Quantifying the Colbert Bump in Political Campaign Donations: A Fixed Effects Approach

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2011
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Haverford College. Department of Economics
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Award
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eng
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Open Access
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Abstract
This paper uses an econometric model to quantify the relationship between appearing on The Colbert Report and increases in political campaign donations. Using a fixed effects approach on a data set of 64 political candidates who appeared on the Colbert Report, the model developed in this paper predicts the expected percent increase in campaign donations in the 28 day period in which a candidate appears on the show. The conclusions drawn in this study have statistical and economic significance. The argument made, which is supported by empirical data, is that shows such as The Colbert Report, while aimed at entertainment, are extremely relevant in today's political process. The findings of this study imply that these types of "comedy" programs should be taken seriously by political strategists as variables that have real influence over a candidate’s level of campaign donations.
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