Stephen Colbert Prepares for Presidential Bid
Stephen Colbert announced Thursday that he was preparing to join the presidential race.
In Thursday night’s episode of “The Colbert Report,” the comedian and political satirist announced that his team was preparing him for a possible presidential bid in the 2012 elections. Viewers witnessed the red, white and blue balloons falling from the ceiling while Colbert announced a desire to lead the country he referred to as, “the United States of South Carolina.”
“I am proud to announce that I am forming an exploratory committee to lay the groundwork for my possible candidacy for the president of the United States of South Carolina," Colbert said. "I'm doing it!"
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The host joked with his audience about praying on the decision, and claimed to hear from God about it.
“That’s a really big decision. First, I need to pray on it,” he said, before pausing for a few seconds. “Okay, God’s good with it. But obviously, I still have to go home, sit down and talk it over with my money.”
Despite his jokes concerning God, Colbert previously spoke to Rolling Stone magazine about his faith in Jesus Christ.
“I saw how my mother’s faith was very valuable to her and valuable to my brothers and sisters, and I’m moved by the words of Christ, and I’ll leave it at that,” he told the publication.
In light of his political plans, Colbert handed control of his Super PAC to fellow comedian and host Jon Stewart. Colbert was forced to relinquish control of the political action committee because candidates involved in the election process are prohibited from taking part in Super PACS, which aid in fundraising efforts.
The comedian made sure to emphasize that he is no longer affiliated with the PAC by re-naming it “The Definitely Not Coordinating With Stephen Colbert Super PAC."
By preparing to join the presidential race, Colbert said he hopes to improve the country.
“With your help, and possibly the help of some sort of outside group that I'm not coordinating with, we can explore taking this country back,” Colbert said. “Thank you. God bless you all and God bless Citizens United.”
