2008 Woodie Awards
Only serious candidates need apply
Kyle Miller
Issue date: 11/1/07 Section: Op/Ed
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Stephen Colbert's campaign for "truthiness" in America has lead to his knee-jerk entry into the race for President of the United States; apparently the idea 'only serious candidates need apply', no longer exists for the most powerful office in the world. Colbert, the Comedy Central channel's fictionally funny faux news anchor, has declared that he will be a candidate for both the Republican and Democratic nomination in his home state of South Carolina. Mirroring comedian Robin Williams' movie, Man of the Year, Colbert places himself in the role of Tom Dobbs, late-night political talk show host turned political candidate. What is scary is that Dobbs, like Colbert, never thought he would win, but did. Although the chances of Colbert winning are slim, the attention a campaign would bring is still an important issue. Some would argue that his presence brings a much needed comic relief from the seriousness of the presidential campaign; however, it is an unnecessary distraction from the decision between an already ambiguous field of candidates.
There are many issues facing the infant candidacy, as in its legality and legitimacy, which have the potential of stopping his campaign before it even begins. First, there are multiple issues with running for both the Democratic and Republican nominations, one of which is that the party must consent to the candidacy after the proper paper work and fees are presented. Federal election laws have also spoken on corporately sponsored candidates. Television air-time would be an issue, similar to the case of former Senator Fred Thompson who was frequently seen on Law and Order.
It is a fact that the Colbert Report, the wannabe candidate's news program, as well as John Stewart's Daily Show, have over taken regular news outlets as the source of news for many in the younger generation. In an already divided country, these shows have not only entertained this crowd, but studies conducted during previous elections have shown that they have ingrained viewers with more cynical views and less trust in the government and electoral process. This is not to say that the system does not have inherent problems, however, a Presidential campaign founded on enhancing these problems for personal profit and public pleasure leads toward no solution.
There are many issues facing the infant candidacy, as in its legality and legitimacy, which have the potential of stopping his campaign before it even begins. First, there are multiple issues with running for both the Democratic and Republican nominations, one of which is that the party must consent to the candidacy after the proper paper work and fees are presented. Federal election laws have also spoken on corporately sponsored candidates. Television air-time would be an issue, similar to the case of former Senator Fred Thompson who was frequently seen on Law and Order.
It is a fact that the Colbert Report, the wannabe candidate's news program, as well as John Stewart's Daily Show, have over taken regular news outlets as the source of news for many in the younger generation. In an already divided country, these shows have not only entertained this crowd, but studies conducted during previous elections have shown that they have ingrained viewers with more cynical views and less trust in the government and electoral process. This is not to say that the system does not have inherent problems, however, a Presidential campaign founded on enhancing these problems for personal profit and public pleasure leads toward no solution.