Stephen Colbert puts Brett Kavanaugh's views on above-the-law presidents in proper context

"I don't know about you, but I am still recovering from watching America's Next Top Justice last night," Stephen Colbert said on Tuesday's Late Show, and he indirectly explained why: "I had a little drinking game: I would pour myself a drink every time my glass was empty." But thanks to President Trump picking federal appellate Judge Brett Kavanaugh as his nominee for Supreme Court, at least "I have Trump nomination BINGO," he added. "See? It's all squares that say 'White Guy.'"
Colbert said he was skeptical of any Supreme Court justice named "Brett," but noted that the nominee's "full name is Brett Michael Kavanaugh, so it is possible Trump thought he was nominating Poison lead singer and winner of Celebrity Apprentice Brett Michaels. At least we'll know his stand on the landmark case of Nothing v. Good Time." Everyone is wondering about the future of Roe v. Wade, he added. "Some fear Kavanaugh would overturn Roe, while others hope Kavanaugh would overturn Roe. Either way, Kavanaugh took great pains last night to reassure us that he knows some women."
Of course Trump probably picked Kavanaugh for a completely different reason, Colbert said, pointing to the judge's 2009 argument that Congress should pass a law exempting a sitting president from criminal prosecution, investigation, or questioning from prosecutors or defense counsel. Kavanaugh didn't always feel that way — he helped prosecute President Bill Clinton — but he had a change of heart working in the George W. Bush White House. "So he thinks the president should be above the law because his job is hard?" Colbert asked. "Well in that case, I say moms of three or more kids ought to be able to murder at will." He went on to touch on Kavanaugh's gun-rights opinions and why he's sometimes called "the Forrest Gump of Republican politics," complete with clip. 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.
-
Today's political cartoons - March 8, 2025
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - trade wars, healthcare costs, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Marbled tea eggs recipe
The Week Recommends With a beautiful exterior, these eggs are also marked by their soft yolk
By The Week UK Published
-
The Washington Post: kowtowing to Trump?
Talking Point The newspaper's opinion editor has handed in his notice following edict from Jeff Bezos
By The Week UK Published
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Louvre is giving 'Mona Lisa' her own room
Speed Read The world's most-visited art museum is getting a major renovation
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Drake claims illegal boosting, defamation
Speed Read The rapper accused Universal Music of boosting Kendrick Lamar's diss track and said UMG allowed him to be falsely accused of pedophilia
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