Stephen Colbert Calls Out Jeb Bush For Raising Campaign Funds With ‘Late Show’ Ticket Raffle

Stephen Colbert found out that aspiring president Jeb Bush was raising money for his campaign with a raffle to his first Late Show taping – so Colbert called him out and devised a raffle of his own.

Stephen Colbert V Jeb Bush

After finding out that Bush had sent out an email to his supporters calling for campaign donations of $3 or more for a chance to enter a raffle for a ticket to see Colbert’s first show, Colbert made a video to confront the politician.

“Governor Bush is so pumped for the first show that he sent this email to supporters,” Colbert’s says in the video before splashing the email in question on the screen and mocking the copy.

“Yes, you’ll be talking about it 20 years from now when the next Bush is running for office,” quips Colbert, adding, “As the governor points out in his e-mail, this is a huge chance to see the very first ‘Stephen Colbert Late Show,’ which, apparently, now has ‘a new host. Gosh, I hope it’s Amy Schumer. She is hilarious!”

As for the note that the lucky raffle winner will also get to dine with New York Jets owner Woody Johnson, Colbert remarked, “Smart move by Jeb to associate his campaign with the winning tradition of the New York Jets.”

The reason why Colbert has decided to make the video poking fun at Bush’s fundraising gimmick is because Bush and his campaign never informed the show or Colbert about their plans.

“No one from Jeb’s campaign asked me if this was OK with me to raise money off my first show,” Colbert explains in the video. “Where’s my cut of that sweet three bucks, Governor? Huh?! […] I’m sorry I’m yelling, but again, you’re the one who put an exclamation mark at the end of you name.”

Colbert ultimately decided that the best way to handle Bush’s guest faux pas was to launch his own raffle. The winner will not only get a ticket to the show, but a chance to have Colbert ask Bush a question they might have for the former Florida governor.

“They will get to ask one non-obscene question that I will ask Governor Bush on their behalf,” said Colbert. “For example, one question might be don’t you wish you consulted Stephen before launching your contest?”

The donations to enter Colbert’s raffle will go to the Yellow Ribbon Fund.