The Review

Issue date: 10/23/07 Section: Editorial

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One week ago, as I sat comfortably in my bed getting my daily dose of political satire, an old question was raised both in my mind and on television. If the average, relatively intelligent college student could choose a candidate for president regardless of political experience or any other qualifications, who would it be? Would it be feasible?

In my experience, it is not uncommon for students to get their news and political opinions from comedians like Jon Stewart, Bill Maher or anyone else with a microphone. As a result of our dependence on entertainment as an educational tool, the line between politics and comedy gets blurrier with each passing day and this question becomes surprisingly relevant.

As I pondered the image of Robin Williams in "Man of the Year," and the idea that Arnold Schwarzenegger was only the beginning, the answer rode across the stage of "The Daily Show" on a rickshaw pulled by a bike-riding Uncle Sam and danced across the stage triumphantly - this was the beginning of Stephen Colbert's campaign for president in 2008.

At first, I was confused. Had I just witnessed the beginning of an elaborate joke or a serious bid for presidency? Was this real, or just my own personal political wet dream?

According to The New York Times, representatives for the late night talk show host had actually called the Democratic Party in South Carolina, the only state in which Colbert would like to be on the ballot, to inquire about filing papers to run, three weeks before he announced it on his show. He even has a Web site where registered voters in South Carolina can sign a petition to get him on the ballot.

It is definitely real.

Colbert's character, and it is a character, is a satirical caricature of the Republican Party. He passionately embraces every flaw he can find in anything the Bush administration does to appeal to a mostly Democratic crowd. However, to be true to his audience and his character, Colbert decided to run as both a Democrat and a Republican.

By running as both, his joke plays off of the notion that half of America would be happier with someone who has a sense of humor about politics than someone who actually knows the nature of the beast. This leaves the other half to misunderstand the character and vote for Colbert on the grounds that he represents their values.

Although it was shocking to see the scenario play out, I was not entirely surprised. I have seen too many "Stewart/Colbert '08" bumper stickers to count, in addition to the countless invites I have received from Facebook groups of a similar nature. All this publicity has made it seem like fans have been running a campaign for the host without being asked.

Clearly, America thinks the only necessary qualifications for president are a loose knowledge of how the political system works, an ability to observe the current workings of the country and a coherent, intelligent way of making it funny.

I read the newspaper. I like to think I can crack a good joke every now and again. By this logic, I could be president, but believe me, you do not want me to be president. Not to say the real Colbert isn't smart, and he is, but either he is convincing enough to sell America on his knowledge of the system, or Americans do not care about his inexperience.

The strangest part is it does not seem that farfetched. Would you be more frightened if you saw Colbert in the oval office or Borat?

What is the difference? They both play characters who are well-crafted, both have had to do plenty of research to perfect their characters and both are able to convince millions they are who they say they are.

More importantly, both characters represent a mirror for our society. Take a look at Borat for just a minute. He is an ignorant guy who hates Jewish people and views women as objects. Now look at how many American's he has spoken to who share similar values.

Take a look at Colbert, who claims to be a conservative blowhard with endless faith in every word out of President Bush's mouth. Is that really so different from much of our country? Not to say every member of the Republican Party is an uneducated mindless follower, because that would just be ridiculous, but it is not that far-fetched to suggest a real life Colbert might exist somewhere in America.

If that person does exist, this must be their favorite election year ever. Sitting back and hearing each Republican candidate claiming to be the most conservative, regardless of a country which is deeply divided in its political opinions must be a little slice of heaven. I can only guess what they might think of Colbert - and if they get the joke.

Either way, Colbert clearly understands both sides of America and makes everyone, red or blue, laugh until they are tickled pink. If he did not understand the conservatives he would have a hard time embodying them satirically, and if he did not understand the liberals, he would not be able to make them laugh on a nightly basis. It seems to me, Colbert might be the only guy who legitimately caters to both sides, even if it is not on any major issues.

It is a frightening notion, but maybe Colbert is the man for the job.


Adam Asher is the Entertainment Editor for The Review. His viewpoints do not necessarily represent those of the Review staff. Please send comments to aasher@udel.edu.

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