Round One: Colbert Vs. The GOP

As of September 8th, Stephen Colbert became the new host of the Late Show on CBS. There is no better time to be a late night talk show host than during election season. Last Tuesday Colbert talked politics and poked fun at a few GOP candidates. Colbert uses a creative combination of comedy and factual evidence to publicize current events in a convincing and funny manner.

Towards the beginning of the show he calls the presidential race the “Hungry for Power Games.” He then proceeds to wear a blue wig and eyebrows imitating the look of the news reporter Caesar Flickerman from the Hunger Games. He then goes on to say, “Last week the games lost a brave fighter in Rick Perry, I’d like to say he has gone to a better place, but he lives in Houston.” He announces political news but he does it in a funny and appealing way. Colbert then says that the “Games” lost another tribute, Scott Walker. Scott Walker justified his withdrawal by saying, “I was sitting in church yesterday and the pastor’s words reminded me that the bible is full of stories of about people who are called to be leaders in unusual ways, today, I believe that I am being called to lead by clearing the field.” Then, Colbert goes on to point out that two months ago, Walker announced his candidacy by saying “running was God’s calling… I am certain: This is God’s plan for me.” Colbert then says, “In other words god said, I have chosen you Scott Walker, to- SIKEEE!” After bashing Walker for a few more minutes Colbert finishes off by saying, “now he returns to Americas dairy land, having learned that America’s voters are Walker Intolerant.” Colbert uses evidence and quotes from candidates as well as well written puns to make political news fun.

Up next, Colbert introduces Donald Trump. Colbert discusses campaign funding with Trump and how raising money for campaigns can have negative effects. Trump stated that wealthy people who fund politician’s campaigns “own” those politicians. That is why Trump is paying for his own campaign; he doesn’t wish to be “owned.” Colbert then asks Trump if he ever “owned” any politicians. Colbert uses this casual political banter to see if he can get the inside scoop on who Trump “owned” in the past. A little over halfway into the show, Colbert asks Trump if he believes Obama was actually born in the U.S. Trump avoids the question and says he doesn’t worry about those things anymore, he says he is focuses on the real problems with jobs and the issues in the Middle East.

Colbert’s wit and creativity makes his show appealing and funny. His next challenge is to live up to David Letterman’s reputation on the Late Show.