In a humorous and pointed moment, late-night host Stephen Colbert offered a 'predictable answer' to a fantastical question: whose body would he inhabit for a single day? The comedian's choice was the President of the United States, Donald Trump, with a very specific mission in mind.
A Presidential Resignation Fantasy
During the 20th-anniversary celebration of Slate's 'Political Gabfest' last month, Colbert was posed the hypothetical body-swap question. The 'Late Show' host responded that he would 'slip inside the skin of our president and I would resign,' eliciting laughter from the audience. Colbert, a frequent critic of Trump who has faced repeated attacks from the president, elaborated on the scenario with former CBS Evening News anchor John Dickerson.
He assured there would be 'no scandal' and 'no confession' upon this imaginary resignation. Instead, he'd simply declare, 'It's been great, I'm a wonderful — I'm the best ever. I'm going to go out on top, I've done everything. I'm just going to go.' Colbert framed it as a 'glorious ending' for the presidency.
Comedic Twists and Future Collaborations
The bit took a further comedic turn when New York Times Magazine writer Emily Bazelon suggested people might discover the bodily takeover. Colbert quickly retorted with what he called a 'harrowing follow-up question': 'Is he taking over my body for those 24 hours?'
Elsewhere in the wide-ranging discussion, Colbert and Dickerson, who recently left the CBS Evening News desk amid the network's perceived rightward shift, agreed they should 'do something together' in the future. This nod to collaboration followed their shared history at CBS.
Life After 'The Late Show' and Political Speculation
The conversation also touched on Colbert's professional future. 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' is scheduled to end in May after CBS decided to cancel the program last year. While the network called it 'purely a financial decision,' many observers saw it as caving to political pressure.
Colbert revealed his desire after the show ends 'to learn something that I didn't know before, to do something I've never done before.' He told Dickerson he knows what that is but declined to share details.
In a more serious vein, Colbert addressed audience suggestions that he run for president in 2028. He stated he 'understands' why people propose it and noted he would consult his faith leader and family to see if, after his CBS chapter closes, he 'could be of some greater service to this nation that I love so much.'
