Stephen Colbert uses alcohol to get U.N. chief Ban Ki-Moon to dish about 'crazy' world leaders

(Image credit: Late Show)

published 18 September 2015

United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon is a seasoned diplomat, Stephen Colbert conceded on Thursday's Late Show, but he still tried to get the U.N. chief to dish about the "crazy world leaders" he's encountered. "What are some of the most difficult people you've had to deal with over the years?" Colbert asked. "Let's dish."

"I've got lots of secret stories to tell you," Ban replied. "Maybe when I retire I can do it." Colbert handed him a pink drink in a martini glass, and Ban actually took a sip. He was probably going to tell his one story, about Moammar Gadhafi, anyway, but the drink adds a nice flourish. It's pretty crazy in any case. "There are better stories than that?" Colbert marveled. Here's hoping he has Ban on again when his term as secretary general is over. Peter Weber

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Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.