This is quite clever by Colbert

[question everything]

His "candidacy" will provide enough material for at least until after the SC primaries.

I have often admired his imagination to come with so much material every evening. In contrast to Stewart or Olbermann who pretty much react to current events, Colbert has to come with his own stories.

In 1988 HBO had a program about a fictional character running for President. We did not subscribe to HBO then but the program was considered a good one.

And... $25K to enter the SC Republican primaries but only $2,500 (or 3,000 signatures) for the Democratic one?

[pacalo]

1. I love it, too. It will provide a lot of opportunity for pointing out the absurdities.

It was done before in 1968 by comedian Pat Paulson, a regular on the Smothers Brothers Show. Anyone who appreciates Colbert would have loved Pat Paulson, too.

Here's a QT clip of Paulson's campaign schtick:

http://www.paulsen.com/picky.mov

[AlGore-08.com]

4. Gracie Allen did a spoof Presidential run in 1940, even doing speeches from a campaign train

Here's a link to a book about her spoof campaign:

http://www.amazon.com/Gracie-Allen-President-1940-Surprise/dp/091039055X

[pacalo]

7. "Vote for the Surprise Party" -- I love it!

:hi:

[leftofthedial]

2. on the downside

he becomes the Pat Paulsen of the Aughts.

[zalinda]

3. I don't consider it a downside

Paulsen was a genius in his own right, maybe ahead of his time.

zalinda

[leftofthedial]

5. he could have been the liberal ronnie raygun!!!!

after all

[lurky]

6. At first I was skeptical,

but it could really shine some light on the weirdness and stupidity of the primary horserace. I found the process of filling out the paperwork on today's show to be entertaining and even informative. :hide:

[question everything]

8. I won't be surprised if he does get 3000

signatures from people downloading the form..

[Lisa]

9. and comparing the fees required! Interesting! (n/t)