Seth Meyers: A Closer Look at Trump ignoring warnings and Pence declining a mask

Seth Meyers took aim at both President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence in A Closer Look.

“A Closer Look” segments on quarantined episodes of Late Night with Seth Meyers have almost exclusively focused on President Donald Trump. But on Wednesday night, Seth Meyers had reason to turn his attention towards Vice President Mike Pence as well.

Vice President Pence has gone largely without criticism during the pandemic, at least compared to other members of the administration. His press briefing appearances have struck a tone much more in line with what the public would expect from the president.

But Vice President Pence found himself in the middle of a controversy after visiting the Mayo Clinic. Pictures emerged showing the vice president not wearing a mask while talking with doctors and visiting with patients. This was a direct violation of the clinic’s policy, leading many to question why special rules were applied to Vice President Pence.

This came on the heels of a new report indicating that President Trump ignored warnings about COVID-19 included in his intelligent briefings back in January and February. Late Night couldn’t pick just one story to cover so instead both were the subject of “A Closer Look.”

This isn’t the first time Meyers has compared President Trump to an unprepared student delivering a book report. “A Closer Look” has often claimed the president does not read intelligence reports, bills, or even his speeches, leaving him to either lie or be unaware of some fact.

Given the consequences of his ignorance on COVID-19, Meyers isn’t in a forgiving mood here. In a matter of two or three jokes, President Trump is downgraded from an unprepared high school student to a fussy toddler.

But ignoring experts is nothing new for President Trump, Meyers argues. He points to the president’s comments that he likely would not wear a mask when in public. That same attitude has trickled down to Vice President Mike Pence as evident by his Mayo Clinic visit.

Meyers isn’t buying Vice President’s Pence’s excuse that he skipped wearing a mask so that he could look people in the eye. It doesn’t make sense and is an obvious excuse to, as Meyers suggests, appease the president.

“A Closer Look” sums things up by arguing the behavior of the White House is reflective of the entire conservative movement. Meyers is harsh in his assessment, calling out the lies and hypocrisy he sees among politicians, pundits, and organizations that violate their own values and beliefs. It goes to one of Late Night‘s most common themes exposing those thinking they are above the law.

What did you think of this edition of “A Closer Look?” Let us know in the comment section below. Be sure to check back with Last Night On for more from Late Night with Seth Meyers and the rest of late night television.  For more information about COVID-19, visit the CDC’s website or the website for your state’s Department of Health.