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Measuring the "Colbert Bump"

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the wish-i-had-a-bump dept.

An anonymous reader writes "Democratic politicians receive a 40% increase in contributions in the 30 days after appearing on the comedy cable show The Colbert Report. In contrast, their Republican counterparts essentially gain nothing. Moreover, even a cursory analysis demonstrates that despite being a comedy program The Colbert Report appears to exercise 'disproportionate real world influence' — likely due to the 'elite demographic' of its audience." In my home we refer to Stephen as "Loud Daddy" because my child would scream bloody murder when we paused him (and only him) on screen. Even at 8 months old the kid has strange taste.

16 of 674 comments (clear)

  1. Colbert by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 4, Funny

    For president!

    1. Re:Colbert by Churla · · Score: 5, Funny

      I will wholeheartedly throw my support behind this as long as he picks Lewis Black as his VP.

      The mental image of Lewis Black presiding over Senate proceedings would make it worth the vote right there.

      --
      I'm a fiscal conservative, it's a pity we don't have a political party anymore
    2. Re:Colbert by WeeLad · · Score: 5, Funny

      Mayor is fine...the splatter damage area is greatly reduced to maybe no more than the tri-county area. Regan fscked us with onerous debt and Sonny Bono gave us unconstitutionally long copyright terms.

      Using "splatter" and "Sonny Bono" in the same post... I laughed quietly to myself and felt horrible about it.

      --
      Seriously, Don't take anything I say seriously.
    3. Re:Colbert by spidercoz · · Score: 3, Funny

      Damn right. He made accumulating national debt the national pastime.

      --
      "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Evelyn Beatrice Hall, re Voltaire
    4. Re:Colbert by Poltras · · Score: 3, Funny

      You're doing very well without him, may I remind.

      --
      Of Code And Men
    5. Re:Colbert by Convector · · Score: 5, Funny

      No, the only person qualfied to be Colbert's VP is his debate partner from "Formidable Opponent".

    6. Re:Colbert by HTH+NE1 · · Score: 4, Funny

      Dr. Emmett Brown: Then tell me, "Future Boy", who's President in the United States in 1985?
      Marty McFly: Ronald Reagan.
      Dr. Emmett Brown: Ronald Reagan? The actor?!
      [chuckles in disbelief]
      Dr. Emmett Brown: Then who's Vice-President? Jerry Lewis?

      [rushing out and down a hill toward his laboratory]
      Dr. Emmett Brown: I suppose Jane Wyman is the First Lady!
      Marty McFly: [following] Whoa! Wait! Doc!
      Dr. Emmett Brown: And Jack Benny is Secretary of the Treasury!
      Marty McFly: [outside the lab door] Doc, you gotta listen to me!
      Dr. Emmett Brown: I've had enough practical jokes for one evening. Good night, Future Boy!

      --
      Oh, say does that Star-Spangled Banner entwine / The myrtle of Venus with Bacchus's vine?
  2. Democracy by Stooshie · · Score: 4, Funny

    Shouldn't it be Democrat politicians rather than Democratic politicians. After all, whatever your views on Republican politicians, aren't they Democrati...

    Ah, I see your point.

    --
    America, Home of the Brave. ... .and the Squaw.
  3. Did I miss something by Minwee · · Score: 3, Funny

    Wait... Colbert is pregnant?

    Whoah.

  4. Re:Yes, they're the joke. by indifferent+children · · Score: 4, Funny

    We have met the joke, and he is us.

    --
    Censorship is telling a man he can't have a steak just because a baby can't chew it. --Mark Twain
  5. Re:I Can't Find a Reasonable Conclusion by maxume · · Score: 5, Funny

    You can see the amusement boiling up into Bush's face at the end of the speech.

    --
    Nerd rage is the funniest rage.
  6. Re:I Can't Find a Reasonable Conclusion by njfuzzy · · Score: 4, Funny

    My former roommate was surprised when we finally explained to him that Colbert is making fun of Conservatives, not agreeing with them. The amazing thing was, he still thought the show was funny, even though he didn't get the basic gag.

    --
    My Photography - http://ian-x.com
    The Deathlings (comic) - http://thedeathlings.com
  7. Re:I Can't Find a Reasonable Conclusion by oxidiser · · Score: 4, Funny

    Maybe he was just high a lot... my roommate was.

  8. Re:Not a big Republican demographic on Comedy Cent by Alzheimers · · Score: 4, Funny

    Right, next you'll be saying that the greatest threat to America isn't Bears.

  9. Re:I Can't Find a Reasonable Conclusion by spidercoz · · Score: 4, Funny

    His gut told him it happened, so it happened.

    --
    "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Evelyn Beatrice Hall, re Voltaire
  10. Re:You understood what he said, didn't you? by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 5, Funny

    It's "Nip it in the bud." That's not a spelling error, so you should feel happy about that. Butt-nipper.