Colbert Super PAC: $1 Million Raised, Stephen Regains Control

Last night, Stephen Colbert hijacked the end of The Daily Show and demanded that Jon Stewart return control of his Super PAC money. In 2011, Colbert created the Colbert Super PAC to raise money from f...
Colbert Super PAC: $1 Million Raised, Stephen Regains Control
Written by Josh Wolford
  • Last night, Stephen Colbert hijacked the end of The Daily Show and demanded that Jon Stewart return control of his Super PAC money.

    In 2011, Colbert created the Colbert Super PAC to raise money from fans, but more importantly as a way to poke fun at issues like Citizens United, corporate money in elections, and shadow organizations that pump out attack ads for political candidates. Colbert Super PAC paid for ads for a “Rick Parry” during the Iowa Caucus and most recently transferred ownership into the hand of Jon Stewart, so that Colbert could make a run during the South Carolina GOP primary.

    During that time, the Super PAC changed names to the “Definitely Not Coordinating With Stephen Colbert Super PAC.”

    But after it was over, Jon Stewart didn’t want to give back control of the PAC. It’s been a running gag on the two Comedy Central shows for the past couple of weeks. But last night, Colbert finally got it back. Check it out:

    All of this is a bit (and funny as hell), but we shouldn’t forget that the Colbert Super PAC is real and it actually raised a bunch of money. But how much money?

    That was disclosed on Tuesday, as the Super PAC officially filed a report with the Federal Elections Committee disclosing their financials. According to Colbert, this move shows his “deep commitment to transparency” by “disclosing [the information] several hours before being legally required to.”

    The big number? $1,023,121.24.

    “Colbert Super PAC has brought in a staggering $1,023,121.24, which my accountant explains to me that is a number far above ‘one,’ ‘two,’ ‘five,’ or even ‘many'” said Stephen Colbert, President and Returning Champion of Colbert Super PAC. “We raised it on my show and used it to materially influence the elections – in full accordance with the law. It’s the way our founding fathers would have wanted it, if they had founded corporations instead of just a country.”

    Here’s the text from the actual filing, as it proves that even in legal documents Colbert retains his edge:

    (image)

    The FEC filing also disclosed the names of everyone who donated over $200 to the Super PAC. As Reuters found, one notable name was California’s Lieutenant Governor Gavin Newsom, who contributed $500.

    Get the WebProNews newsletter delivered to your inbox

    Get the free daily newsletter read by decision makers

    Subscribe
    Advertise with Us

    Ready to get started?

    Get our media kit