Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Stephen Colbert's Wikipedia Vice Presidential Scheme Short Circuited

Stephen Colbert
Fernando Leon/Getty Images for TIME

Stephen Colbert is no longer in the running for the GOP presidential nomination, and now, his plan to make a major impact on the vice presidential sweepstakes is being seriously hindered, too.

Wikipedia on Wednesday put locks on the pages of some of the most talked about options for Mitt Romney to choose as his running mate, following Colbert's suggestion that his viewers edit those politicians' profile entries.

Noticing a Fox News report that said Sarah Palin's Wikipedia page had been edited 68 times right before 2008 nominee John McCain's announcement of her as his VP choice, Colbert said that if edits were any indicator of likelihood, "We could be looking at Vice President season six of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.

"So, Nation, let your voice be heard in this history decision," he instructed. "Go on Wikipedia, and make as many edits as possible to your favorite VP contender."

In order to provide some guidance, Colbert then edited former Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty's page, changing his mother's name to Mrs. Buttersworth and adding the little-known period in his life in which he labored in Santa's Workshop.

According to Tech President, Ohio Senator Rob Portman had his page edited 112 times before the lock, while Florida Sen. Marco Rubio had his down 52 times and Pawlenty 18. Locks, which require that users be registered on the site, were also placed on the pages of Wisconsin Rep. Paul Ryan, LA Gov. Bobby Jindal, NJ Gov. Chris Christie and Gen. David Petraeus.

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