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Stephen Colbert's run for US presidency raises $1m Stephen Colbert's run for US presidency raises $1m
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Stephen Colbert's satirical run for the US presidency has succeeded in raising more than $1m, according to documents filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) which show that – in the comedian's own words – he is "rolling seven digits deep".Stephen Colbert's satirical run for the US presidency has succeeded in raising more than $1m, according to documents filed with the Federal Election Commission (FEC) which show that – in the comedian's own words – he is "rolling seven digits deep".
As of Monday, the Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow (ABTT) political fundraising organisation, or "super PAC", had collected $1,023,121 in donations, according to a memo from the treasurer, Shana Polk. In a statement from the communications director Alberto Rèalnamè on the super PAC's website, Colbert is quoted as saying: "We raised it on my show and used it to materially influence the elections – in full accordance with the law. It's the way our founding fathers would have wanted it, if they had founded corporations instead of just a country." As of Monday, the Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow (ABTT) political fundraising organisation, or "Colbert super PAC", had collected $1,023,121 in donations, according to a memo from the treasurer, Shana Polk. In a statement from the communications director Alberto Rèalnamè on the organisation's website, Colbert is quoted as saying: "We raised it on my show and used it to materially influence the elections – in full accordance with the law. It's the way our founding fathers would have wanted it, if they had founded corporations instead of just a country."
Colbert's presidential bid, which he has pursued this year by transferring control of his "super PAC" to his fellow comedian Jon Stewart, saw him enter the fray with several ads in the South Carolina Republican primary. One described Mitt Romney as a "serial killer" and "Mitt the Ripper". Colbert encouraged people to vote for Herman Cain, who dropped out of the race last year but whose name still appeared on the ballot. Colbert's presidential bid, which he has pursued this year by transferring control of his super PAC to his fellow comedian Jon Stewart, saw him enter the fray with several ads in the South Carolina Republican primary. One described Mitt Romney as a serial killer and Mitt the Ripper. Colbert encouraged people to vote for Herman Cain, who dropped out of the race last year but whose name still appeared on the ballot.
The New York Times reported that included in the 147-page list of donors to the super PAC were Bradley Whitford, the actor who played Josh in the West Wing, and the US sitcom star Laura San Giacomo. Neither donation – both of $250 – could be confirmed. The New York Times reported that the 147-page list of donors included Bradley Whitford, the actor who played Josh in the West Wing, and the US sitcom star Laura San Giacomo. Neither donation of $250 could be confirmed.
Polk offered an idiosyncratic statement in her memo to the FEC: "Stephen Colbert, president of ABTT, has asked that I quote him as saying: 'Yeah! How you like me now, FEC? I'm rolling seven digits deep! I got 99 problems but a non-connected independent expenditure-only committee ain't one!'" She added: "I would like it noted for the record that I advised Mr Colbert against including that quote."Polk offered an idiosyncratic statement in her memo to the FEC: "Stephen Colbert, president of ABTT, has asked that I quote him as saying: 'Yeah! How you like me now, FEC? I'm rolling seven digits deep! I got 99 problems but a non-connected independent expenditure-only committee ain't one!'" She added: "I would like it noted for the record that I advised Mr Colbert against including that quote."
The Colbert campaign is designed to draw attention to the loopholes and machinations involved in the funding of a political campaign – and it has found the super PAC to be a rich source of satire. A relatively recent addition to the US electoral landscape, the super PAC, or independent expenditure-only committee, is allowed to raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions and special interests, as well as individuals. It is not permitted to co-ordinate directly with candidates or parties – a point Colbert has ridiculed by previously naming his "The Definitely Not Co-ordinating With Stephen Colbert Super PAC". The Colbert campaign is designed to draw attention to the complexities and loopholes involved in the funding of a political campaign – and it has found the super PAC to be a rich source of satire. A relatively recent addition to the US electoral landscape, the super PAC, or independent expenditure-only committee, is allowed to raise unlimited sums of money from corporations, unions and special interests, as well as individuals. It is not permitted to co-ordinate directly with candidates or parties – a point Colbert has ridiculed by previously naming his The Definitely Not Co-ordinating With Stephen Colbert super PAC.