Stephen Colbert Gets Cozy With Democrats

Unlike Jon Stewart, Colbert is increasingly willing to act like a partisan Democrat.

Updated: February 11, 2013 | 1:16 p.m.
February 11, 2013 | 6:00 a.m.

Stephen Colbert is no stranger to inserting himself (or his character?) into political situations. (Chet Susslin) ()

There's Stephen Colbert, and then there's Stephen Colbert.

There's Colbert the comedian who mocks President Obama over his skeet-shooting photo, saying that if he really loved guns he would wave them around a petting zoo; the Colbertwho recently referred to the president's gun-control measures as a "gun grab-o-rama" and whose character poses as a conservative but with a knowing wink at the audience. Excuse me. "Nation."

Then there's the Colbert who has been getting closer recently to Democrats. Friday, he was the Democrats' "surprise" guest at a House retreat in Leesburg, Va., where he sang the national anthem with Rep. Joe Crowley, posed for pictures with members, and chatted with Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi. They're "best frenemies," he said, according to reports.

So what's going on?

Well, spoiler alert. For one, Colbert is a Democrat, he told The Washington Post in 2005.

His family is also involved in politics. His sister, Elizabeth Colbert Busch, is running for Congress in South Carolina as a Democrat for the seat vacated after Tim Scott was appointed to the Senate earlier this year. Colbert gave her the typical Colbert treatment: Hey, GOP, need some advice on beating my sister? Here ya go.

But he also tweeted out her campaign Twitter handle and campaign website to his 4.5 million followers, which could boost her campaign coffers.

Get the latest news and analysis delivered to your inbox. Sign up for National Journal's morning alert, Wake-Up Call, and afternoon newsletter, The Edge. Subscribe here.


Leave A Comment
The National Journal Group has the right (but not the obligation) to monitor the comments and to remove any materials it deems inappropriate.
Comments powered by Disqus
Follow National Journal
Expert Opinions
Energy Experts

What's at Stake with Natural-Gas Exports?

7:33 a.m.

Latest Response by Michael Schmidt: Debate is Microcosm of Energy Policy

Energy Experts

What's at Stake with Natural-Gas Exports?

6:25 p.m.

Latest Response by Jack Rafuse: The LNG Export Conundrum: Dow Chemical

Energy Experts

What's at Stake with Natural-Gas Exports?

4:23 p.m.

Latest Response by Bernard L. Weinstein: Export more LNG to fight climate change

More Expert Opinions »
Columns
Charlie Cook: Off to the Races

Republicans’ Hatred of Obama Blinds Them to Public Disinterest in Scandals

May 20, 2013
Republicans are so focused on their bitter battles against Obama, they can’t see how little impact the “scandals” have had on public opinion.
Charlie Cook: The Cook Report

Republicans Should Go Easy on Obama, At Least in Public

May 16, 2013
As a tactical matter, a subterranean campaign will score more direct hits on the president.
Ronald Brownstein: Political Connections

How the White House Scandals Could Hurt Republicans, Too

May 16, 2013
By enraging the base and strengthening the faction least willing to compromise with Obama, the IRS and Benghazi affairs could hurt a GOP shot at the presidency.
More Columns »