the joke turns out to be on him or us. Be it ratings, publicity or a stab at America's political system, he has definitely caught the attention of the nation.
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