Stephen Colbert colorfully recaps the first Clinton-Trump debate live

Stephen Colbert recaps the first Trump-Clinton debate
(Image credit: Late Show)

The Late Show went on live Monday night, right after the first presidential debate between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump, and "coming into tonight's debate, Democrats were divided between two strong emotions: panic and pants-crapping," Stephen Colbert said. "Democrats have not been this nervous since Anthony Weiner asked to borrow their phone."

"The expectations for the two sides were very different," Colbert noted. "For Hillary to win, she had to be confident but not smug, knowledgeable without being a know-it-all, charming but not affected, commanding but not shrill, also likable, warm, authoritative, and not coughing. Meanwhile, Donald Trump had to not commit murder — on camera — and that low bar was reflected in Donald Trump's debate prep," which reportedly involved eating burgers and coming up with zingers. "He may not have prepared, but it also looked like he didn't," Colbert said. "Meanwhile, Hillary was so prepared my new nickname for her is Preparation H."

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Peter Weber, The Week US

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.