[NYTr] Colbert announces bid for the White House

[All the News That Doesn't Fit]

CNN Blogs - Oct 17, 2007
http://politicalticker.blogs.cnn.com/

Colbert announces bid for the White House

WASHINGTON (CNN) — He hinted at a possible run for the White House on
CNN's Larry King last week, but Comedy Central host Stephen Colbert
made it official Tuesday night: he's jumping into the presidential race
in his home state of South Carolina.

"After nearly 15 minutes of soul-searching, I have heard the call….I am
hereby declaring that I will enter the presidential primary in my
native South Carolina, running as a favorite son," Colbert said on his
show Tuesday night. "I defy any other candidate to pander more to the
people of South Carolina — those beautiful, beautiful people."

South Carolina is one of four lead-off primary states that will likely
play a crucial role in determining the eventual nominee of both parties.

On Larry King last Thursday, Colbert laid out his potential electoral
strategy, saying he'd see how he did in South Carolina before deciding
to move on to other states.

"I think maybe there's something I could offer the campaign on a
state-by-state basis," he said. "I would target a state individually...
a test run."

Colbert, author of the recently released “I Am America (And So Can
You!),” also told King he'd seek to run as both a Democrat and
Republican.

"I'd let the people decide what party I belong in," he said. "I don't
dictate the people's actions."

In the interview with King, Colbert also brushed aside suggestions that
it was a "cop out" to run in both parties, calling it instead
courageous, because, "I could lose twice."

In the slim chance that he wins a party's nomination, Colbert said
Tuesday he'd consider either Republican presidential candidate Mike
Huckabee, Russian President Vladimir Putin, or himself for a running
mate.

"Colbert-Colbert — that's a strong ticket," he argued.