After Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Joe Quesada announced that Stephen Colbert is still running for president in the Marvel Universe, we decided to follow up by contacting a reporter in that universe for updates on his campaign:

Scooch Over, Thomas Dewey. You've Got Company

Ken Ellis, DB Staff Reporter

On the night of the 1948 presidential election, the Chicago Daily Tribune printed "DEWEY DEFEATS TRUMAN" as its post-election headline — before the returns determined conclusively that Harry S. Truman won the presidency. Sixty years of huge advancements in electoral technology would not be enough to prevent The DB from committing an equally heinous error — prematurely releasing copies of its Wednesday morning edition with the bold, 70-point headline "COLBERT DEFEATS MCCAIN & OBAMA". Some editions even proclaimed, "COLBERT-IN-CHIEF."

When asked what happened, Marvel Comic Editor-In-Chief Joe Quesada responded, "We completely forgot the Marvel Universe reflects what happens in the real world…Ooops, our bad."

How ironic, then, that the initial projections which "definitively" declared Colbert the 44th President of the United States would suddenly turn southward for the populist, and that within hours Barack Obama would be delivering his acceptance speech. Yes, President-elect Obama is smiling today, but he knows it was the closest presidential race our nation has ever been part of. He knows that Stephen Colbert was no Strom Thurmond in this election. He knows that Colbert brought the battle to both Obama and Senator John McCain, and he quite nearly pulled off the upset of the century.

That said, "nearly" isn't nearly enough for Colbert today.

"We're all extremely disappointed," said campaign strategist David Seperson in a statement Wednesday morning. "We thought Mr. Colbert had everything going his way, especially after he gained significant ground in the polls over the past few weeks. If I were to pick the swing state that proved to be his downfall, I'd have to say it was Florida. Either Senator McCain or Mr. Colbert needed to take that state, but Senator Obama pulled off a huge upset there."

Does Seperson believe that if Spider-Man, with whom Colbert recently aligned himself against The Grizzly, had made Florida his swing state, we would be swearing the populist into office this January? "There's no point in speculating on such things," he replied. "For now, let's simply congratulate President-elect Obama and his family. And I hope he's ready for some serious Monday morning quarterbacking on The Colbert Report over the next four years."

After Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Joe Quesada announced that Stephen Colbert is still running for president in the Marvel Universe, we decided to follow up by contacting a reporter in that universe for updates on his campaign:

Colbert Captains America to Vote November 4th
Ken Ellis, DB Staff Reporter

This Halloween weekend, Stephen Colbert wants YOU to play the role of super hero. In these final hours before the United States places itself under new executive management, Colbert is applauding efforts to encourage the Marvel Universe to go to the booths November 4th and vote — whether it's for him or his opponents.

"For the most part, people have already decided on who they're voting for," said James White, Jr., polling director at The DB. "Colbert's campaign has made leaps and bounds these past few weeks — enough to put him in a virtual deadlock with his political rivals. And his latest move may push him over the top."

Colbert's "latest move" has taken place throughout the final leg of a marathon campaign trail, where he and his team have been handing out buttons of various costumed individuals — including Spider-Man and Iron Man — who encourage electors to "Be a Hero, Vote!" Furthermore, he has encouraged supporters to invite friends who support either of his opponents to his rallies, so he can further promote the importance of making your voice heard come Election Day.

"It's a great strategy, if executed properly," White noted, "but also an incredibly risky one. Not everyone wants alleged 'super heroes' endorsing their candidate. Throughout his entire campaign, it has been no secret that Colbert seems friendly with some of these costumed figures. That brings about a danger that he'll ultimately alienate himself as a friend of the American people."

Well, Colbert — and the rest of the world — will learn exactly how risky his strategy was after this Tuesday. And there won't be any masked individuals around to save the day, either way.

This week's image is from New Warriors #17, on sale now.

Amazing Spider-Man #573, Punisher War Journal #24. Secret Invasion: Amazing Spider-Man #2, Amazing Spider Girl #24 X-Men: Manifest Destiny #1, Secret Invasion #13, X-Factor #33, Eternals #2, Punisher War Journal #21, She-Hulk #30 X-Factor #32, Amazing Spider-Man #562 Secret Invasion #3, Ms. Marvel #27 and She-Hulk #29, Incredible Hercules #117, X-Men: Legacy #211, Young X-Men #2, Amazing Spider-Man #556, She Hulk #28, Incredible Hercules #116, Amazing Spider-Man #556, Secret Invasion #1

After Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Joe Quesada announced that Stephen Colbert is still running for president in the Marvel Universe, we decided to follow up by contacting a reporter in that universe for updates on his campaign:

Hulk May Smash Colbert into White House
Ken Ellis, DB Staff Reporter

For a second straight week, Stephen Colbert's popularity with the American public has spiked in the numbers, and this time it has propelled him ever-so-slightly over his opponents. Last week many believe it was due to his encounter with Spider-Man in New York City; this week, he can thank…The Hulk?

