Though he’s been covering it all week, The Late Show host Stephen Colbert didn’t watch the third night of the RNC — and while he’s aware he “didn’t do his job,” he couldn’t be happier with his choice.
“Right now in America, we’re facing a global pandemic that has killed 180,000, heavily armed Rambo wannabees are murdering people in our streets, the strongest hurricane in the history of the Gulf Coast is making landfall as I speak, and the RNC’s message is: ‘Who’s up for four more years?'”
Colbert put it plainly in his frustrated monologue on Wednesday, while mapping out a string of the Trump administration’s ethically problematic, self-indulgent, and law-violating moves, and then criticising the RNC’s blatant fear-mongering strategy (something Trevor Noah also pointed out).
“Why should we pay attention to what they’re saying if none of what they’re saying tonight is about what’s happening in America right now?” Colbert said. “Why should we watch their reality show if it doesn’t reflect our reality?”
Colbert wrapped up by backing the NBA walkout over the shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and highlighting the emotional message given by Los Angeles Clippers head coach Doc Rivers about police violence.
“Until we the people change this administration, we will continue to get more leadership from the NBA than the RNC,” said Colbert.