On a recent episode of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, the Emmy award-winning host of Last Week Tonight, John Oliver, made an appearance. With his signature wit and charm, Oliver discussed various topics including the upcoming election and his experience as a British citizen voting in the United States.
Oliver debunked the headlines that suggested he was teary-eyed and emotional, stating, “I’m British, I’m dead inside.” He clarified that any display of sincerity was simply shocking to people because they know he is known for his lack of emotional expression.
When asked about his voting experience, Oliver revealed that this election will mark his second time voting as an American citizen. While many Americans have already participated in early voting, Oliver prefers to vote in person on election day because he enjoys the romantic idea of waiting in line, savoring the democratic experience. He humorously remarked, “The longer the line, the better.”
Stephen Colbert inquired about the voting process in the UK, to which Oliver jokingly responded, “The candidates just go out grous hunting, and whoever has the most birds at the end of the day wins.” He further explained the stark difference between the UK and the US political systems, highlighting the sense of urgency and intensity that comes with American elections.
Known for his ability to convey complex information in an engaging manner, Colbert asked Oliver if he had any advice for the viewers before they hit the polls. Oliver compared the current situation to being a passenger on a plane with a troubled engine, hoping for a safe landing. He shared his frustration and the mixed emotions surrounding this election, emphasizing the need for unity and understanding.
The conversation then turned to a nostalgic moment as Colbert mentioned that this interview marked Oliver’s 19th appearance on The Late Show. They reminisced about a clip from Oliver’s first appearance nine years ago, where he declared his indifference towards Donald Trump, stating, “I couldn’t give less of a… it’s physically impossible.” Little did they know that Trump’s presidency would dominate the news cycle for years to come.
Oliver amusingly expressed his desire to return to a time when he didn’t have to care about Trump, yearning for a state of not giving a “you-know-what” about him. He highlighted the exhaustion of talking about elections too early and yearned for a future where he could go back to his original state of indifference.
As the interview concluded, Colbert humorously noted that Oliver’s indifference towards Trump had aged worse than Trump’s presidency itself. With his usual dry humor, Oliver playfully acknowledged this and expressed his wishes to reach a point where he no longer had to care about the current political landscape.
This entertaining and lively conversation between John Oliver and Stephen Colbert provided viewers with a unique perspective on voting, the election, and the journey of political engagement. As always, Oliver managed to inject humor and wit into even the weightiest discussions, making it an enjoyable and thought-provoking segment for fans of The Late Show and talk show enthusiasts alike.
