Upsetting Facts About Speaker Mike Johnson | Clarence Thomas’s Secret Payments | Mainers Have Moxie

The new Speaker of the House is an election denier known for his anti-LGBTQ viewpoints, a new Senate report details secret gifts to Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas, and Stephen traces the link between the devastating loss of life in Lewiston, Maine, and years of chronic inaction on the part of our elected leaders. #Colbert #Comedy #Monologue
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Stephen Colbert brings his signature satire and comedy to THE LATE SHOW with STEPHEN COLBERT, the #1 show in late night, where he talks with an eclectic mix of guests about what is new and relevant in the worlds of politics, entertainment, business, music, technology and more. Featuring bandleader Louis Cato and “THE LATE SHOW band,” the Peabody Award-winning and Emmy Award-nominated show is broadcast from the historic Ed Sullivan Theater. Stephen Colbert took over as host, executive producer and writer of THE LATE SHOW on Sept. 8, 2015.

[@mday53]

Thank you Stephen Colbert for addressing gun violence in a real way. Well said. Bravo.

[@bookbwitched6823]

The Congress & Senate have been allowed to become what they are by apathy.* It's time we each belly up to the bar.** Please. Let's ALL be calling & emailing our Reps of either party & Demand an answer to the question Stephen posed. 'What Do You Plan To Do About This?' We have his talking points ~ the emails can be short & will be easy to write. Addresses with forms are on Google. Please, let us be more than hoping & praying for change. * 40+% of us didn't vote in 2016. ** Sorry, just so damn mad, I couldn't think of a more elegant euphemism for doing our part in getting these grifters to do their damn jobs. By the way, did you see the MeidusTouch news article showing Democrat Rep. Becca Balint filing a motion to censure MAGA Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene and brings a long list of receipts. It's shocking. & Rep. Jared Golden apologized for opposing an assault weapons ban, said he’ll now support one, and asked his community for forgiveness in the wake of the horrific mass shooting in Maine.

[@huskylove8637]

I look to the Heavens 4 Hope ❤. But I'm gonna Look for This ? To B Answered... That Addience sounded Fired Up Now it's My turn ALL have A gud wknd ❤❤

[@clarafedde8674]

I do wish he also brought of the fact, that not only did Republicans fight every single gun legislation, but the Supreme Court actually overturned i think it was 37 gun control laws just this year. Oy

[@beverlywatson885]

Stephen we need you to stand for Congress - you speak so much more sense than these idiots- prayer does not a solution to anything

[@narvul]

There's something more than "addressing gun violence in a real way" but nothing will happen.

[@vash121086]

That was a beautiful speech you gave there at the end. It’s truly a dark time when republicans choose to look away from gun violence and instead offer thoughts and prayers instead of actually doing anything about it. And we should vote them out because of it.

[@Rawnblade13]

Prayer is the most useless thing in the world. They need to get off their asses and do their fucking jobs.

[@Burnmaster10]

Yeah thoughts and prayers don't bring people back to life.

[@stvcolwill]

happens every single time. This one is no different. same old same old.

[@toddr2265]

When tRump goes to prison he'll have my thoughts and prayers.

[@helios7212]

​@@toddr2265🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💯💯🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🪆🪆🪆🪆

[@JellicleKitten]

As a born and raised Mainer, thank you so much for your passionate response to that lukewarm take from Johnson. I never thought we would see this in my homestate. Hopefully stronger gun control measures will pass so it will never happen again.

[@barbaraolson6783]

Most humans prefer to feel safe. The elimination of weapons would make most humans feel safer. Maybe they are concerned with how to collect the weapons, turning them into local law enforcement or the IRS for future tax credit seems it would work. Of course gun shops must refuse to sell the weapons and ammunition. I think many countries have been doing this already. Thank you for caring.

[@PsychoDiesel48]

Me neither. Was a real shock to the system having something like that happen just 40 minutes from where we live

[@annarushlau9722]

As a Mainer, thank you Stephen. This made me cry, and laugh and then cry again. I was less than 30 minutes from the shooting and about 15 min from his family’s camp. Lewiston Strong ❤

[@ItsEliza5]

As a Mainer words can’t describe how happy I am to see Stephen cover this!

