Late Show host Stephen Colbert called Jeb Bush out on Wednesday for raising campaign funds using tickets to their interview next week as the prize.
"I think the contest is a great idea, but here's the thing: no one from Jeb's campaign asked me if this was OK with me to raise money off my first show," Colbert said in a new video promoting his Sept. 8 debut. "Where's my cut of that sweet three bucks, governor?"
Colbert explained that the former Florida governor emailed supporters offering them tickets to the taping, saying they could enter by donating $3 or more to the campaign for the chance to get an experience "[they'll] still be talking about 20 years from now."
"Yes, you'll be talking about it 20 years from now -- when the next Bush is running for office," Colbert quipped.
In response, Colbert launched his own online contest. Participants are asked to donate $3 toward the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which assists injured military service members and their families, and submit one "non-obscene" question. The winner and a guest will be flown into New York City for the show with accommodations paid for, and their question will be read on the air.
"For example, one question might be, 'Don't you wish you'd consulted Stephen before launching your contest?'" Colbert suggested, adding that he might throw in dinner with the show's lead production accountant as a bonus.
Update, 6:38 p.m. EST: A CBS spokesperson told the Associated Press that Bush's contest was not coordinated with the network.
Meanwhile, Bush's campaign told the Weekly Standard in a statement," We think Stephen’s piece is hilarious. It's a comedy show, folks!"
Watch Colbert's response to Bush, as posted on Wednesday, below.
