Stephen Colbert explains the 'downside of narcissism' to Trump after the GOP's electoral drubbing
On Tuesday, Democrats celebrated the one-year anniversary of President Trump's election by stomping him at the ballot box, "using his archenemy, the popular vote," Stephen Colbert said on Wednesday's Late Show. He ran through some notable races, landing in Virginia and the Democrats' huge inroads in the state House of Deputies, an outcome that surprised both parties. "Both parties?" Colbert asked. "Even the Democrats didn't think the Democrats would win. 'What? No, people hate us. I demand a recount!'"
Trump had endorsed the Republican running for governor, Ed Gillespie, but immediately after his loss, "Trump threw him under the tweet bus," Colbert said. Trump was wrong, though, that Gillespie didn't embrace him. "Gillespie copied your whole playbook," he said. "He even copied the part where you lost the state of Virginia." In fact, "all of these elections were about you," Colbert told Trump, citing exit polls. "That's the problem with making everything about you, sir. It means everything, even losing, is about you. That's the downside of narcissism."
Trump was in Asia on Election Day, addressing the South Korean legislature, praising Korea's progress and his own. "That is a hard turn from Korean life expectancy to 'I won the election,'" Colbert said. "Do not have this man give the toast at your wedding." And Trump wasn't done talking about himself, touting his golf course and praising the "miracle" that's occurred in the U.S. over the past year. "It's true," Colbert said. "Ever since you were elected, all my water's turned to wine." He ended by shaking his head at Trump's secret trip to the DMZ, canceled by fog. "Watch out, Kim Jong Un!" Colbert warned. Trump "will rain down fire and fury the likes of which the world has never seen — unless it is misty." Watch below. Peter Weber
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
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.
-
'Without mandatory testing, bird flu will continue circulating at farms across the country'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Thirteen missing after Red Sea tourist boat sinks
Speed Read The vessel sank near the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Khan supporters converge on Islamabad
Speed Read Protesters clashing with Pakistani authorities are demanding the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published