Stephen Colbert bids heartfelt farewell to President Joe Biden with Late Show honor
By Matt Moore
Monday night gave The Late Show with Stephen Colbert its chance to react to President Joe Biden ending his reelection campaign. In a heartfelt monologue, Stephen Colbert bid a fond farewell to the president and former Late Show guest.
After adamantly stating he'd stay in the race, Joe Biden shocked the world on Sunday when he announced he would not run for a second term. He immediately endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, and most of the Democratic Party followed.
President Biden earned praise for putting his country and party ahead of his ego by stepping aside. Stephen Colbert echoed those sentiments during his monologue on Monday night.
"Personally speaking, I am going to miss Joe Biden," Colbert admitted. The CBS host then recalled interviewing Biden on The Late Show in 2015 and encouraging the then-vice president to run for president.
"And I believe he's been a great president," Colbert continued. Touting Biden's accomplishments, Colbert highlighted navigating the pandemic, improving the economy, and restoring America's standing on the world stage.
"And most inspiring of all, at no time was he Donald Trump," Colbert added. It wouldn't be a Late Show monologue without a dig at Donald Trump. Colbert made sure not to miss the opportunity to contrast the political rivals at least one more time.
Stephen Colbert retired his Joe Biden material
But Stephen Colbert didn't stop at just heaping praise on President Joe Biden. The comedian also gave the president something of a Late Show honor.
First, Colbert announced that he was officially retiring the "Joe Biden aviators" he wore as part of his impersonation in countless monologues. The shades received a prominent resting place on set next to Captain America's sheild.
Then, Colbert revealed that he also retired his collection of "Joe Biden is old jokes." Biden's age was his biggest red flag as a candidate and also low-hanging fruit for shows like The Late Show, Saturday Night Live, and more. But don't worry, Colbert plans to use all those jokes on Donald Trump now.
Colbert has not only interviewed Joe Biden on TV but also hosted fundraising events for the president. It wouldn't be a stretch to imagine Colbert will invite Biden back to the Ed Sullivan Theater before his White House tenure is up.