PA-Gov: Colbert Slams Corbett’s Photoshop Mishap; Addresses “Pet-Eating Bill”

In the October 28th episode of The Colbert Report, Stephen Colbert joined the media fray surrounding the Corbett campaign’s recent Photoshop scandal and the contest between the National Rifle Association (NRA) and Pennsylvania’s so-called “pet-eating ban.”

“The kitten coddlers out there don’t want you to eat your pets” Colbert begins the piece.

Using footage from WPVI news network, Colbert explains that the controversy began when a small number of butcher shops in Pennsylvania began selling cat and dog meat. When the State House of Representatives was made aware of this practice, House bill 1750 was quickly written to forbid the human consumption of domesticated animals. However, the NRA opposed the bill and it was never voted on.

Colbert, jokingly said “I don’t always agree with the NRA, but I do. Especially about why this bill had to die.”

He goes on to explain that a rider amendment was attached to the bill that attempted to forbid live pigeon shooting. This caught the attention of the NRA, who on their website stated that to ban the “time honored tradition” of shooting live pigeons could “begin the slide down a slippery slope” resulting in increased regulation of hunting grounds.

“In order to kill birds, the NRA defeated the ‘anti-pet eating bill.’ That’s a hard but noble sacrifice [where] dogs and cats must die so that birds can also die” Colbert mockingly stated.

Switching gears, Colbert addresses how “eating-Fido-gate” could affect the race for governor. After poking fun at Wolf and Corbett’s appearance, Colbert turned to the recent Photoshop controversy the Corbett campaign found themselves in.

According to BuzzFeed, the Corbett campaign photoshopped a stock image of a black woman into a picture with the Governor.

“I don’t get it. There is ample evidence that black people love Tom Corbett. Look at this photo on his website that shows a black woman just inches from him who couldn’t be happier about it” Colbert began.

Colbert reasons that the photoshopped image is an attempt to bolster support in the African-American community, a demographic of voters that is not backing Gov. Corbett. In fact, only nine percent of non-white voters support the Republican incumbent in his bid for reelection.

“I’ve been watching this race closely even though you can see the gap in the polls from space” Colbert stated, examining the 17 point lag Corbett faces behind Democratic challenger, Tom Wolf.

To get in front of the issue, the Corbett campaign responded that not only is the black woman photoshopped, everyone in the photo is photoshopped to make it appear as if Corbett is speaking to a large group of people. The Corbett representative continued to say that “all websites use graphics” and that his graphic was indicative of Corbett’s widespread support across Pennsylvania.

“See” Colbert began in response to the campaign’s rebuttal. “They’re not pretending black women like him, they’re pretending anyone likes him”

Colbert, exclaiming “we love you Corbett,” in reference to his tactics, accuses the campaign of being modest with its Photoshop skills. To get a full representation of Corbett’s supporters, according to Colbert, the campaign should have photoshopped in a stock photo of the Amish, the Philly Phanatic and Ben Franklin with a cheesesteak.

“Sometimes in order to appeal to a diverse demographic, reality just needs a little boost. “That’s right, my audience?” Colbert said in closing before running a clip of an audience made up entirely of African-Americans.

4 Responses

  1. It is a funny story. And it’s sad that the Republican establishment is so freakin ham handed. And it’s funny that the anti hunting, otter-scrubbing freaks are out in force complaining about how maybe 100 skanky pigeons die per year, when real substantial issues loom. Oh, those First World Problems like pigeon shoots…what will we ever do?

  2. HB 1750 had bi-partisan. The actions of the House Rules Committee and Rep. Mike Turzai were inexcusable at best and political corruption at worst. There must be change in the leadership of the Republican party in Harrisburg. The position of Majority Leader should be held by a legislator who is respected by all, even if they do not agree with every vote that legislator casts. The Majority Leader should not be a man who brings public shame to our state, and by latest reports accepts a $3,000 donation to a campaign fund when he is running unopposed in his district. Self-interest, personal agenda….shameful politics. HB 1750 deserved a vote. Thousands of animals will now die in agony…..animals not killed to be eaten…killed for pleasure. Pigeon shoots are a sick practice and politics in the House of Representatives are a shameful game. I will only note that there were many wonderful legislators from both parties who supported and fought for this bill. Not all of Harrisburg is corrupt. They brave legislators who said NO to the NRA insanity that this was a 2nd Amendment issue have the heartfelt thanks and support of animal advocates across this state. As for Representative Turzai. He has drawn a political bulls eye on himself. We will not forgive or forget his actions either!!

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