Colbert’s Olympic bailout

By Courtney Hazlett
The Scoop
msnbc.com
updated 9:06 p.m. ET, Tues., Nov . 3, 2009

Stephen Colbert’s Olympic bailout program

On Monday’s “Colbert Report,” Stephen Colbert announced his show would
step in to become the primary sponsor for the U.S. Speedskating team
at the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Games.

The original team sponsor, Dutch bank DSB Bank NV, backed out after
declaring bankruptcy in October. Is the bailout another of Colbert’s
acts of patriotism, or just smart brand marketing? Probably both, and
Colbert and speedskating will ultimately benefit.

“On their enormous, billboard thighs, it will say, ‘Colbert Nation,’”
Colbert said in an interview before Monday evening’s taping. “Be
looking for that logo as it comes around the final turn. It will be
easy to see because it will be in first place.”

Colbert isn’t writing a personal check to the team; he’s asking fans
to donate via colbertnation.com and usspeedskating.org.