Political Science Association, contributions to Democratic politicians rose 40% for 30 days after an appearance on the show.[62] Recurring characters[edit]

Colbert Bump[edit]
The boost in popularity many of Colbert's guests receive after appearing on the show has been nicknamed the "Colbert Bump". The first major instance of the "Bump" was after Colbert's 2007 interview with Congressman Ron Paul, who climbed two percentage points in Republican Party Primary polls after his appearance on the show.[60] The show's audience hits a highly valuable demographic both for politicians and advertisers, and Colbert has been able to get the "Colbert Nation" behind many different intitiatives, including the charity effort at donorschoose.org.[61] According to the American Political Science Association, contributions to Democratic politicians rose 40% for 30 days after an appearance on the show.[62]
Recurring characters[edit]
Main article: List of The Colbert Report characters
While the show is largely dominated by Colbert, there are a number of recurring characters who appear periodically. Colbert will frequently address the show's director, Jimmy—a reference to real-life Colbert Report director Jim Hoskinson—and will sometimes converse with him. On the rare occasions Jimmy has appeared on screen, he has been portrayed by staff writer Peter Gwinn. Building manager Tad, portrayed by Paul Dinello, has appeared on the show multiple times to host special segments. Other recurring members of Colbert's fictional staff have included Meg the intern (played by Meg DeFrancesco), Jay the intern (played by staff writer Jay Katsir), Bobby the stage manager (played by Eric Drysdale) and Killer (uncredited). Colbert himself has portrayed his character's Cuban alter ego, Esteban Colberto; and his Chinese alter ego, Ching Chong Ding Dong.
Early in the show's run, Stephen occasionally encountered Russ Lieber, a liberal media personality character portrayed by David Cross. Tim Meadows has also appeared on the show as P.K. Winsome, a black Republican and hucksterish entrepreneur.
An inanimate character was created in response to Supreme Court ruling to lift the Washington, D.C. gun ban. Sweetness is a black Colt Detective Special that Colbert can hear talk to him. He will often converse with Sweetness by holding her up to his ear and then relaying what she has said to the audience.
Colbert has also voiced Wilford Brimley in false phone conversations. Gorlock, Colbert's alien financial adviser, is another recurring character mentioned on the show. During June 2009, Jeff Goldblum frequently appeared to make supposedly spontaneous speeches that would inevitably finish with him promoting Law & Order: Criminal Intent.[63][64][65][66]
Additionally, R.E.M. lead vocalist Michael