The Colbert Report and the US debt limit debate

I've typically found the Colbert Report to be one of the more nuanced shows out there, but particularly in reference to the show's comments on the U.S. debt ceiling discussions that seems to be crumbling. He's been pretty consistent at staying in character as a satirical play on the over-the-top Republican commentator, but on the debt ceiling he seems to have lost that element in favour of boring old Democratic party line.

The assertions you are find that it's the end of the economy, Democrats are doing nothing but caving to every demand, etc. Are most of his writers on vacation or something? There are lots of things that could be noted here, ranging from a certain Illinois senator's words in 2006 on why the debt ceiling shouldn't be raised, or that rather than the Republicans insisting on draconian cuts, the rating agencies are reporting that neither plan makes sufficient cuts - it seems to simply decrease the rate at which spending increases.

What happened to the more nuanced Colbert? Looking at studies of the show's impact, one found a boost in fundraising to Democrats (but not Republicans) who appeared on the show, while simultaneously another study reported that:

when young adults are exposed to The Colbert Report's humor, they are not led to be more critical of the far right. Instead, the opposite happens, and there is an increased affinity for President Bush, Republicans in Congress, and Republican policies. Ironically, Colbert's attempts to poke fun at conservative commentators may be helping those same commentators spread their message.