Overview:
During a recent episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” a surprising moment occurred when the audience erupted in laughter after Colbert described CNN as an “objective” news outlet. The segment, which featured CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins, highlighted the ongoing skepticism surrounding media bias, particularly in the context of the upcoming presidential election.
Why It Matters:
This moment underscores the public’s growing distrust in mainstream media’s objectivity, especially when it comes to political coverage, which has significant implications for how news is consumed and trusted in the United States.
Who It Impacts:
This impacts American voters who rely on media outlets for accurate information, shaping their perceptions of political candidates and influencing their decisions at the polls.
In a moment that caught many off guard, late-night host Stephen Colbert was met with unexpected laughter from his audience after he referred to CNN as an “objective” news organization. The incident occurred during a Monday night episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” where CNN anchor Kaitlan Collins appeared as a guest to discuss the upcoming presidential election and the evolving strategies of the Republican Party.
The discussion began with Collins analyzing how former President Donald Trump has adjusted his campaign strategy now that Vice President Kamala Harris has replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic candidate. “Trump has kind of been thrown on his heels by this,” Collins said. “He’s not really sure how to go after Vice President Harris. He knew his attack lines on President Biden. He really has struggled with how to go after someone who’s twenty years younger than him, who is a different gender, a different race… it’s kind of been this moment where he has not been able to coalesce around a single attack line.”
Not even NYC lefties buy CNN as objective. @colbertlateshow audience laughed when Stephen #Colbert asserted: “I know you guys are objective over there, that you just report the news as it is” @KaitlanCollins: “That supposed to be a laugh line?” Colbert: “It wasn’t supposed to be” pic.twitter.com/IfqNEDPrfa
— Brent Baker ???????? ???????? (@BrentHBaker) August 13, 2024
Colbert, known for his satirical take on current events, then remarked, “I know you guys are objective over there, that you just report the news as it is,” referring to CNN. This comment, however, triggered a wave of laughter from the studio audience, catching both Colbert and Collins by surprise. Colbert, clearly taken aback, responded with a stutter before attempting to move the conversation along. “No, I know, CNN makes a, uh, I know this…” he started, before being interrupted by the ongoing laughter.
Collins, recognizing the unexpected reaction, asked Colbert, “Was that supposed to be a laugh line?” to which he replied, “Ah, it wasn’t supposed to be, but…I guess it is.” The awkward moment was then diffused as Colbert quickly changed the topic, asking Collins whether she could have predicted Biden’s withdrawal from the race.
The clip of the exchange quickly made rounds on social media, where users were quick to comment on the audience’s reaction. One user on X (formerly Twitter) wrote, “I absolutely loved the joke about CNN being objective. It was a great moment between you and the audience,” addressing Collins. Another user quipped, “That was hilarious, even the woke crowd knows,” suggesting that even Colbert’s predominantly liberal audience found the idea of CNN’s objectivity laughable.
This incident reflects a broader sentiment of skepticism toward mainstream media outlets, particularly those perceived as leaning toward a specific political ideology. For many viewers, the laughter served as a reminder of the widespread belief that objectivity in news reporting has become increasingly rare, particularly in the coverage of highly polarized political events. As the 2024 election approaches, the role of the media in shaping public opinion remains a critical issue, with trust in journalism continuing to be a focal point of concern.
