Summary
- Trump boosted Colbert's ratings but backstage, he was different.
- Colbert apologized to Trump for past statements, but no shared apologies.
- Fans find it strange to watch Trump and Colbert interact now.
Over the years, Stephen Colbert hasn't been quiet about his true feelings regarding the former President of the United States, Donald Trump. In turn, Trump has taken shots of his own at Colbert. Trump has said that he boosted Colbert's rating at one point in which the show was slowly dying.
Trump was correct in the fact that his interview brought in the ratings. Over on YouTube, the rare interview has 17 million views. In the following, we're going to take a look back at the chat, and what took place behind the scenes prior. According to Colbert's assessment, Trump was very different backstage compared to in front of the camera. We'll reveal what Colbert had to say, and so much more between the two.
Howard Stern Was Repeatedly Booed During His Interview With Stephen Colbert For Praising Donald Trump
Four years ago, Stephen Colbert's crowd turned on Howard Stern after he brought up Donald Trump.
Stephen Colbert Said Donald Trump Was "Clubbish" Backstage, But Put On A Persona For Their Interview
Eight years ago, fans witnessed an interview they thought they'd never see between Donald Trump and Stephen Colbert. Truthfully, it was the first and only time the two would ever take part in an interview together. The interview has over 17 million views on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's YouTube channel.
The interview got off to a surprising start with Colbert apologizing to Trump for his past words.
"I want to apologize to you. I've said a few things about you over the years that are impolite, and perhaps unforgivable."
Trump was also given a platform to apologize, but did not do so. The interview was filled with awkward moments, like Trump calling the host, "Steven." Nonetheless, it made for entertaining television and an interview fans couldn't get enough of.
However, it seems like things were different behind the scenes. According to Colbert, Trump was very different backstage, and kind of low-key.
Colbert revealed, "Backstage, he's just like some guy you might meet at a club. I mean 'country club,' not like disco. He's very clubbish and he's kind of innocuous in a way. There's nothing particularly remarkable about him."
The host added that Trump changes once the cameras go on. "Then he puts on a persona for a camera, and the persona he gave me when he was on the show the first time was actually very quiet and very reserved."
Overall, Colbert was disappointed by the interview and wouldn't have Trump back on the show.
"I did once. I wouldn't want to anymore," Colbert said. "He was actually kind of disappointing. He played 'the reasonable man.' He's always kinda in persona mode. Sometimes he plays, like, the 'rallying populist' and other times he plays the 'reasonable man."
David Letterman Couldn't Believe The Treatment He Was Given In His Dressing Room Prior To His Interview With Stephen Colbert
David Letterman admitted things were completely different behind the scenes with Stephen Colbert in charge compared to his days.
Colbert had other notes about the interview, and that included the fact that he was "reserved" during their interview.
Stephen Colbert Admits He Was Holding Himself Back During The Interview
Colbert said he wouldn't do it again, but according to his words with The Washington Post, he was satisfied with his interview alongside Donald Trump. Some thought Colbert went easy on him, and the host himself admitted he was holding things back during their chat.
“I was determined when the show began to lay down my sword and shield by the riverside, to see whether there was some way to have a public conversation that didn’t end up in fighting,” he said. “But I was determined to not stick a knife in.”
Once again, despite the success of the interview, Colbert wouldn't do it again.
“I’m not sure if I’d ever want another bite of that apple, though,” he said. “Talk about sipping poison. Because I’m not sure if there’s any way for you to bite that apple and not get his disease.”
He continues, “I think just for safety’s sake it wouldn’t be a good idea.”
Stephen Colbert Was Caught Cutting To Commercial After An Uncomfortable Interview Bit With A "Banned" Comedian
Stephen Colbert looked out of it on the Late Show during an interview with a high energy comedian.
Although Colbert won't have Trump on the show again, fans are still watching the interview back all these years later.
Fans Feel Strange Watching The Interview Back Years Later
Over 30K fans commented on YouTube. Some of the comments are as recent as hours, and days ago. Fans are well aware that the interview won't happen again, especially given the shots fired from both sides.
The most liked comments on YouTube read, "It's so weird to see Trump and Stephen talking on his show. There's no way in hell they could do this now."
Another fan wrote, "Colbert laughing with Trump is a weird sight, this is definitely a time piece." Another fan wrote, "This aged well. They went from friendly to absolute enemies."
"Here it was awkward, but not as awkward as it'd've been if done today. Wow, sparks would fly if these two stood face to face again."
At least we'll always have the memories of this rare interview.
