Josh McManus

Lead inventor, Little Things Labs

Mr. Colbert, you know as well as I do that trashing Detroit is nothing new. And now it seems that you're hooked on the sweet, sweet nectar of a cheap, dirty laugh. I warn you, though: This will be your undoing.

Sophia A. McClennen and Remy M. Maisel

Professor, Penn State University; Author, 'Colbert's America: Satire and Democracy'

If you think that Colbert is just a guy doing a shtick as a bloviating pundit on Comedy Central, then it makes sense to question why he would be the subject of study.

Anthony Gregory

Research Fellow at the Independent Institute; Author of forthcoming 'The Power of Habeas Corpus'

Stephen Colbert's presidential run was meant to be a joke, but his Super PAC has brought in some serious dough. Along with fellow Comedy Central star Jon Stewart, he has successfully made a mockery of presidential campaign laws.

Terry Newell

Founder, Leadership for a Responsible Society

To the extent that money is heavily influencing campaigns, democracy takes a hit. We need a solution that does not depend on new laws or the Supreme Court. Fortunately, such a solution is available: voting.

Michael Sigman

Writer/Editor; Music Publisher

Why does our species take delight in seeing our gods tumble? When it comes to Romney -- or Gingrich who, let's not forget, is a multimillionaire thanks to influence peddling with Freddie Mac et al -- it's the shameless hypocrisy.

Jordan Zakarin

Former Huffington Post Entertainment Editor

Stripped of specific details, the political beginnings of Ronald Reagan and Stephen Colbert are remarkably interchangeable.