As the host of a late-night show, Stephen Colbert is no stranger to tackling tough topics and making light of unusual situations. On a recent episode, Colbert discussed a range of issues, from Robert F Kennedy Jr's surreal workout video to a recent poll that found 47% of Americans believe Donald Trump is racist.
Colbert, who was feeling under the weather but still managed to deliver his signature wit, focused on Kennedy's bizarre clip, which featured the health secretary working out with Kid Rock in a video that Colbert described as 'senior softcore'. The host played a clip of the 'Rock Out Work Out' video, which included shark attacks, taxidermized bears, and plenty of American flags, leaving Colbert to wonder why it made him feel like he 'dropped acid at a Cracker Barrel'.
The Maha clip, which featured Kennedy and Kid Rock working out together in tight jeans, left Colbert questioning the health secretary's fashion choices. 'Working out in tight jeans is not what a sauna is for,' said Colbert, before joking that saunas are actually for 'accidentally seeing your dad's friend's penis and never getting it out of your head for the rest of your life'.
From Workout Videos to Heartwarming Stories
In a lighter moment, Colbert discussed the story of Punch, a six-month-old macaque who has taken the internet by storm. After being rejected by his mother, Punch found comfort in an orangutan plushie given to him by zookeepers, with adorable clips of the baby monkey and his stuffed toy going viral.
Colbert noted that Punch's specific stuffed monkey is the Djungelskog model from Ikea, which retails for just $19.99. 'We looked it up, and we could all use some comfort right about now – so I bought one,' said Colbert, before producing the stuffed toy to cooing audience reactions.
Tribute to a Civil Rights Icon
Colbert also took a moment to pay tribute to Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who died this week at the age of 84. 'Reverend Jackson will be remembered as a compassionate leader, something we're in short supply of these days,' said Colbert.
Americans' Perception of Donald Trump
In a more serious moment, Colbert discussed a recent poll by the Economist/YouGov, which found that 47% of Americans say that Donald Trump is racist. 'Not a great sign that it seems reasonable to include that question in the poll,' commented Colbert.
The host went on to explain that 49% of Americans surveyed described the president as corrupt, 46% called him cruel, and 50% said he was dangerous. 'Unfortunately, the other 50% say that ladies love a bad boy,' joked Colbert, before asking the audience if they agreed, to which they responded with a resounding 'no'.
