Watch out, 2008 hopefuls -- the race just got a lot more crowded.

Stephen Colbert, host of a popular Comedy Central program that bears his name, announced last night that he is "joining" the presidential field. He's a lover of eagles, hater of bears, stealer of microwaves and supporter of wrist awareness.

He teased the decision on "The Daily Show," his alma mater, then announced his plans (to run as both a Republican and a Democrat, and only in South Carolina) on his own show a few minutes later, under a banner: "I'm doing it!"

"I am from South Carolina, I am for South Carolina," he said. "I defy any other candidate to pander more to the people of South Carolina, those beautiful, beautiful people."

Political pundits and fans moved quickly to analyze the decision. Jeff Greenfield of CBS appeared on the show immediately after the announcement, saying, "This could be it for Mike Gravel."

After noting Sen. Hillary Clinton has been quoting him on the campaign trail (it's true), he also predicted a Hillary Clinton concession speech after the South Carolina primary in January: "I concede to Stephen Colbert, he has crushed me."

--Christina Bellantoni, national political reporter, The Washington Times