On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert kicked off the show by acknowledging and celebrating Juneteenth. Juneteenth, which marks the day in 1865 when enslaved people in Galveston, Texas learned of their freedom, is a significant day in American history. Colbert humorously imagined the reaction of the newly freed individuals upon receiving the news, joking that they probably had quite the celebration planned. He also highlighted that, historically, Juneteenth is a day for cookouts and barbecues, but also a time for rest and reflection.
As the conversation shifted, Colbert couldn’t help but address the heatwaves sweeping across the United States. In an entertaining twist, he connected the extreme heat to the difficulty of finding the right words, citing a new study. According to the study, speakers tend to use shorter words when it’s hot, equating the simplicity of language to losing half a month of education. Colbert amusingly referenced President Ronald Reagan’s “summertime speech” as an example of how hot weather affects political speeches.
But it’s not just language that suffers under the scorching sun; cognitive abilities and behavior are also impacted. The study found that hot weather can lead to lower math scores and increased aggression, from mean-spirited behavior to violent crime. Colbert humorously drew a connection between Nelly’s hit song “Hot in Herre” and the inspiration hot weather brings for aggression. He also jokingly mentioned a recent rally held by former President Donald Trump, suggesting that the heat may have had an effect on Trump’s unusual statements and accusations during the event.
Switching gears, Colbert highlighted Trump’s attempt to be nice during the rally, which resulted in some awkward moments. Trump praised the crowd, suggesting they could become “Hollywood stars” and jokingly comparing them to “cheese-fed uggos.” With his signature humor, Colbert unpacked Trump’s compliments and eccentricities, making light of his unconventional speaking style.
The segment concluded with an unexpected and humorous story from Vermont involving Democratic state representative Jim Carroll and his mysteriously soaked tote bag. Carroll discovered that his bag was repeatedly drenched with water without any clear cause. After setting up a hidden camera, the mystery was finally solved: Republican representative Mary Morrisy was responsible for the soggy pranks. Colbert comically likened this “tote bag caper” to a Vermont version of Watergate, highlighting the unconventional and lighthearted nature of the story.
In the true spirit of The Late Show, Colbert managed to inject his unique brand of humor into the topics at hand, entertaining viewers with his witty commentary on Juneteenth, the effects of heatwaves, Trump’s rally, and Vermont‘s peculiar tote bag mystery.
