What makes a presidential candidate? Support, publicity, good policy, bad policy, fundamentalism, maybe an indirect gimmick or two. Or in some cases, maybe some good theater experience. Some would argue President Ronald Reagan was an incredibly influential and beneficial leader and, like Sen. Fred Thompson and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger, had been in the public spotlight with an acting career for longer than he’d been famous as a world-changing politician.

Okay, so Reagan’s legacy is pretty political now, as that was a really big job. Still, did his acting credits help him when it came down to an election? Frankly, I wouldn’t know, I didn’t vote in that one. But it’s something to be considered, especially with the newest twist on celebrity campaigning: the character president.

For those of you who didn’t know, like I didn’t know, Stephen Colbert is actually two different people. With the airing of his very own show in 2005, he broke away from being part of a comedy support system into a front man for a really popular political satire late-night show. Or did he? Whereas Jon Stewart is more or less, in reality, still Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert on “The Colbert Report” is actually a character, much (un)like the human being.

Confused? Me too. Once I heard Colbert was running for president, the thought that it might be true was a possibility. People have pulled stunts like this before, and with as much press as the 2008 candidates are getting, it was good for a laugh – until Sunday morning, when Colbert appeared on “Meet the Press” with a very serious-faced Tim Russert.

As he talked about his new book, “I Am America (And So Can You!),” and his upcoming election, which will only happen in South Carolina, on both a Democratic and Republican ballot, the usual sound of audience laughter was missing. Quite an awkward scenario if one happens to be flipping channels.

Excerpts from the book popped up on the screen to answer Russert’s questions, with views on why women should be homemakers, gays shouldn’t get married and God’s position on Iraqis. It was obviously a joke, but it led me to the question: Where is this going? What’s the punchline?

When comedy steps out of its own realm – a well-produced set or television show or regular medium – and steps out into our real world, we have to wonder what’s going to come of it. On the show, the time runs out, the script is over, and the lights dim and credits run. Colbert has already held press conferences, raised money for charities and been on national political talk shows, both as his character and as himself. But will he really put his name on the ballot? Can he?

And whose name will that be? On Charlie Rose, the real Colbert admitted that he wouldn’t mind if people only remembered his character as his legacy, and not his real self. As if anyone at this point knows what Stephen Colbert the actor is thinking.

Numerous people have claimed offense to the character’s antics and opinions, maybe or maybe not realizing he’s not sincere. This brings smug comments from die-hard fans, who claim Colbert’s humor is so high end that some people just don’t comprehend the difference. Or is it the new technique of mixing the two worlds that leads to disillusion?

For his sake, I hope this gag ends well. I can’t imagine what spectacular end will be in mind. Rather, I see it burning out and getting old because nothing will actually push the character into reality. His brand of silliness – a surprise attack of randomness and wit – only has so many options for a finale. And just when he’s getting tons of press and maybe millions of fans .

One thing’s for sure. The man who is the character, not the man behind the character, will never win the election. Quite frankly, if the charade lasts any longer his “shock approach” of ridiculous conservatism will become pretty sad and predictable, maybe even offensive to the real issues – something comedy has always avoided with a bounty of fresh material.

Do us a favor, Stephen and Stephen: resign while you can. We thank you for raising issues and money for people in need, and entertaining us all the while. But don’t make us lose faith in your talent because the joke ran too long. The novelty will soon be gone, and although you’re the first, it’s likely bringing it to a huge ending that might be your last. Leave us with something to look forward to. Won’t you let us love you?

– Luci Van Scoy is a junior in anthropology from Newton.