CBS This Morning - Stephen Colbert: New attack ad targeting Romney

Summary

Stephen Colbert's satirical super PAC, 'Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow,' takes aim at the influence of super PACs in political campaigns. Using humor, Colbert mocks Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich while promoting Herman Cain, despite Cain having quit the race. His efforts spark a larger conversation about the impact of money in politics, specifically referencing the Citizens United ruling. While Colbert insists his actions are less of a campaign and more of an expedition, his comedic approach highlights serious political issues, blending entertainment with thought-provoking commentary on the state of American elections.

Takeaways

• 😀 Stephen Colbert's super PAC, 'Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow,' is running ads in South Carolina for the Republican primary.
• 😀 Colbert uses humor and exaggeration to mock political campaigns, notably targeting Mitt Romney and Newt Gingrich.
• 😀 One of Colbert's ads humorously refers to Mitt Romney as a 'serial killer,' drawing a comparison to the notorious 'Jack the Ripper.'
• 😀 Colbert's ads highlight the absurdity of the influence of super PACs in political campaigns.
• 😀 Colbert’s super PAC highlights the debate around Citizens United, which allowed unlimited corporate donations to political campaigns.
• 😀 Despite Colbert’s clear mockery, his involvement in the election sparks public conversation about the role of money and media in politics.
• 😀 Colbert runs an ad supporting Herman Cain, even though Cain had quit the race in December, calling him an outsider and encouraging voters to vote for him.
• 😀 Colbert’s involvement in the election is framed as a satirical commentary rather than a serious attempt to run for office.
• 😀 Colbert describes his efforts as an 'exploration' rather than a campaign, comparing himself to Lewis and Clark.
• 😀 The public's understanding of super PACs, their influence, and the implications of Citizens United remains a central theme in Colbert’s political commentary.

Q & A

What role is Stephen Colbert playing in the South Carolina Republican presidential race?

Stephen Colbert is using his super PAC, 'Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow,' to mock the influence of super PACs in presidential campaigns, while also engaging in satirical political commentary.

How did Colbert's super PAC impact Jon Huntsman’s campaign?

Stephen Colbert's super PAC played a role in Jon Huntsman quitting the presidential race after a poll showed Colbert slightly ahead of Huntsman, highlighting the potential influence of Colbert's campaign efforts.

What is Colbert's main critique of Mitt Romney in his super PAC ad?

Colbert's ad mocks Mitt Romney by humorously suggesting that if Romney believes corporations are people, then he would be a 'serial killer,' which plays on the political critique that Romney has strong ties to corporate interests.

What is Colbert's stance on the use of super PACs in campaigns?

Colbert is mocking the power of super PACs in political campaigns, questioning their fairness and the role of unlimited, unregulated money in influencing elections, particularly after the Citizens United decision.

Why does Colbert say his effort is not a presidential campaign?

Colbert insists that his effort is more like an 'expedition' than a campaign, comparing himself to a 'one-man Lewis and Clark' who is exploring political possibilities without a clear destination or end goal.

How does Colbert plan to engage with South Carolina voters in his super PAC efforts?

Colbert's super PAC has created an ad that humorously promotes Herman Cain, despite Cain having quit the race in December, thus confusing voters but continuing to mock the system of PACs and their influence on politics.

What did Colbert’s super PAC ad say about Herman Cain?

The ad humorously claims that voting for Herman Cain is a vote for a 'non-politician,' portraying Cain as a Washington outsider, despite him no longer actively running for president.

What is the significance of South Carolina's stance on write-in campaigns in Colbert’s efforts?

South Carolina does not recognize write-in campaigns, which poses an obstacle for Colbert's write-in efforts, but Colbert's lighthearted tone suggests he is not deterred, referencing other unlikely achievements like pizza crust with cheese.

What are the implications of Colbert’s involvement in the political process?

Colbert’s involvement raises important questions about the role of entertainment and satire in politics, highlighting issues such as the influence of money in elections and the blurring of lines between comedy and serious political discourse.

How does Colbert's approach reflect public attitudes toward political campaigning?

Colbert’s approach reflects a growing cynicism toward traditional political campaigning, using humor and absurdity to criticize the system while engaging with political issues that resonate with voters.