Republican presidential candidate Jeb Bush will be one of Stephen Colbert’s first Late Show guests when the show returns to CBS next month, and he is apparently looking to turn the spot into a fundraising opportunity.
Early in his campaign, the former Florida Governor has had no issues raising the money necessary to mount his run at the White House. Despite his political and financial connections, Bush will be using Colbert to raise money from his supporters through an old-fashioned ticket raffle.
New York Daily News reports Jeb supporters received emails Friday, asking for donations of $3 for a chance to win a “VIP ticket” to The Late Show and even offered to pay for the winner’s trip to New York City.
“Running for president can be a taxing and grueling job, but it also presents you with some truly once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. Friend, I want to share one of those opportunities with you,” the email read, according to the Associated Press.
Chris Ender, a CBS spokesman, told the AP the network did not sanction the raffle.
“All guests on the show are provided audience tickets for their own use,” Ender said. “However, this promotion is not a coordinated tie-in between the show and the political campaign.”
It is common for late-night talk show guests to give their tickets away, however, most studio audience members receive theirs months in advance, and the tickets are generally free.
Bush will appear on Colbert’s inaugural Late Show, following a spot by actor George Clooney.
The Late Show with Stephen Colbert debuts on Tuesday, Sept. 8.
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