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."

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

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

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

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

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

Skrulls' "Must-Flee TV" Stunt Puts Presidential Debate on Hold
Ken Ellis, DB Staff Reporter

It seems unthinkable even to write this, but there can no longer be any denying that the Skrulls are among us. Furthermore, judging from the individuals who this week simultaneously revealed themselves as the shape-shifting alien menace on our own broadcast waves, they may have been here for far longer than we believed.

Within minutes after multiple celebrities, public figures and television personalities declared that the Earth was now "part of the Skrull Empire," both local and national TV affiliates were flooded with thousands of calls. Concerned citizens throughout the United States nervously inquired if this had been some sort of publicity stunt or hoax, or if television airwaves had fallen victim to subversive terrorist activity.

National networks, perhaps trying to protect themselves from potential litigation, quickly claimed that the source of the problem had not emanated from their end. Sources within confirmed that the Federal Communications Commission was just as quick to state its "unequivocal support" of the networks in this instance, though it did not rule out that the matter would be "thoroughly investigated" in the days ahead.

Unfortunately, this incident has indefinitely put on hold what was shaping up to be a key debate between the presidential candidates. Stephen Colbert had invited his opponents to participate in a nationally televised debate in Roanoke, Va., this weekend. However, as a result of the Skrulls infiltrating the airwaves, all participants have agreed to push the debate back several weeks.

"It's unfortunate, but it's the right move," said Colbert's campaign strategist, David Seperson. "At this time, Mr. Colbert's primary concern is that of a very frightened nation. It was mutually agreed upon among all the hopefuls to reschedule the debate in a week or two, when they could feel more comfortable about re-focusing their political energies back on national matters of interest again."

For a special Colbert easter egg, check out Uncanny X-Men #502, on sale now.

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

Palin Comparison to Skrulls Offends Colbert

Ken Ellis, DB Staff Reporter

Naming Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska as his vice-presidential running mate was a controversial decision for John McCain, to say the least. However, some could argue that one of Gov. Palin's biggest supporters emerged not from the floor of the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis, but from a McCain opponent for the Oval Office — none other than Stephen Colbert.

"Mr. Colbert has been greatly troubled over the increasing paranoia that is being conveyed to our nation these days," said Colbert spokesperson Tracy Dugan Tuesday. "No sooner is Gov. Palin declared as McCain's running mate than so-called 'political experts' start questioning the idea that she could be a Skrull. And all of that has come about because of unsubstantiated rumors that these aliens may have been among us much longer than anyone realized, and may have tried infiltrating positions in our government. It's twenty-first century McCarthyism."

Ironically, both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions have only added fuel to rumors that have spread like wildfire. Why else would operatives from S.H.I.E.L.D. (Strategic Hazard Intervention, Espionage Logistics Directorate) have been in full force at both events, with scanning equipment which they claim can detect the alien shape-shifters? S.H.I.E.L.D claims that they did not detect any Skrull activity at either convention, but the process of having every person in attendance go through these scanners resulted in delays for numerous proceedings and events.

As for McCain's choice of running mate, the announcement created such a national furor that it's little surprise his detractors — particularly in Democratic circles — would attach the notion of "Skrullduggery" to the previously little-known Gov. Palin. And it's a move that a Colbert statement describes as "reprehensible."

"If you want to say that Senator McCain and Governor Palin aren't properly addressing the nation's issues, fine," Dugan said. "If you want to bring up the reports of Gov. Palin's pending deposition for abusing her office for personal favors, that's fair game. But calling her a Skrull when the nation doesn't know the first thing about her, or last week's digitally altered campaign posters that suggest Senator Barack Obama is a Skrull, that's just dirty pool. And Mr. Colbert doesn't play that way."

For a special Colbert easter egg, check out Amazing Spider-Girl #24, on sale now.

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

Doom with a View?
Ken Ellis, DB Staff Reporter

As America is suddenly gripped in the midst of another war — one that could decide the fate of all mankind — the U.S. government just can't seem to stop arguing over how to defend its people from shape-shifting aliens that are capable of assuming human guise at any time. Over the past week, emergency proposals to allocate funding toward battling the Skrull invasion have accomplished little more than littering Congress agendas, as House of Representatives and Senate members bicker over the best course of action.

Those who are currently fighting for a future inside the Oval Office, however, have been far more proactive. On Tuesday, Stephen Colbert vocally chastised members of Congress, claiming that the alien threat should be rallying America's leaders, not splitting them apart even further. Furthermore, Colbert urged that emergency war funding be approved immediately, and that the country's resources — including its strategic petroleum reserves — be tapped as required to help combat the invaders.

"Mr. Colbert firmly believes that at this point in time, our government is only hurting the very people it has sworn to protect," said Colbert's campaign strategist David Seperson. "The resources to defend our nation from these monsters must be made available to us; that's what they're there for."

Seperson added that Colbert has placed phone calls to several other world leaders who have reportedly been affected by the Skrull invasion, including King T'Challa of Wakanda and the recently incarcerated Victor Von Doom, self-imposed monarch of Latveria. "He has yet to receive word back from either ruler," he confirmed, "but considering the circumstances, that's certainly understandable."

Contacting T'Challa could certainly be construed as "understandable." But Dr. Doom — a jailed despot who time and again has battled the Fantastic Four and was recently brought to justice by the Avengers for his crimes against humanity?

"True, Latveria is a Third World nation that's been ruled by a mad tyrant in most people's eyes," Seperson explained. "However, that nation's advancements in technology are second to none. And with Mr. Fantastic unavailable these days, Mr. Colbert thinks we need all the scientific know-how we can gather if Earth is going to survive this crisis."

For a special Colbert easter egg, check out Captain America #41, on sale now.

This week's images are from Secret Invasion #13.

Previous Colbert easter eggs:

Ms. Marvel #29, 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

Alien Threat Puts Colbert in Favorable Poll Position

Ken Ellis, DB Staff Reporter

There are still three months to go, and many issues to deliberate over, before a new Commander-in-Chief is elected into the Oval Office. However, those who participated in a DB straw poll this past week have very definite opinions on where our country — and its future leader — should direct their attention.

More than 39 percent of the 1,750 straw poll respondents believe that the United States should actually concentrate less on waging war in Iraq (16 percent), battling terrorism (24 percent) and sparking a struggling economy (21 percent), and more on combating the shape-shifting aliens that, to this point, have posed a very real danger to the entire planet.

"Based on the results of the straw poll, it's apparent that a majority of the voters have become concerned with the most immediate and tangible threat before them," noted DB polling director James White, Jr. "Although the other issues remain extremely important, the extraterrestrial attacks that have occurred worldwide are foremost on their minds."

White added that the respondents' answer to a subsequent question in the census was equally telling; of the candidates engaged in November's race to the White House, an impressive 42 percent believe that Stephen Colbert has been most proactive in dealing with the alien menace.

"While his opponents have seemed to waffle a bit and want more information before making any comments, Colbert makes no secret of the fact that he thinks this country needs to tackle the pressing problem at hand," White said. "Like he stated during his press conference in San Francisco last week, national issues seem rather insignificant when there's a distinct possibility the planet may not be around much longer."

For a special Colbert easter egg, check out Ms. Marvel #29, on sale now.

Previous Colbert easter eggs:

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