Stephen Colbert: An Example Of A Charismatic Leader

One commonality among the majority of history’s most effective leaders is that they possess charisma. Charisma is defined as a compelling attractiveness that gives an individual influence over others. A person with charisma is one with a dynamic personality. He elicits obedience through his powers of persuasion. A charismatic leader uses no force to extract compliance from others and has no legitimate power. He is verbally eloquent and holds the ability to communicate with his followers on a deeper level. Charismatic leaders are role models; they inspire devotion in others. A perfect example of a charismatic leader would be Stephen Colbert. Stephen Colbert shows his charisma through the loyalty of his followers. Colbert recognizes his viewers

Though he doesn’t often share his political views, he has admitted to being a Democrat. (“Stephen Colbert’s Religion and Political Views”) In 2008, Colbert used satire to endorse Barack Obama. Colbert claimed he was voting for John McCain but he states that the only way McCain could win is if the Republican candidate endorses Barack Obama. (Carnevale) In 2008, Colbert used satire to insult the Republican nominee, Mitt Romney. Colbert said: “What do they [the 47% of Americans that Romney called free-loaders] think, food grows on trees?” The 47% consists of children, war veterans, and the elderly. (Oh) Through Colbert’s use of satire, it is possible for Colbert to elect the next president of the United States. Around 3 million people watch The Late Show every weekday. (Huddleston) After Vice President Joe Biden appeared on The Late Show in September 2015, Biden received the Colbert Bump. In six days, Biden received an 800% increase in daily signups and within the 72 hours Biden appeared on the show, there were around 200 volunteers for the Draft Biden group. (Byrnes) Also, 17% of The Late Show viewers identify Republicans while 47% of The Late Show’s viewers identify as Democrats. (Tesfaye) Seventeen percent of 3 million is 510,000. When watching The Late Show, one can see that Colbert is very open-minded on topics compared to a Republicans’ point of view. Colbert frequently insults GOP presidential candidates. There is a huge possibility that the 510,000 Republicans tuning in to Colbert’s show every night might change their minds on the candidate that they vote for. There is also a possibility of a ripple effect. A political scientist named James Fowler said: “When someone goes on his [Colbert’s] show, the fact that someone went on his show becomes news. And the single appearance turns into an accident that’s reported to 30 to 50 million people.” (Thompson) Colbert has the ability to elect the future presidents of the United