Stephen Colbert digs deeper into Don Blankenship's bizarre campaigns for Senate, against 'Cocaine Mitch,' China
Don Blankenship, a Republican candidate for Senate in West Virginia, got some attention for a bizarre campaign ad he released Thursday evening, but Stephen Colbert wants you to know it wasn't his first dip into unconventional political advertising this week. "Blankenship came out swinging on Monday" with an ad in which he mentioned twice that he "went to prison for blowing up a coal mine," followed by another ad in which he hit back at "Cocaine Mitch." Colbert said on Thursday's Late Show, confused. "Are you saying that this Mitch McConnell is high on coke? Mitch, I say this as a friend: You need to do harder drugs ... something to kick the energy up."
Blankenship explained that he is talking about cocaine allegedly smuggled aboard a ship owned by Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell's father-in-law, James Chao, who was born in China. "Okay, so now you're liable for your father-in-law's crimes?" Colbert asked. "Watch out, Jared." But Blankenship also raised eyebrows for referring to Chao as a "wealthy Chinaperson." "Chinaperson? Mr. Blankenship, you're starting to sound like a real assperson," Colbert said. "A lot of folks took exception to the term 'Chinaperson,' but Donny defended himself," saying he also believes in "Koreanpersons" and "Africanpersons." Nope, "no one talks like that, except aliens trying to blend in," Colbert said.
McConnell's opposition to Blankenship's candidacy isn't personal so much as rooted in concern that if Blankenship wins the GOP nomination, the GOP will lose the race. Colbert wasn't terribly sympathetic on that point: "Yeah, Mitch, Obama wanted his nominee to be on the Supreme Court, but sometimes a shady bastard ruins your plans, am I right?" 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.
-
Long summer days in Iceland's highlands
The Week Recommends While many parts of this volcanic island are barren, there is a 'desolate beauty' to be found in every corner
By The Week UK Published
-
The Democrats: time for wholesale reform?
Talking Point In the 'wreckage' of the election, the party must decide how to rebuild
By The Week UK Published
-
5 deliciously funny cartoons about turkeys
Cartoons Artists take on pardons, executions, and more
By 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
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published