Colbert Campaigns, Promises To "Crush" Georgia

After existing for two weeks only within the New York studios of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report," Stephen Colbert's satirical presidential campaign acquired a touch of truthiness on Sunday with a visit to the University of South Carolina.

Colbert is running as a "favorite son" candidate in South Carolina, where he plans to "compete" in both the Democratic and Republican primaries. And though he might not be a real politician, he's already got one part of the craft down pat: making promises he can't keep.

"I promise, if elected, I will crush the state of Georgia," he told a crowd of sign-waving fans, according to the Associated Press. "Our peaches are more numerous than Georgia's. They are more juiciful."

The visit came amid news that Colbert's bid to be the 21st century's version of Pat Paulsen has some support, especially among college students like those Colbert visited. According to a Rasmussen Reports poll released last week, Colbert is supported by 28 percent of likely voters aged 18-29 when pitted against Hillary Clinton and Rudy Giuliani. Swap Fred Thompson for Giuliani, and Colbert's share jumps to 31 percent.

Will Colbert become a frequent presence on the campaign trail? It's possible: The Writers Guild of America may go on strike as soon as this Wednesday, which would likely force "The Colbert Report" into reruns, but give its namesake plenty of time to crusade against bears, Georgia, and other enemies.