Why am I worried about Colbert's "joke" candidacy?

[DeepModem Mom]

Am I nuts? Paranoid? Do I know too much about what third-party or write-in votes -- as throwaway jokes, or protests -- and/or as the result of misguided ignorance -- can do in close, stealable elections?

Is there something about Colbert's plans I've missed? I'm sure I'm off base here, but someone indulge me, reassure me, and maybe I can enjoy this joke.

On edit, adding this, which was posted in LBN: Comedian Colbert Reaches Double Digits As Third-Party Candidate

http://www.rasmussenreports.com/public_content/politics/comedian_colbert_reaches_double_digits_as_third_party_candidate

"A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey found that Colbert is preferred by 13% of voters as an independent candidate challenging Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Rudy Giuliani. The survey was conducted shortly after Colbert’s surprise announcement that he is lusting for the Oval Office."

[Richardo]

1. He says he's just running in South Carolina

His home state. At least that's what he said on 'Wait Wait Don't Tell Me' last Saturday.

[DeepModem Mom]

13. Thanks, Richardo -- that's true, that helps. nt

[MrModerate]

2. He's only running in one primary . . .

I don't think he'll throw the general to the 'Licans in 2008.

[Phoebe Loosinhouse]

3. Pat Paulson. nt.

[RufusTFirefly]

4. I don't think he'll take votes away from the Rethugs, alas.

Recognizing the joke of Colbert's candidacy requires both intelligence and a sense of humor. Thus, by definition, any votes he gets will come from Democrats.

In other words, I sort of agree with you DeepModem Mom.

[DeepModem Mom]

11. Yep, won't be NO Republics voting for him. nt

[havocmom]

14. Don't bet on it. I know several who think his act is the real deal

Not unlike the fools who hired him for that correspondents' dinner with bush. Some people really are so dense they don't have a clue about satire.

[DeepModem Mom]

15. Oh, you're right, havocmom -- I'm sure some think he really is one of them! nt

[tuvor]

5. Hubert Humphrey blamed Pat Paulsen for his loss in 1968.

I'm afraid you know too much.

[DeepModem Mom]

9. He did?

:scared:

[tuvor]

18. Well, more precisely, Paulsen said that's what Humphrey told him...

...and HH wasn't laughing. So, barring a very dry sense of humour...?

[PurityOfEssence]

6. I'm concerned it'll hurt Edwards

Depressing.

[DeepModem Mom]

12. Thanks -- at least, I don't feel so alone. nt

[MannyGoldstein]

7. My Worst Fear Realized!

Hillary Clinton will only get 99% of the vote!

Oh the humanity!

[ileus]

8. He could sweep the 50 states instead of Hillary.

[lordsummerisle]

10. Well for one thing

he's allegedly only going to be on the ballot in South Carolina. At this point I can't imagine write-ins from other states could make a difference although I suppose that could change, it being this far out from the election...

[FightingIrish]

16. The last joke candidate we had has held the office

for six and a half years.

[DeepModem Mom]

17. Good one!

[incapsulated]

19. If he gets on the ballot in South Carolina, can he do debates?

He is polling there better than Kucinich and Richardson.

Personally, I would love it. I don't think it will really make a difference in the race but damn it would be funny.

[Eric J in MN]

20. The debate organizers probably have a standard that a candidate...

...has to be on the ballot in enough states to get the nomination, if he or she wins all those states.

[incapsulated]

21. Meh

Probably.

[silverojo]

22. I wish Colbert would just STFU

This is too critical an election for him to go around trying to be funny, in his usual orgy of shameless self-promotion.

[CK_John]

23. Colbert is part and parcel of the M$M. Always ask, who is signing the paycheck. He sensed a void

with the large number of Gore groupies or decision challenge voters, and jumped on the opportunity to improve his ratings and paycheck. His sick humor and dark heart remind me of Cheney.

[RandomKoolzip]

24. Uh....really?

That's probably the single weirdest post I've ever read on DU: Stephen Colbert reminds you of DICK CHENEY?!

:scared:

[CK_John]

25. Both are mean spirited and both rely on an electronic tit to exist. n/t