U. South Carolina Students Discuss Colbert'S Presidential Bid

This story was written by Travis Frayard, The Daily Gamecock

Stephen Colbert, host of Comedy Central's "The Colbert Report" and author of "I Am America (And So Can You!)," has decided to make a run for the White House.

"I shall seek the office of the president of the United States," Colbert announced on his late-night show.

He plans to run in his native state of South Carolina, "and South Carolina alone."

"I'm down for it, I'd vote for him," said University of South Carolina second-year accounting student Adam Barringer. "If Ronald Reagan was a good president, I don't see why Stephen Colbert can't be."

According to CNN, Colbert plans to run as both a Democrat and a Republican, a strategy that he claims is very dangerous because, unlike all other candidates, he is the only one that "can lose twice."

"I don't know much about politics, but you have to choose a side," said first-year engineering major James Rowe. "You cannot be on both sides. It is like saying you are a South Carolina fan if South Carolina wins, or a Clemson fan if Clemson win."

Besides declaring his candidacy for president, Colbert has also already narrowed his potential running mate, should he get that far, down to three choices: former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee, Russian President Vladimir Putin or himself.

"Colbert is obviously the best choice to be his own running mate," said third-year theater student Kelly Renko. "But it is all a big joke anyway. I honestly think that he is famous enough to run by himself."

On-campus reaction to Colbert running has been mixed: many students are not sure if he is seriously going to run, or if this is all some big joke.

Even political analysts are unsure if Colbert is serious or simply trying to gain attention. When asked to comment on how Colbert could affect the presidential race, CBS analyst Jeff Greenfield simply stated, "This is going to be one for the books."

Second-year economics student Michael Richter said he wouldn't vote for Colbert.

"But I think it is funny," Richter said.

So far it is unclear whether students and other South Carolina residents will turn out in enough force to help Colbert make it though the state's primary election, but one thing is certain, his candidacy will make this a more competitive race, drawing away votes from other potential candidates on both sides of party lines.

"This story appears courtesy of UWIRE, a news service powered by student journalists at more than 800 universities. To learn more, visit UWIRE.com."
© 2007 The Daily Gamecock via U-WIRE