The 2012 Republican presidential primaries witnessed the return of yet another 2008 contender: Stephen Colbert.

The Comedy Central host made a tardy (and satirical) entrance to the race in South Carolina earlier this month, thanks, in part, to the support of his collegue Jon Stewart. 

Together, the two used Colbert’s candidacy - and their loyal fan base - to draw attention to the power and role so-called Super PACs play in American politics today.

But why are comedians like Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart so popular? Al Gini shares his thoughts:

Al Gini is a professor of business ethics and chair of the department of management at Loyola University Chicago. He is also the co-founder and associate editor of Business Ethics Quarterly,and the author of several books, including My Job, My Self and Seeking the Truth of Things: Confessions of a (catholic) Philosopher.