Stephen Colbert Discusses Presidential Aspirations

Stephen Colbert, the host of “Late Show,” recently expressed his views on the possibility of running for president in 2028. During an event earlier this month, he stated that he “absolutely” should not pursue the presidential candidacy.

“Yes, I should never run for president,” he affirmed. However, he also noted, “I understand why people would want me to,” adding a touch of humor to the conversation.

After that initial response, he made a sarcastic remark about needing to consult with his family and religious leaders to ponder if he was being called to serve the country again.

“Because I believe America is humanity’s last best hope. If there’s any way I can further the vision of our Founding Fathers, with their love for freedom and belief in human rights, it’s a calling I must consider. Who am I to dismiss it? Although, of course, if I heard the call from above…” Colbert said, eliciting chants of his name from the audience.

Colbert’s fellow panelists, including former CBS News anchor John Dickerson and New York Times writer Emily Bazelon, sided with him, with Bazelon finding the idea of Colbert running “pathetic.”

Interestingly, Colbert had previously made a mock run for president back in 2007 while he was on “The Colbert Report.” He even paid a $2,500 fee to get on the South Carolina Democratic Primary ballot, but his application was turned down by the Democratic committee, who thought he wasn’t serious.

He also toyed with the idea of running for president again in 2012, launching a committee in South Carolina. But, surprise surprise, he missed the deadline to enter the race.

At the “Gabfest” event, Colbert shared a moment with Dickerson after it was mentioned that Dickerson would soon make his last broadcast on “CBS Evening News.” Following the hug, he humorously raised his middle finger in the air.

On a related note, CBS has announced that the final episode of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” is set to air in May 2026.