Should Stephen Colbert Run for President?

Political comedian Stephen Colbert announced Thursday that he would put together a committee to explore the possibility of entering the South Carolina primary on January 21. He revealed the idea by inviting his lawyer, former Federal Election Commission chairman Trevor Potter, to his show and having him point a few things out. As the owner of a political action committee with permission to raise unlimited amounts of money from wealthy individuals, Colbert clearly has some legal issues to address.

First, Colbert asked Potter if he could keep the Colbert Super PAC while running. The answer was no. However, he could legally turn it over to Jon Stewart, host of "The Daily Show" and proud business partner. Potter explained, "Being business partners does not count as coordination, legally." The PAC, now referred to as The Definitely Not Coordinating with Stephen Colbert Super PAC, is now under Stewart's control.

Because Colbert's public persona is a satirical take on conservative pundits, the prospect of running in the Republican primary (apparently as his character) has strange implications, but it seems more like an attempt to uncover and point out loopholes in the political system than a serious attempt at being elected. He ran last election, too, but bailed after being denied a spot on the South Carolina ballot. Then again, he reportedly beat Jon Huntsman in some poll.