Stephen Colbert mocks CNN for its bizarre 'fan fiction' about Joe Biden showing up at Tuesday's debate

Stephen Colbert mocks CNN for Joe Biden &quot;fan fiction&quot;

(Image credit: Late Show)

Monday's Late Show audience was pumped about Tuesday night's Democratic presidential debate. "You just made the people at CNN turgid," Stephen Colbert said after their cheers. He introduced Tuesday night's lineup — well, at least two of the five candidates — then noted that CNN is really hoping for a sixth: Vice President Joe Biden. "They've got an extra podium, just in case Biden drops by, like you do," Colbert said. "You know, this year's presidential debates are basically an open-mic night — could be Biden, could be Carrot Top."

But CNN isn't just hoping Biden will drop by — reporter Jim Acosta spun a pretty elaborate fantasy involving Biden, aviator glasses, and a yellow Corvette. As long as "we're reporting breaking, up-to-the-minute fan fiction," Colbert said, why stop at Biden making a surprise appearance? For the next minute or so, Colbert poked fun at Acosta and one-upped him, unveiling his own podium for Biden and fantasizing about who else might show up at the Democratic debate. The "bizarro world" Donald Trump might give you nightmares. Watch below. 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.