The Democralypse

Guide Note:

Comedian and late night talk show host, Stephen Colbert has dubbed the race between Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama for the Democratic nomination "The Democralypse" and has provided his viewers with a way to "vote" for their chosen candidate in the 2008 Pennsylvania Primary.

Promoted as "the straw poll that makes a difference," voters can go to DonorsChoose.org and register their support for either Obama or Clinton by making a donation in their chosen candidates' name. The donations do not go to the campaigns, but instead go to fund various much needed projects at public schools in Pennsylvania.

Fast Facts:

1. Announced March 19, 2008
2. Ends April 22, 2008
3. As of April 21, 2008:
   1. Obama—$157,231 donated by 2310 supporters
   2. Clinton—$29,151 donated by 322 supporters
4. Over 43,000 students have been helped through the donations
5. Colbert raised over $66,000 in a similar campaign during his stint as a Presidential candidate in Fall 2007

Colbert Quotes:

1. "You know, the two Democratic candidates are a lot like the flavors on this chip right here. Barack Obama is sweet, he’s a compromiser, but he’s also spicy—he grew up in Kansas. But Hillary has her sweet and spicy sides too and like Doritos she seems to have been designed by consultants and focus groups."
2. "Don't you think it's too important for one state to decide the whole shootin' match?"