Stephen Colbert… As President?
I heard earlier today that Stephen Colbert has announced his candidacy for President in at least his favorite state. And it confused me.
What?
Don’t get me wrong, I like Colbert. He’s a funny guy, and his over-the-top TV persona allows him to do and say things that wouldn’t be allowed otherwise (even on ComedyCentral). The problem with this entire situation is that Jon Stuart used to joke about running for President, and Colbert has been using that as a running joke for a long time… until now.
Sound familiar?
I’m not sure if this announcement was real, or a continuation of the same joke, albeit to a very big extension. It’s hard to determine, because his chosen state confirmed they would allow him to run on the ballot, and yet…
Personality
Let’s pretend for a minute that Colbert is actually going to run for President. Does he run as his TV persona, or the actual Stephen “T.” Colbert? This presents a very large and real problem to the voting public, because unless it’s clarified he could be perceived as a staunch Republican (TV persona), or a staunch Democrat (reality).
18 to Late Twenty-something Voting Demographic
Remember how you always hear about only a small percentage of the able voters actually voting? One of the largest complaints is that “18 to Late Twenty-somethings” don’t typically vote. Consider that generally accepted statistic, and then think about who watches “The Colbert Report”. Notice anything?
If Colbert were to actually run across the country, and the said demographic votes similar to how they watch TV, he would have a large chance at winning (I believe). With as many candidates as there are (and the subsequent voter division), along with the votes he could get, he would make it past the primaries. The question then becomes: would whoever his opponent would be have enough voting power behind them to win?
“We’d vote for him!”
Reform
Regardless of which persona platform Colbert were to run on, something tells me he would present welcome change and reform to modern politics. He’s young and well liked. He doesn’t have a history of political involvement. He was never a Senator. He hasn’t campaigned and wasted alot of money, meaning he has no ties to corporations when elected. The result is a type of President that hasn’t been seen since (dare I say it?) Lincoln, hopefully without the assassination.
My Vote
I would vote for Colbert. Most of the people I know within 10 yrs. of my age would as well. I’m a Republican, but would vote for him even were he to run as “real him” Democrat.
Future President!
I hope he runs, I really do. As much as I’d like to see a strong Republican in the office, for many reasons I won’t get into, it’s not realistic because of the current economic, political, and military climate. Which is why I will be most likely voting for…
Obama. He’s the Democrat that even Republicans like, and definitely a
better alternative than Ms. Blowjob. Unless Colbert runs, of course.
