Stephen Colbert recapped Sunday's debate from his home study

Stephen Colbert recaps the debate from home

(Image credit: Late Show)

published 11 October 2016

The Late Show took the day off on Monday for Columbus Day, but Stephen Colbert worked anyway. "Welcome to not the show, with me, not at work," he said. "We're broadcasting from my study, and because we are coming to you from the internet, my co-host today will be this adorable, undecided kitty." The cat served as a useful tool for Colbert to use when discussing Donald Trump's leaked, lewd hot-mic tape. He did not dwell on Trump's vulgar boasts, saying only that "it was a really disturbing weekend, especially for parents who had to sit down and explain to their kids who Billy Bush was."

The main reason Colbert signed in to work from home was, of course, to talk about Sunday night's debate between Trump and Hillary Clinton. "Yesterday was the second presidential debate, and like with all sequels, it left you wondering: Why do they keep making these?" he said. He noted Trump's explanation for his crude remarks, asking: "By the way, what gym does Donald Trump belong to? In my locker room, we're just trying to avoid eye contact and gently encourage Old Man Wallace to put on a towel." He sang a song about instantly famous audience member Ken Bone, and talked about Clinton's demeanor and final answer.

"But one of the biggest moments of the night was when Trump took it hard to his opponent, Mike Pence," Colbert said. "So Trump hasn't spoken to Mike Pence, but I really think he should reach out soon, because at this point, I'm pretty sure Mike Pence is an undecided voter." There are some good jokes, though if Colbert does this again, he might want to consider a fake laugh track — having no audience really affects the comedy. 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.