The Late Show with Stephen Colbert recently featured an episode that left viewers both entertained and informed. Host Stephen Colbert wasted no time in introducing the new Speaker of the House, Mike Johnson, who, up until recently, had very little name recognition. But despite this, House Republicans chose Johnson to take on the important role.
In typical Colbert fashion, he couldn’t resist making some quips about Johnson’s seemingly generic name. Colbert even asked the audience to clap if they knew anyone named Mike or Michael Johnson, suggesting that any of them would be a better fit for the Speaker of the House. Congressman Pat Fallon compared Johnson to Ronald Reagan, citing their shared height difference.
But not everyone was on board with the selection of Speaker Johnson. Indiana Senator Todd Young jokingly commented that they just needed a warm body at this point, likening the race for speaker to last call at a bar. Colbert couldn’t help but insert a humorous exchange between himself and his writer, Brian Stack, who had some off-the-cuff jokes about Einstein’s cousin and his theory of relativity.
Another topic discussed on the show was Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas and his recent scandal involving secret payments. It was revealed that Justice Thomas had failed to disclose multiple vacations paid for by billionaires, as well as a $267,000 loan he received for a luxury RV. Colbert humorously highlighted Thomas’s love for his RV, even imitating the sound of its horn.
In a somber moment, Colbert addressed a recent mass shooting in Maine, expressing his grief and horror at the tragic event. He emphasized that the issue of gun violence should not be a partisan one, urging viewers to reach out to their representatives and demand action, such as universal background checks and a ban on assault-style weapons.
Colbert ended the monologue by critiquing Speaker Johnson’s response to the tragedy, suggesting that leaving it at offering thoughts and prayers is not enough. He praised the resilience of the people in Maine, highlighting their strength and determination to face tragedy head-on.
Overall, The Late Show with Stephen Colbert delivered a mix of entertainment and insight in this particular episode. From witty remarks about Speaker Johnson’s name to shedding light on serious issues like secret payments and gun violence, Colbert kept his audience engaged and informed throughout the show.