"Months ago, 'World War Hulk' nearly laid waste to New York and New Jersey," explained Colbert campaign strategist David Seperson, "and Mr. Colbert believed that the government was almost criminally slow to respond to the crisis that had caused so much destruction. His work in creating national fundraisers and a more widespread public awareness over the past several months pretty much forced Congress into employing emergency relief efforts – such as Damage Control – to help rebuild cities in the Garden State affected by the attack. And judging from the numbers that came out this week, the voters in New Jersey are showing their appreciation with their endorsement of Mr. Colbert."

Colbert's stops over the next week include Kansas and Illinois, states where he continues to trail behind his opponents. Then, following a brief stopover in Texas, where he trails heavily, the populist will return to the hot, arid temperatures of Nevada, where Colbert and his adversaries are running in an almost-ironic statistical dead heat.

"Nevada is a big deal for Mr. Colbert," Seperson added. "A Hulk sighting had disrupted his campaign stop in Las Vegas over the summer, so he didn't get to connect with the people there as much as he had wanted. And since there have still been reports of Hulk sightings around Mojave Desert, I think all the progress he has made in New Jersey will help him with the voters there."

If Seperson's observations are correct, as incredible as it sounds, it's quite possible that ol' Greenskin could be a monstrously influential figure who propels Stephen Colbert into the White House this November.

Check out the exclusive Stephen Colbert/Spider-Man Team Up in Amazing Spider-Man #573.

Previous Colbert easter eggs:

Punisher War Journal #24. Secret Invasion: Amazing Spider-Man #2, Amazing Spider Girl #24 X-Men: Manifest Destiny #1, Secret Invasion #13, X-Factor #33, Eternals #2, Punisher War Journal #21, She-Hulk #30 X-Factor #32, Amazing Spider-Man #562 Secret Invasion #3, Ms. Marvel #27 and She-Hulk #29, Incredible Hercules #117, X-Men: Legacy #211, Young X-Men #2, Amazing Spider-Man #556, She Hulk #28, Incredible Hercules #116, Amazing Spider-Man #556, Secret Invasion #1

After Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Joe Quesada announced that Stephen Colbert is still running for president in the Marvel Universe, we decided to follow up by contacting a reporter in that universe for updates on his campaign:

Marvelous Team-Up a Win-Win for Friendly Neighborhood Colbert?
Ken Ellis, DB Staff Reporter

Though we can't say with any certainty, we suspect that presidential hopeful Stephen Colbert won Spider-Man's vote this week. And with that, a majority of his native New Yorkers as well.

"It's not like Spider-Man called to team up with him," said noted TV political analyst Bryant Robinson, "but their encounter could be the best thing for Colbert's campaign at this point in the game. True, Spider-Man isn't trusted by public officials, but he has curried favor within much of the super hero community. And when you've got The Avengers or Fantastic Four on speed dial, you're talking significantly powerful friends with a lot of fans who vote."

Colbert's amazing chance encounter with New York City's wondrous wallcrawler (as reported in Wednesday's edition of The DB) has the cable news pundit-turned-presidential candidate scaling upward in the numbers this week, to the point where he could well overtake his opponents in a matter of days. And with the November 4 election looming ever closer, every day's momentum at this point is crucial.

Of course, not everyone is convinced that meeting Spider-Man is a good thing for Colbert's quest for the Oval Office.

"This week really has left me questioning what Stephen Colbert and 'Truthiness' are all about," said reputed political analyst Stephanie Hallinger. "If he wants to fancy himself as an American hero, then fine. But 'Colbert 2008 (And So Can You)' should be a platform built on what he knows, not who. Even if one were to base it on the latter, Spider-Man's wanted by the police for questioning. What kind of message does that send to America’s voters?"

It's a fair point. Public opinion of Spider-Man runs practically seismic, and his dubious reputation in legal circles — also reported extensively throughout the pages of The DB — could ultimately stick to Colbert like so much webbing down the election homestretch.

"I might be wrong, but I don't believe Spider-Man's really into endorsing anyone for the White House," stated Peter Parker, a freelance photographer who has snapped the web-slinger in action on several occasions. "It shouldn't matter what Spidey thinks of the guy; it's up to the public to decide if Colbert can handle all the great power and responsibility that being President entails."

This week's images are from Amazing Spider-Man #573.

Punisher War Journal #24. Secret Invasion: Amazing Spider-Man #2, Amazing Spider Girl #24 X-Men: Manifest Destiny #1, Secret Invasion #13, X-Factor #33, Eternals #2, Punisher War Journal #21, She-Hulk #30 X-Factor #32, Amazing Spider-Man #562 Secret Invasion #3, Ms. Marvel #27 and She-Hulk #29, Incredible Hercules #117, X-Men: Legacy #211, Young X-Men #2, Amazing Spider-Man #556, She Hulk #28, Incredible Hercules #116, Amazing Spider-Man #556, Secret Invasion #1

After Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Joe Quesada announced that Stephen Colbert is still running for president in the Marvel Universe, we decided to follow up by contacting a reporter in that universe for updates on his campaign:

Colbert's Absence Makes Debate Viewers' Hearts Grow Fonder
Ken Ellis, DB Staff Reporter

Marvel Comics' Editor in Chief Joe Quesada stated today that in an online straw poll conducted Wednesday morning by the DB, most residents of the Marvel Universe found Tuesday night's presidential debate so utterly frustrating and devoid of any substance that Stephen Colbert won the night decidedly just by not showing up.

