Stephen Colbert delivered a heartfelt tribute to President Joe Biden during Monday night’s Late Show monologue, applauding Biden’s decision to withdraw from the 2024 presidential race as a “selfless act.” Colbert, known for his comedic portrayal of Biden wearing aviator sunglasses, bid farewell to the iconic prop in honor of the president’s announcement.
“I want to salute this good man for the selfless act of stepping aside from being the most powerful person in the world for the greater good,” Colbert praised. Drawing historical parallels, he likened Biden to figures like Roman general Cincinnatus and George Washington, highlighting the significance of Biden’s decision.
Colbert read excerpts from Biden’s withdrawal letter, describing it as a testament to courage, grace, humility, and patriotism. Injecting his trademark humor, Colbert quipped, “I will tell you one thing, that guy would make a great president.”
Reflecting on Biden’s tenure, Colbert reminisced about his encouragement to Biden to run for president back in 2015, noting Biden’s achievements in steering the country through the pandemic, revitalizing the economy, and reaffirming America’s global standing. He also humorously announced his retirement of “Joe Biden is old” jokes, teasing their transformation into “Donald Trump is old” jokes, given Trump’s status as the oldest presidential nominee ever.
Colbert concluded the monologue with a nod to Vice President Kamala Harris, who accepted Biden’s endorsement for her presidential campaign, and celebrated the viral fame of Charli XCX’s album “brat,” which has sparked numerous online memes featuring Harris.
In a playful twist, Colbert showcased his dance skills with a TikTok dance to “Apple,” embracing the cultural moment and adding a dynamic flair to the evening’s show. His lively performance underscored the intersection of comedy, politics, and pop culture that defines his Late Show tenure.
