Colbert seeks political committee to channel supporters’ demands via ‘megaphone made of cash’

[alp227]

Source: Associated Press

WASHINGTON — Comedian Stephen Colbert (kohl-BEHR’) wants to grab “a megaphone made of cash” so he can shout out the demands of his supporters in next year’s elections.

Political talk isn’t cheap, so he’s setting up a special political committee that will let him raise unlimited gobs of money from corporations, unions and individuals.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/colbert-seeks-political-committee-to-channel-supporters-demands-via-megaphone-made-of-cash/2011/05/13/AFPF2r2G_story.html

[Tanelorn]

1. Woo hoo First too recommend

Where do we sign up?

[Suich]

2. Here:

http://www.colbertpac.com/

:hi:

[glinda]

6. I am in just for curiosity sake. This could be good.

[No Elephants]

3. I'll keep funneling my own donations, at least until I see what he does.

[dorksied]

4. This should be funny...

can't wait to see what comes of this.

[KG]

5. the honesty is refreshing....

:P

[russspeakeasy]

7. What is this 'honesty" thing you speak of?

[blogslut]

8. What I love most about this

Stephen is giving his viewers a detailed lesson on political contributions and how the Citizen's United decision corrupted the capping/regulation of corporate donations.

He started with a PAC but Viacom's lawyers told him he couldn't use his show to solicit funds. So then he started a SUPER-PAC which was supposed to open the money floodgates and absolve Viacom from FEC penalties. Viacom's lawyers told him they still didn't want him to ask his audience to donate but they wouldn't allow him to tell watchers why. His personal lawyer told him that the reason probably had to do with the possibility that even with a SUPER-PAC, the FEC would require that Viacom open their books. So now...Colbert is squeezing through another loophole - if he submits a request to the FEC, designating his show as a news program, then he'll be able to report on his PAC, thereby letting Viacom off the hook.

The man is just my favorite genius.

[Kolesar]

9. I hope that Viacom doesn't fire him over this

He certainly has a great way of expressing what is fouled up about our elections system.

I cannot find coverage this good on PBS-Newshour, broadcast news, or Cleveland's largest newspaper.

[blogslut]

10. I really doubt that's going to happen

Stephen will be just fine. :)

[progressoid]

11. The Viacom thing has been hilarious

bordering on ludicrous.