Quesada must have made some friends at Camp Colbert with his comments, because they're in clear agreement. According to one spokesman, "Tuesday's debate became more about spouting the party line, avoiding direct questions and disputing assertions of one another. It wasn't a debate; it was a disgrace, and I think Mr. Colbert demonstrated excellent judgment by choosing not to participate in it."

A vast majority of the 18,000-plus who voted in the DB poll Wednesday seem to support Colbert's decision; 77 percent found the nominees' televised deliberating "pointless and without any true merit," while an underwhelming 16 percent decided that Tuesday night "helped me decide who to vote for." Only 7 percent answered that the debate "did not provide a clear-cut choice for president."

"Our poll also included a questionnaire," said DB polling director James White, Jr. "We asked why people voted the way they did, and what should have been addressed more in the debate," he said. "There were three topics that stood out far and above the rest — the sharp decline of our national economy, the war in Iraq and extraterrestrial terrorism. The third is a subject which all our numbers indicate has put Colbert very favorably in voters' eyes, so Tuesday's debate was a missed opportunity for the other candidates to gain some ground."

But did Colbert hurt his position in the election by electing not to attend Tuesday night? "I don't think so," White said. "None of those polled cast any negative comments about Colbert's absence, which suggests that they focused more on the other candidates' poor showing at the debate."

Quesada concurred with White's assessment. "By far, Colbert won the night," he said. "And if that poll's a fair indication of how people are going to vote November 4, then he's going to be elected our next President of the United States."

For special Colbert easter eggs, check out Amazing Spider-Girl #25 and Amazing Spider-Man Family #2, on sale now.

Secret Invasion: Amazing Spider-Man #2, Amazing Spider Girl #24 X-Men: Manifest Destiny #1, Secret Invasion #13, X-Factor #33, Eternals #2, Punisher War Journal #21, She-Hulk #30 X-Factor #32, Amazing Spider-Man #562 Secret Invasion #3, Ms. Marvel #27 and She-Hulk #29, Incredible Hercules #117, X-Men: Legacy #211, Young X-Men #2, Amazing Spider-Man #556, She Hulk #28, Incredible Hercules #116, Amazing Spider-Man #556, Secret Invasion #1

After Marvel Comics editor-in-chief Joe Quesada announced that Stephen Colbert is still running for president in the Marvel Universe, we decided to follow up by contacting a reporter in that universe for updates on his campaign:

Colbert to Voters: "Whose Country Is It, Anyway?"
Ken Ellis, DB Staff Reporter

The presidential race continues to tighten up at a time when the very fabric of national stability threatens to fray apart. Less than a day after the House of Representatives outright killed a $700 billion emergency rescue bill to resuscitate the flat-lining economy, they followed suit on a bill to allocate R&D funds toward counter-extraterrestrial technology. It's a pattern of behavior that presidential nominee Stephen Colbert this week argued is no longer acceptable.

"While his opponents talk about attending 'debate camp,' Mr. Colbert has been adamant about his position since he first announced his decision to run for the Oval Office," said spokesperson Tracy Dugan Tuesday in Hollywood, where Colbert had been attending a private black-tie function hosted by Anthony Stark. "Red tape and under-the-table favors have conditioned Capitol Hill to the point where all our leaders ever say is 'no' — even when the measures proposed could help them as much as their constituents."

Emphasizing these points to Stark's other guests in attendance, Colbert stressed that although the measures and bills proposed of late may not be iron-clad to succeed, it's "an essential step" in the right direction.

"Rejecting the approportion of funds toward counter-extraterrestrial defenses is mind-numbingly absurd," Dugan affirmed. "It only strengthens Mr. Colbert's stance that such thinking has allowed the Skrulls to infiltrate positions of power and influence worldwide. We can't simply hope that Earth's defenders will turn these monsters away — especially when the monsters may also be disguised as our protectors.

"Capitol Hill's actions this week only reinforces that our society has taken for granted the notion of super-heroes saving the day from alien menaces," she added. "There has to come a time when Americans must again rely on our elected officials to be our heroes. Mr. Colbert may not be able to fly or fire lasers like an Iron Man, but he's incredibly proactive and passionate about doing what's right for our country. That, above anything else, makes him a hero we need more than ever."

For a special Colbert easter egg, check out Punisher War Journal #24, on sale now.

This week's image is from Secret Invasion: Amazing Spider-Man #2.

Previous Colbert easter eggs:

Amazing Spider Girl #24, X-Men: Manifest Destiny #1, Secret Invasion #13, X-Factor #33, Eternals #2, Punisher War Journal #21, She-Hulk #30 X-Factor #32, Amazing Spider-Man #562 Secret Invasion #3, Ms. Marvel #27 and She-Hulk #29, Incredible Hercules #117, X-Men: Legacy #211, Young X-Men #2, Amazing Spider-Man #556, She Hulk #28, Incredible Hercules #116, Amazing Spider-Man #556, Secret Invasion #1