Stephen Colbert, the longtime host of The Late Show, put an end to any serious speculation about a 2028 White House bid, telling audiences that he “absolutely” should not run for president—though, in classic Colbert fashion, he wrapped his disclaimer in grandiose satire.
Speaking at Slate’s Political Gabfest on December 18, Colbert leaned into his theatrical style while making the obvious point. “Yeah, I absolutely should not run for president,” he said, before adding with mock gravitas, “I understand why you’d want me to.” He then launched into a dramatic monologue about consulting his family and faith leader to determine if he’s being called to “greater service to this nation,” invoking the Founding Fathers and America’s role as the “last best hope of mankind.” The crowd erupted in chants of his name, as Colbert delivered the kind of performative flourish that has defined his career.
His fellow panelists, former CBS anchor John Dickerson and New York Times writer Emily Bazelon, quickly agreed with Colbert’s self-assessment, with Bazelon bluntly calling the idea “miserable.”
For conservatives and skeptics of Hollywood political theatrics, Colbert’s musings were little more than another reminder of the left’s tendency to elevate celebrities into political relevance. The 2007 presidential primary stunt, when Colbert attempted to run as a Democrat under his satirical Colbert Report persona, is still fresh in memory. He even paid the $2,500 fee to appear on the South Carolina Democratic primary ballot—only to be rejected by the state’s Democratic executive council, who determined he was not a serious candidate.
Colbert flirted with another run in 2012, forming a committee to enter the South Carolina primary once more, but failed to meet the filing deadlines. Yet, despite these failed attempts, some on the left continue to toy with the idea of celebrity candidates, further highlighting the widening disconnect between the Democratic Party and traditional political experience.
During the Gabfest, Colbert also embraced Dickerson in a bittersweet moment as the latter delivered his final broadcast for CBS Evening News. The hug ended with Colbert flashing his middle finger, a trademark irreverence that blends showmanship with pointed commentary—though likely leaving more traditional Americans shaking their heads.
CBS has announced that The Late Show with Stephen Colbert will air its final episode in May 2026, marking the end of an era for a network late-night host whose brand of partisan comedy has often strayed into political commentary. For conservatives, Colbert’s posturing serves as a reminder that Hollywood’s push for political influence often comes with style but lacks substance.
While Colbert’s rhetoric is dramatic, his lack of seriousness as a political candidate is clear. The idea of a late-night comedian or actor holding the highest office remains a cautionary tale for voters tired of celebrity activism overshadowing governance. Colbert may enjoy the cheers of his audience and the occasional left-wing think-piece elevating his every word, but the reality is simple: he is a performer, not a policymaker—and that distinction matters, especially as Americans face serious challenges that require experience, not satire.
