Rant: Stephen Colbert '08
#1
After reading this blog article on CNN's Poltical Ticker stating that South Carolina Democrats have voted, just hours after Stephen Colbert filed for the Democratic Primary ballot, to keep Colbert's name off of the voting ballot as a Democrat for the upcoming 2008 election. This appears to have struck controversy among the 18-25 age group who have rallied mass supported Colbert, at least from what I: a.) heard on NPR during my morning commute regarding a Facebook group "1,000,000 Strong For Stephen T Colbert"; and b.) by visiting the Facebook group "1,000,000 Strong For Stephen T Colbert".

Quote:"He does not appear to be campaigning to win if he is only running in one state"
South Carolina State Democratic Party Chairwoman Carol Fowler

Although, I tend to agree with Ms. Fowler that Colbert should not be focusing on just one state for his political campaign, and yet it has brought a huge reaction and support from young voters who have heard Colbert's announcement three weeks ago to run as both a Democrat and a Republican on the South Carolina ballot.

However short-lived Colbert's campaign was, I find it interesting that he refused to be put on the ballot as a Republican, perhaps he will do so after being rejected from the Democratic Primary ballot? Even if Colbert acknowledged his campaign was a joke, I tend to wonder what his next action is, or what he will say tonight on his show, The Colbert Report (for those that haven't watched the show on Comedy Central, it's pronounced The Col-'bear' Re'poor', like a French pronunciation). Doesn't this contradict with what the U.S. Constitutions decrees that any U.S.-born citizen can become a President? It doesn't state that it had to be serious or not. Heck, there was a pornstar that ran for governor in California! Although, the running for Governor and President are different races, with almost similar — yet still different — agendas to conclude with: one is to lead the state, the other the whole country.

I do, however, agree that Colbert has raised awareness of the 18-25 age group of being interested in politics, and their willingness to vote, usually the 18-25 age group is apathetic about politics. Presidential candidates in both political parties are trying to raise awareness for that age group to vote in this paramount election period to lead our country, as well as such organizations like Rock the Vote to, as stated from their website, "...empower a new generation of young voters". Usually, other age groups are more involved in voting than the 18-25 age group, but there are other factors that not only apply to just one age group, but can apply to all (e.g.: no time, work, emergency, etc). I guess time will tell what will happen next.

To end this, I'll semi-repost what one Facebook user suggested, that The Colbert Report could be a daily State of the Union address. Smile
Exact quote: "Psh. The colbert show could be like a daily state of the union."

What's your position about Stephen Colbert running for the 2008 Presidential Race? What is your reaction to today's rejection of Colbert's name from the ballot?
SimsHsia
EZS Web Services
"I've reached field capacity!"
#2
It's totally understandable and NOT infringing on the rights provided by the first amendment; there are plenty of people who have run as a joke and the only reason people are booting him off the ballots is because he's famous and people are actually voting for him.
Skin wrapped around bone and soul
#3
Saw it on the local news channel while eating breakfast and heard it during my commute this morning that Stephen Colbert has decided to not run for the Presidency.

It kind of reminds me of the movie with Tom Dobbs (Robin Williams), in Man of the Year, that a comedian of a popular show that makes fun of politicians in Washington, and everywhere else in the country. Seems kind of similar, huh? It's a shame that he didn't get on the ballot and continue on, as portrayed in the movie. Had Colbert become President-elect, would that be very surprising. Would he perform the same actions as Tom Dobbs did, to not be president? Unfortunately, this isn't a re-election period, but a search for a new fresh face in the White House to lead the country.

In related news, Democratic presidential candidate John Edwards, after finding out that Colbert was rejected from having his name on the South Carolina voting ballot, commented that he would have enjoyed a fellow South Carolinian on the primary voting ballot, stating, "I think it adds a little bit of interest. I like it though. I think it's fun". And, I do agree, it adds a little "pizazz", if you will, if Colbert were to enter into the presidential election for '08. Smile
SimsHsia
EZS Web Services
"I've reached field capacity!"
#4
Thinking back on this; he could still have run if he was fueled by his own money; without being on the ballot.

Strange as it may seem, you can write in a name. People have voted for themselves before too. My history teacher cast his vote for Jack Thompson, after he had dropped out.

Interesting concept, no?
Skin wrapped around bone and soul


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