Stephen Colbert Targets Trump’s Most Sensitive Weakness
Stephen Colbert, the host of “The Late Show,” delivered a pointed critique of former President Donald Trump following the recent State of the Union address. Colbert remarked on the negative impact Trump has on broadcast television, suggesting that CBS might consider canceling him.
Colbert’s Critique of Trump
During the Thursday night episode, Colbert noted that Trump’s presence was detrimental to television ratings. “If I were CBS, I’d cancel him,” he quipped, prompting loud cheers from the audience. This comment was particularly significant given that CBS announced plans to cancel “The Late Show” last year. The network cited financial reasons, coinciding with a merger involving its parent company, Paramount.
Ratings Insights
Despite the challenges, Colbert shared a positive update about his own ratings. He reported a 7% increase in viewership for the live edition of his show following the State of the Union, compared to the previous year’s post-speech show. Colbert suggested that audiences may enjoy watching him respond critically to Trump, even if they’re not fond of Trump’s presence.
Conclusion
- Show Impact: Colbert’s comments illustrate the contentious relationship between television and political figures.
- Ratings Boost: The increase in Colbert’s ratings reflects viewer engagement during political commentary.
- Network Decisions: CBS’s decision to cancel “The Late Show” raises questions about financial pressures in media.
This interplay of politics and entertainment remains a key issue in contemporary broadcast media, as highlighted by Colbert’s recent comments on Trump’s sensitive weaknesses.
