Clobert Bump?

In the world of television "news", few have a rabid following that can be compared to the shamelessly self-promoting Stephen Colbert and his Colbert Nation. He's had bridges, newly discovered insects, mascots and zoo animals (Stephen Colbertle the Turtle) named after him, and that barely wets his pallet.

Guests, including politicians, musicians and authors, have been known to reap the benefits of appearing on his show in what's come to be known as the "Colbert Bump". Most notably was former presidential nominee and current Fox News talk show host Mike Huckabee, who gained several points in the primary polls after appearing on Colbert's show. Since then, guests have found that appearing on Colbert's show can prove to be quite beneficial.

Knowing that, I was fascinated to find that Sacramento mayoral candidate and former NBA star Kevin Johnson sent out a press release to announce that he'd be appearing on The Colbert Report. I figured he must be seeking that infamous Colbert Bump, since he's been finding himself entrenched in scandal after scandal (most recently the stoopidly named Tourgate, in which Johnson was given an after-hours tour by a security guard, including a chance to sit in the mayor's chair), although he seems to have been able to maintain a healthy lead in the polls.

But wait... upon closer inspection, the press releae declares that he will appear on The Report on November 13... 9 days after the election. What's this now... an early declaration of victory? And why would the notoriously media-shy candidate go on a show that's famous for making politicians look like fools?

I don't understand the reasoning behind it, but I'll certainly be front-and-center to watch on November 13 (especially if he doesn't win the election).