Stephen Colbert’s five best monologues of 2020
By Matt Moore
2. Stephen Colbert speaks out against government intimidation
Time and time again in 2020, Stephen Colbert’s monologues sounded more like a public service announcement or a call to action than part of a comedy show. It was indicative of what was at stake this year and the personal responsibility Colbert felt when discussing it.
In June, a number of protests against social injustice and systemic racism were being held around the country. Violence against these demonstrators was exposed and when President Trump’s administration added to the tension, Colbert decided he had to speak out.
This monologue does feature some solid punchlines but it was much more of a message of hope and inspiration to Americans. It’s obvious that the sight of unidentifiable law enforcement agents patrolling Washington, D.C. was something that shook Colbert.
Colbert chose commentary over comedy in this monologue and it was an effective decision. The Late Show host argued that President Trump was afraid of the American people and could see the inevitable change on the horizon. The monologue featured one of Colbert’s best quotes from 2020:
"There are just too many voices in too many cities and towns from Hawaii to Maine all demanding that every American receive equally the first government benefit ever promised us: the right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. And you’re not going to intimidate them."