Summary
- Colbert takes risks and doesn't shy away from controversial guests, as shown in his interviews with Bill Maher, Donald Trump, and Ted Cruz.
- Colbert defended Cruz when the audience booed him for his opinion on gay marriage, showing respect for his guest despite their differing views.
- Fans praised Colbert for his respectful handling of the interview moment with Cruz, appreciating his openness to allowing different viewpoints to be expressed.
Credit to Stephen Colbert, he takes major risks with his guests. Colbert doesn't shy away from those he doesn't see eye to eye with. That was the case with Bill Maher, as the two have opposite views. We've seen several other examples, including Colbert's time with Donald Trump, which we'll also examine a little later on.
However, as for the spotlight, we're going to take a closer look at Colbert's time alongside controversial guest, Ted Cruz. Colbert took a major risk bringing him on, and that was evidenced by the crowd reaction. When the interview seemed to be going off the rails, Colbert stepped in to defend his guest. We'll take a look back at that moment and how the audience reacted to it, including the fans at home. As expected, viewers had a lot to say.
Stephen Colbert Stepped In After Ted Cruz Was Booed For His Opinion On Gay Marriage
Stephen Colbert has had many controversial guests in the past. Ted Cruz in particular was one of them, and some of his comments weren't very popular with the audience. Credit to Ted Cruz for making the appearance to begin with, knowing what he was getting himself into. For that reason, Colbert was likely a little more inclined to defend his guest once the booing took place.
Things took a turn during the interview once Cruz discussed his opinion on gay marriage, and how it should be handled. He said, “What I’m fighting for are simple principles: live within our means, stop bankrupting our kids and grandkids, follow the constitution.” Colbert would then cut in and say, "And no gay marriage."
Once Cruz came back, that's when the boos started to accumulate. He said, “Under the constitution, marriage is a question for the states. The 10th amendment says if [the constitution] doesn’t mention it, it’s a question for the states. That’s in the Bill of Rights. If you want to change the marriage laws. […] I believe in democracy. I don’t think we should trust..." Cruz's words were cut by the fans booing, however, Colbert would address the audience.
“Guys, however you feel, he’s my guest, so please don’t boo him." As expected, Colbert was applauded for his reaction to the moment.
Fans Reacted Positively To Stephen Colbert Showing His Guest Respect
Posted to The Late Show with Stephen Colbert's YouTube channel, the interview got a lot of interest from fans, with 3.8 million views. As expected, fans were talking in the comment section of the video. Among the most liked comments included fans praising Stephen Colbert for the way he handled the interview moment.
"Stephen is a class act," the fan writes. "When most hosts would have relished the opportunity for their audience to shut an opponent down, he let Ted say his piece. We can't have an open dialogue in this country if we're trying to pigpile on someone every time a point of view we don't agree with is shared. How are we supposed to convince the people we're demonizing to come on our side if we treat them like garbage?"
Another fan writes, "I can't explain how happy it makes me that Colbert did not allow his audience to boo, it's so crucial to respect one another and allow one another to speak freely. I cannot express how much I appreciate this."
Colbert clearly handled the moment with class and in truth, he is respectful even with the guests he doesn't necessarily agree with. Donald Trump included...
Stephen Colbert Was Actually Apologetic During His Interview With Donald Trump
Fans were shocked to see Donald Trump take part in an interview alongside Stephen Colbert, especially given all the comments made by the Late Show host in the past. Colbert did address his past comments, and surprisingly apologized to Trump during their chat.
"I want to apologize to you. I've said a few things about you over the years that are impolite, and perhaps unforgivable."
Trump accepted the apology while also stating that Colbert has said good things as well... which Colbert didn't really agree with. Nonetheless, despite the apology, Colbert wasn't thrilled with the interview itself. Trump was never invited back, while the host called Trump a completely different person behind the scenes.
"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."
"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."
Once again, despite his feelings, Colbert was able to handle the interview fairly.