[@Seafoam58]

I'm a Mainer, and thank you Stephen, for eloquently saying what needs to be said. Mainers don't need "thoughts and prayers" - especially from prostitutes for the gun industry and NRA. We need action on sensible gun control laws that will protect this from happening again. Lewiston is a great place , and people are hurting there right now. All Mainers are hurting right now. It's time for action, not lame BS from politicians who don't have any integrity, are unwilling to govern, and seem hell - bent on turning this nation into a fascist oligarchy.

[@UberLummox]

God damn RIGHT!

[@asherbeal8357]

Well said.

[@wintertrooper7918]

I don't care what party you are I'm now calling all politicians political prostitutes now lol

[@titichartay7216]

From Australia - well said ! The bull crap from the Republicans is immoral & says more about their back pockets being filled with tainted, bloody dollars from the NRA & gun manufacturers than care for life. Nothing truly"Christian" about them at all as they weaponise hatred & applaud bigotry while mired in shameless hypocrisy.

[@travis8850]

​@@wintertrooper7918 They sell their ethics for money. They're ethitutes. Lol. Yeah I smoked a bowl lemme alone. :P

[@sueweatherby3729]

My wife is a Mainer - or as some say, a Mainiac. She has drunk Moxie, swam in the freezing water of the Bay of Fundy, and hurts profoundly when these shootings happen. As a gay couple, we hurt especially when the Pulse nightclub was torn apart by a man with hate in his heart. My in-laws knew people who lived in Lewiston. Thank you for remembering the victims of all of these senseless killings, and not flinching to speak the truth Steven. This is why people love you. This is why I love you, your intellect and compasion. And the humour ain't bad either. ;)

[@lonbub6832]

Hunkered down, in Brunswick, praying these politicians grow some pine cones, drink their Moxie AND do something! Thank you, Stephen ✌️💜

[@Cyndance]

Exactly!!

[@lonbub6832]

@@Cyndance 😉

[@jlee4039]

I love Stephen. A man of heart, integrity, and humor, all rolled into one. ❤❤❤

[@Annapurna818]

😂. Not. A Biden shill.

[@Templar462]

@@Annapurna818 oh you wee lamb. don't hurt yourself.

[@Solveig16]

The statement from Mike Johnson regarding yet another horrible mass shooting, reducing it to "thoughts and prayers" and walking away with nothing else brings me to tears. It is tantamount to saying the empty phrase, "Get over it" because it has nothing behind it, no help, no understanding, no real empathy or efforts or care to even try admit there is a problem that needs actual fixing. I don't know all the answers or what to do precisely, but something has to better than "thoughts and prayers" and nothing else. 😢😢😢

[@jimmyguitar2933]

Just imagine what Leader Jeffries would have said had he been elected. Night/Day.

[@christiansomers4188]

"Thoughts & prayers" i.e. "go f*ck yourselves"

[@michelangelobuonarroti916]

Good news is he won't be the Speaker for long if enough people vote blue in 2024.

[@Wednesdaywoe1975]

Lord Farquad: "Some of you may die, but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make."

[@hunterkissam]

I live in Lewiston and I want to say thank you for passing along the positive message and for savagely calling out our beaches 😂 Everyone who lost a loved one to gun violence in ANY shooting, please, stay strong and reach out for help if/when you need it! ❤

[@Calb-dd3qn]

I’m in Northern Maine, “they have Moxie!” And the pine cone dropped me 😂 we aren’t weak by any means, that’s for sure!

[@IMSiegfried]

Not your fault but you suggest people get help when needed which is pretty much meaningless without affordable access to mental health care. An appointment with a counselor, never mind an actual psychologist is approx $200.00. How about weekly appointments which is what's needed for any possible progress? Eight hundred dollars a month would be about average, maybe more. Therein lies the problem.

