Is it Legal for Colbert to Run as Both a Republican and a Democrat? Yup!

Is he joking? Is he serious? Does it matter?! The Daily Galaxy mentioned earlier that we thought Stephen Colbert or Jon Stewart (or both -although Stewart has been losing it lately; his interview with Chris Matthews was a disaster) should make a run for the white house. You just never know for sure if Colbert stands a real chance until the votes are in.

"I shall seek the office of the President of the United States," announced Colbert on his Comedy Central show, as red, white and blue balloons fell from the ceiling. It all seemed like an elaborate joke, but insiders say he was serious enough about the stunt that his staff reached out to the state’s Democratic and Republican committees in advance of his declaration. But what about the legality of it all?

Exactly how far the “conservative” pundit plans to stretch his ambition is still unclear, but from a legal standpoint he is good to go. The comedian said he intends to run as both a Democrat and Republican. He explained the strategy as giving him the opportunity to “lose twice." For now he has three running mates in mind: Colbert-Huckabee, Colbert-Putin or Colbert-Colbert. While only the first option would be technically legal, he can legally run as both a republican and a Democrat. Republicans, however, are especially unhappy about the prospect.

Katon Dawson, the chairman of the state Republican Party, said his office had also received a call from Mr. Colbert’s staff shortly before the show taped. “My advice,” an annoyed Dawson said in an interview, “is that he could probably have more fun buying a sports car and getting a girlfriend.”

Joe Werner, executive director of the South Carolina Democratic Party, said that a representative for Mr. Colbert, who was raised in Charleston, called three weeks ago asking about filing dates and other requirements. Mr. Werner added, “From what I understand, he does have credible people down here, working to have him placed on the ballot.”

However negative Mr. Dawson may be about Mr. Colbert’s plans, he admitted that he did not believe the Republicans could stop him from seeking both Republican and Democratic delegates. “There is nothing in our filing that would prohibit him from running on both ballots, if he chose to pay the filing fees,” he said.

According to Dawson the filing fee is a whopping $35,000. But everyone knows that’s a small price to pay for the world’s best joke, which could theoretically make America’s beloved mock pundit the next US president.

“The great thing about America,” Mr. Dawson said, “is, if you can meet the constitutional requirements to run for president of the United States, you can do so. In Mr. Colbert’s case, we look forward to his paying the filing fee before Nov. 1.”

Posted by Rebecca Sato

Related Galaxy posts:

Colbert Nation: How an Injured Wrist Became a Media Icon
YouTube vs. Viacom: Colbert & Stewart Jump into the Ring

Links:
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hFzxF7XLwi7Il2DVEE6la0NVo--gD8SAP1MO0
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/18/arts/television/18colb.html
http://www.news.com/8301-13577_3-9798943-36.html

Comments

[Darnell Clayton]

You did not like Stewart's interview with Chris Matthews?

I thought it was spot on (Chris is a pragmatic person, which has often led to a "lot of evil" on our planet).

As far as Colbert goes, it would be funny if he derailed a number two candidate in SC in the primary (on both sides).

Not only would his ratings go up, but he would secure his spot in political history.

[Rebecca]

actually Darnell, I totally agree with you. My editor threw that Chris Matthews bit in.

I'm hoping Colbert is the next president. I know it's not likely to happen, but with how sick we all are with the current administration...you just never know! We can dream at least.

Bush has already made the US into a huge international joke, so why not have the country be led by a real comedian rather than an accidental one?