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First Read is an analysis of the day's political news, from the NBC News political unit. First Read is updated throughout the day, so check back often.

Chuck Todd, NBC Political Director

Mark Murray, NBC Deputy Political Director

Domenico Montanaro, NBC News Political Reporter



More oh-eight: No Colbert?

Posted: Friday, November 02, 2007 9:06 AM by Mark Murray

“South Carolina Democrats refused yesterday to let [Stephen Colbert] on the January

primary ballot, and he didn’t file by yesterday's deadline for the Republican primary, after having hinted that the $35,000 fee might be a deterrent.”

The Politico's Harris and Vandehei look at the possibility that an angry electorate in '08 could hurt the Democrats as much as it hurt the GOP in '06.

Thanks to the final back-and-forth over immigration at the end of Tuesday's debate, Democrats are learning that they to need to start paying attention to the immigration issue. “Immigration, chief Clinton strategist Mark Penn said, is emerging as ‘a new wedge issue’ for Republicans, who will attempt to use it to paint Democrats as weak on border security."

A new Winthrop Univ./ETV South Carolina poll has VERY high undecided results, either proving the electorate is very fluid or the pollster didn't push for leaners. Thompson narrowly led with 18%, Giuliani and Romney were tied at 17%. On the Dem side, Clinton had a more formidable lead with 33% to Obama's 23%. Edwards barely received double-digits, 10%. 

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Comments

Watch Colbert on Comedy Central, enjoy his satire, that's great. But his irreverence has no place INSIDE the political process. Good decision by SC dems.
Colbert is the only one who makes sense, the rest are just trying to promote themselves and their wacky agenda's.
Is what really hurts, is that to file in SC, S.C. either needed to pay $2,500 or amass 3,000 signatures.  Note his popularity by his having to pay the money--that's what really must sting.

Though glad it ended, I found his short-run, satirical presidential run educational.  He was a pillar of what not to do, such as don't break election laws with doritos.
Native Americans have been hard-line on Immigration lately, at least among the group discussions occurring across the country. They will back any Candidate who will kick out all Immigrants who arrived here during or after the year 1492. That includes the Candidate, by the way, who will be given the distinction of being the last to leave. Bon Voyage!
I would understand the politico's argument...if there were more than two parties. Nothing can be "as bad" for both parties. One beats the other! There are two! This is pretty simple stuff. If people dislike Dems and hate Repubs...it's still good news for Dems.
Colbert has had his day in the sunshine but the adults in SC have the power and the wisdom to see this for what it was, good political theater. Bravo Colbert, and Bravo SC dems.
Stephen we hardly knew ye . . . !

Wanted to run as a Democrat because Republicants impose enormous user fees? Hmm
I laugh my ass off every day watching Steven. It is the only laugh I get out of the day's events.  He has now (OCT 31) challenged Obama to a "grits-off" in response to a comment Obama made. It will have something to do with eating grits.
after having hinted that the $35,000 fee might be a deterrent.”

He could always get tips from Hillary about getting money from Chinese dishwashers.....
To: jerry/corpus christi texas

Still trying to clean up politics Jerry?  Given your enormous influence and credibility with the GOP, why don't you start with Halliburton?
“Immigration, chief Clinton strategist Mark Penn said, is emerging as ‘a new wedge issue’ for Republicans, who will attempt to use it to paint Democrats as weak on border security."


Damn straight! 6 years after 9/11 and the DEMOCRATS haven't done a thing about it! Perfect reason to elect another hard-charging republican.

Where's my bourbon?
NSMSNBC, et alii,

As for his finances, he had the $2500, easily. It was finding $35000 independent of his show's budget that proved tricky on short notice.  

As for his popularity, I'm guessing your remark suggest you're not in his key demographics (i.e. twenties, well-educated, etc.).  Online, he amassed 3 times as many digital signatures as Obama in just 8 days.  While the 'Net counts for less than many pundits claim come election time, a staggering 1.2 million cyber-voices is reason to take note of what he's saying.

As for the reason for his run, I firmly believe that Colbert was trying to prove a point.  If I may borrow from a popular segment on his show called in 'The Word' in which he creates a satirical port-manteau, we are living in a mediocracy (alternately, mediacracy.  Our electoral processes have become dominated by empty suits with mediocre ideas who pander to the media.  And the media reports on flag pins and laughter because the average American no longer cares what candidates think, just how they look.  We're a nation that votes from the gut, these days.

That fact reminds me of Colbert's WHCA dinner in Spring '06 (available on Google Video).  If you haven't seen it, you really ought not to be talking about Mr. Colbert.


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