[@UnsolicitedContext]

@@IMSiegfriedthat’s true, but also suicide spikes after these kind of events, and a lot of the resources for those tend to be free & available. (Don’t disagree w the underlying message, I’m a hospital medicine doctor & the fact that I can’t really refer people to good psychiatric or psychological care that’s not self pay in the highly resourced suburbs of one of the nation’s major cities is ridiculous, largely because insurance payouts are so low they can’t keep the lights on & have had to move to self pay models, which many cannot afford.)

[@user-pf7qy9sl7e]

God bless. Great advice. Thank you from Okla

[@Matthew-jj1sj]

This hit hard. Thank you for such sincerity during yet another tragedy.

[@patsylvest]

Stephen, from an 80-year-old long time fan .. this was your very best monologue ever! Thank you for being honest.

[@christys413]

Stephen Colbert is truly an exceptional human and the definition of a patriot. At first, it seemed like he wasn't going to mention the shooting, which just hurt my little Mainer heart on such a visceral level. But now I'm crying because of his speech. Thank you, Stephen, for never hesitating to use your platform to deliver thoughtful and inspiring words.

[@nordfresse]

I also liked that he was puting it at the end of his monologue, it was more powerful that way...

[@beck-nightengale]

Yeah, I feel like it would have been worse to top off that speech with jokes if he didn't put it at the end of his monologue. The sudden shift in mood would have been much more jarring.

[@rhill5346]

I couldn't agree more.. I have always been a fan of Mr. Colbert's work, even while on the Daily Show.. That monologue proves why he is at the top of his game.. especially that ending.. Such passion, power and more important.. it's the truth.. I hope that every politician out there, whether in Congress, local and state legislation and beyond will watch, hear and listen to the final moments of Mr Colbert's monologue and not let his words fall on deaf ears... We elect these officials to take action on these very matters that impact our day to day lives and not just "leave it there"... Wake up politicians.. Time to do your job...

[@user-om4wm4ky9h]

❤️

[@audradanforth9518]

Thank you. As a Mainer living close to it all I needed to hear advocacy, and the humor helps too 💕 We are strong, we are mad - and we’re not having it.

[@rosemarieroth1984]

Hoping this will prompt my fellow Mainers to raise hell with all legislators who support the NRA and accept donations from from the NRA. Callous, self-interested legislators who are "concerned with welfare" of their constituents. BS on that...

[@geekygengar5467]

Thank you, Stephen, from Maine. I love your show and you, and you made me smile in the wake of one of the most horrifying times I've lived through. I never thought it could happen here in my home state, and if Congress doesn't do something, it's not safe anywhere.

[@donnahaynes8766]

YAY Stephen!!! It took courage to step outside of the role of comedian and be absolutely clear on exactly what Gun violence is doing to our country!! I don't know how I can help except VOTE but I do vote and every time the issue comes up on social media,, I take the opportunity to spread the word!!

[@document6]

Stephen you are an American Hero and I hope you know how much we appreciate you amplifying important things when you could just be making jokes about nonsense instead we truly appreciate you

[@stvcolwill]

100% And your Writers! You guys are FIRE this past few weeks since coming back!

[@momszycat4148]

AND...we still like your jokes about nonsense stuff😁

[@greatmcluhansghost7134]

I liked him more before he joined the Columbia Broadcast System. So talented but talking about that former prez every day for 5 yrs is shameless. Partisanship, let’s be honest, keeps Americans divided and stoopid.

[@momszycat4148]

@@greatmcluhansghost7134 I'm of the opinion making light of tragic events in your life help ppl cope. That's what Colbert does. He's highly intelligent,creative and has a quick wit. He's helped an entire nation get through the hell and embarrassment of Dump and I thank him.

[@brionnebeck6954]

Thank you! I live less than an hour from Lewiston. My town was on lockdown. I know so many people in my community are hurting. Thank you for your powerful words and for taking a stand!

[@Babyletmefollowyou]

Thank you, Mr Colbert for telling it like it truly is. My thoughts are with the people of Maine, a truly wonderful state that is suffering through a senseless tragedy.

[@jodysheridan604]

YES!!! Ban assault style weapons and require waiting periods for purchases after universal background checks.

