Looks like there's a statistically significant increase in campaign donations associated with a Democratic member of congress appearing on The Colbert Report. Republicans, however, don't accomplish anything by going on the show.
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The Colbert Bump
05 Apr 2008 04:40 pm
Comments (12)
If Colbert had any real intellectual courage, he'd attack democrats as well as republicans, and his show would accomplish more than metaphorical hand-jobs for Dems.
As it is, he's little more than a DNC pimp.
Colbert doesn't do anything than offer stylized versions of Republican talking points. If Republicans come off poorly at his hands it's not for lack of screaming.
If Colbert had any real intellectual courage...
And if Chuck Jones weren't so biased he'd do fewer Wile E. Coyote stories and more cartoons where people were satisfied with Acme products.
Matthew, do you know yet if you'll be appearing on the Colbert Report or Daily Show to promote your book?
If Matt appears on Colbert's show, it will be the first time Colbert can't get a word in edge-wise.
The study only did Congressional districts; I find it hard to believe that neither Paul nor Huckabee did not get any benefit from their appearances on either Colbert or Stewart.
"Better Know a District" is probably the only time the average House member can get on TV. Raising your profile is the easiest way to raise money.
The graph does not show a "Colbert Bump." It shows a dip, followed by a bump that offsets it. Donors are just waiting to see if their man or woman makes an ass of him or herself on the show, holding back their donations until they see it.
I'm not clear that donors are watching upcoming appearances and witholding donations pending a Colbert appearance, A.
I think it's more likely that representatives in less than stellar fiscal straits are more willing to make asses of themselves on national TV in the hopes of a short-term boost.
This is hardly rocket science. How many folks who have ever, or would ever, give to a Republican politician are actually watching Colbert? Not to be too unkind, but most don't really get what's so funny about the show.
Anthony D:
I agree that your story would also explain the data. We do not have enough information to know if you are right or I am right.
Comments closed April 19, 2008.
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Heads in the Sand
Republicans haven't accomplished much of anything lately, no matter where they go.
Posted by MoeLarryAndJesus | April 5, 2008 4:55 PM