Stephen Colbert, the host of CBS’s “The Late Show,” managed to turn an ordinary interview into a moment of unintended humor during his recent conversation with CNN journalist Kaitlan Collins.
The late-night segment, intended to explore serious political topics, took a humorous turn when Colbert made a comment that left his New York City audience in stitches.
During the interview, Colbert began a question by saying, “I know you guys are objective over there, that you just report the news as it is…” This remark was almost instantly met with laughter from the audience, who clearly interpreted it as a jab at CNN’s widely debated objectivity. CNN has often been accused of having a left-leaning bias, a sentiment that resonated with Colbert’s audience.
Noticing the reaction, Collins, who was clearly taken aback, responded, “Is that supposed to be a laugh line?”
Colbert, who appeared slightly embarrassed, tried to defend his statement but eventually conceded with a wry smile, “It wasn’t supposed to be, but I guess it is.” The interaction highlighted the public’s skepticism toward the media’s impartiality, even from those who are perceived to be on the same ideological spectrum.
The interview was intended to delve into the presidential race, particularly focusing on the recent developments following President Joe Biden’s decision to step down from his re-election bid. Collins, who has covered the White House extensively, shared her insights on the Democratic campaign’s dynamics. She noted that the sudden shift from Biden to Kamala Harris as the Democratic nominee had thrown former President Donald Trump’s campaign strategy into disarray.
“Trump has kind of been thrown on his heels by this and he’s not really sure how to go after Vice President Harris. He knew his attack lines on President Biden. He really has struggled with how to go after someone who’s 20 years younger than him, who is a different gender, a different race,” Collins explained. Her comment reflects the challenges Trump faces as he attempts to recalibrate his campaign strategy against a new opponent who differs significantly from his previous rival.
Collins also pointed out that Trump’s tactics, which were effective against Biden, may not work as well against Harris, and she reiterated the difficulties Trump faces in finding a consistent line of attack against the Vice President.
The discussion also touched on the broader implications of Harris’s nomination, particularly how it has shifted the focus of the media and the public. Collins mentioned that the Democratic ticket’s new energy has made it harder for Trump to dominate the headlines as he did in previous campaigns. “You predicted this, I don’t know if you remember,” Collins said to Colbert, “But I did my research, and you predicted that if Harris became the nominee, there would be a lot of enthusiasm behind her, and Donald Trump would not be able to break into the headlines. And that’s where he is right now.”
The light-hearted nature of Colbert’s show often allows for moments where humor and serious discussion intersect, but this particular segment highlighted the public’s complicated relationship with the media. Colbert’s off-the-cuff remark about CNN’s objectivity was a stark reminder of the challenges news organizations face in maintaining public trust.
In the end, the interview provided a moment of levity in an otherwise serious discussion, reflecting the complex interplay between politics, media, and public perception in today’s highly charged environment.