LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Stephen Colbert, the acclaimed host of 'The Late Show', has humorously 'congratulated' Steve Scalise, the House Majority Leader, on his recent nomination for the role of House Speaker.
In his unique comedic style, Colbert’s congratulatory remarks included a playful jab, referring to the position of House Speaker as "the worst job in the world," on Wednesday, October 11.
Steve Scalise's speaker nomination
Steve Scalise, a Republican representative from Louisiana, clinched the nomination for House Speaker with a 113-99 vote in the GOP conference, per Forbes. This triumph followed days of garnering support within the conference after the removal of former Speaker Kevin McCarthy.
Despite concerns raised by some members about Scalise’s recent cancer diagnosis and former President Trump’s endorsement of Jim Jordan, Scalise was successful in securing the nomination, per CNN.
Stephen Colbert congratulates Steve Scalise
Colbert, famed for his satirical take on political happenings, seized this opportunity to humorously remark on the trials that accompany the role of House Speaker.
In his congratulatory message to Scalise on his nomination, Colbert jovially dubbed the position as "the worst job in the world," underlining the challenges and pressures inherent in leading a deeply divided conference with a narrow majority.
"There is dramatic news out of Washington. The rudderless Republicans in Congress have moved tantalizingly close to doing the bare minimum," began Colbert. "Because today this afternoon in a narrow vote they finally chose someone to be the nominee to possibly then be speaker of the house."
He announced the nominee’s name with a flourish, saying, "And the nominee is… drum roll, please… Louisiana congressman and Gumball choking on a gumball."
After Louis Cato jumped in with the trombone, Colbert continued, "Congratulations Steve! You are one step closer to having the worst job in the world, just one rung below emptying the porta potties at a chili cook-off."
Stephen Colbert labels Jim Jordan as 'Dog in a Man Suit'
Also, Colbert humorously likened the Ohio representative Jim Jordan to a "dog in a man suit" during the show.
The host announced, "In a surprising development SC has already got the support of his chief rival Ohio representative and dog in a Man suit," causing everyone, including himself, to burst into laughter as he referred to GOP Rep. Jim Jordan.
Colbert highlighted that Scalise managed to win his race even though Jordan had been endorsed by Trump. He humorously added, "When he heard the news, Trump immediately endorsed a new candidate for speaker," while playing a clip of the former president seemingly saying "Hannibal Lecter."
The host however also called Scalise a "true MAGA" man, despite not getting Trump's endorsement. "He once described himself as David Duke without the baggage," joked Colbert.
Colbert continued, "Oh the man really knows how to sell himself... 'What am I like? I'm less Pol Pot and more pull hot.' GOP is still deeply divided."
The internet quickly reacted to Colbert's remarks in the YouTube clip uploaded after the CBS show aired. A user praised whoever came up with the phrase "Dog in a man suit," saying that the writer "deserves a raise."
Another person wrote, "Stephen, you and your writers are absolutely the best!!"
"Whatever raises the writers got, double it! Comedy gold," mentioned another.
"Louis Cato jumping in with the trombone was just ." said one person.
