In a recent episode of the talk show “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” host Stephen Colbert delved into the scandal surrounding New York Congressman George Santos. Colbert wasted no time in describing the House Ethics report on Santos as a damning indictment of his behavior. The report revealed that Santos had exploited his House candidacy for personal financial gain, spending donor funds on designer goods, lavish Atlantic City trips, and even smaller purchases on OnlyFans.
Colbert, never one to hold back, sarcastically remarked on Santos’ supposed fiscal responsibility, saying, “Excuse me, miss. I’m focused on fiscal responsibility, so how ’bout a buck fifty just for some elbow cleavage? Just zoom in to this area. Imagination will take it from there.”
The report also exposed instances where Santos used campaign funds for Botox treatments. Santos’ response to this accusation was, according to Colbert, a rollercoaster of emotions, ranging from anger to sadness to happiness to fear. Colbert’s comedic commentary on the absurdity of the situation had the audience laughing.
Despite the scathing findings in the report, it did not recommend expulsion from Congress, citing the need for a longer process. Colbert humorously suggested that the longer process be undertaken, emphasizing the importance of holding elected officials accountable.
However, Santos announced that he would not seek re-election for a second term after the report’s release. Colbert expressed his relief, jokingly thanking the heavens that he would no longer have endless content for his show. And even though Santos won’t be running again, Colbert playfully mentioned that he has already endorsed a new candidate for 2024: Kitara Rivache.
Colbert didn’t just focus on Santos; he also took a dig at the overall productivity (or lack thereof) of the current Congress. He highlighted how this Congress is on track to be the least productive since the Great Depression, drawing boos from the audience. Colbert also noted the frustration expressed by Texas Representative Chip Roy, who demanded that his Republican colleagues accomplish something meaningful during their time in power.
Shifting gears, Colbert turned his attention to a meeting between President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Although the details of the meeting remained undisclosed, Colbert playfully imagined what went into their mouths during the four-hour closed-door meeting with a menu featuring tarragon roasted heritage chicken and charred broccolini. Colbert also praised Biden’s response to a question about whether he trusted President Xi, quoting Ronald Reagan’s famous line “trust but verify.”
Adding a touch of comedy, Colbert referenced a recent gesture of goodwill between the U.S. and China: the commitment to send new pandas to the United States. Colbert jokingly expressed his excitement at the prospect of getting new pandas and engaged in a humorous exchange with one of his writers, Brian Stack, about a potential joke involving the restaurant Panda Express.
In the end, Colbert’s lively commentary showcased his entertaining and satirical take on the latest scandal in Congress, as well as the humorous side of international diplomacy. As always, “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” delivered an engaging and humorous take on the week’s topics.