[@chilkat_river]

I inherited 12 guns from my father in law recently. Mostly Anti-Assault rifles. We were good friends and shot and cleaned the guns together. He assured me none of the guns were registered to anyone. I plan to sell them. I don't need any paperwork to do that. In my state it's called a private sale.

[@kylelehman1061]

As a registered Democrat, this is absolutely not they answer. I don't know what the answer to this problem is, but I urge all fellow democrats to hear me out. We cannot be a party that criticized the opposition about protecting and upholding the constitution, and then do a complete 180 and be hypocritical. The 2nd amendment is very clear. And the fact that gun legislation was notated in the constitution as the 2nd amendment leads me to believe it was a very important foundational block to protect the this nation. With that said, my deepest condolences go out to Maine. 😢

[@willowrainwinchester3419]

I live in Maine, and Stephen is correct regarding how tough we are. We absolutely can and will heal. That's what we do. But we shouldn't have to heal from something like this, so thank you Stephen for your consistent and adamant calls to end this pointless nightmare of gun violence.

[@SA-ww1ge]

I’m very saddened by the horrific terror to the people & children of Maine. Im grief stricken with you all.

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

Unfortunately, it is not pointless. The gun industry has garnered obscene profits from our collective grief and misery. Fear drives gun sales, so after every mass event, they make even more money. Disgusting. The gun industry has no motivation to end this carnage. Repeal PLCAA to restore liability to gun manufacturers, and their own lawyers will insist on gun safety protocols at point of sale to demonstrate due diligence in court proceedings. We don't have to live this way. 🗽

[@zacharycollins9485]

Strength be with you. Keep your head up my dude. 💪🎃

[@TerriR-od3jg]

Once again for real info and straight talk.... its the folks like Colbert, Kimmel, Meyers who are keeping it real.

[@CollinJasnoch]

Amazing monologue Stephen. Such a hard topic to touch on in your line of work. Normally, "Its too soon" is exactly right. Ironic perhaps. But you did it and proved the politicians are cowards.

[@eccentricJill]

This was so powerful. Especially coming from someone who is a man of faith. Stephen does not hide that he is Catholic so he does also pray but he knows that we are well beyond "thoughts and prayers." Bravo Stephen. You're a national treasure.

[@Techydad]

Thoughts and prayers are fine if you're otherwise unable to help or change the situation. Right now I, sitting in my home in NY, can't change the situation so I can only give thoughts and prayers. Members of Congress CAN change the situation, though. That's why they should do more than just "we're leaving it at thoughts and prayers." Oh, and come Election Day, I'll be setting "thoughts and prayers" aside to take actual action and vote. It might not make a difference (I live in a blue area), but it'll still be action. If the Republicans are against any action to stop these mass shootings, then it's up to the American people to kick them out of office and replace them with people who WILL address the issue!

[@slactweak]

@@Techydad "...come Election Day, I'll be setting "thoughts and prayers" aside to take actual action and vote..." THIS is the solution. We proved in 2018 AND in 2020 that turning out to vote, in record numbers, makes a difference DESPITE all the roadblocks that the GOP throws up. The problem is voter apathy and it is that apathy which will lead to the destruction of Democracy as we know it.

[@chipgarrett3139]

If only our real politicians could give real heartfelt speeches without worrying about offending the real money behind everything. Sad.

[@rcpmac]

Half of them do. The democrats.

[@jaknkee]

Not "sad" -- PATHETIC.

[@susanware988]

Thank you Stephen for saying out loud what many of us are feeling about the mass shootings in America.

[@SayHelloToOblivion]

Wow, that actually made me tear up, Stephen. Change needs to come. It's taken far too long and too many innocent lives have been lost.

[@Tadicuslegion78]

Clarence Thomas: Pay back your student loans. Me: Only after you pay back all the money you lied about

[@andrewstevenson118]

Unfair. Justice Thomas is the best judge that money can buy.

[@helios7212]

​@@andrewstevenson118Right? "Always buy republican - I bought a few politicians and got the whole GOP for free!!" - Sugar Daddy Vladdy 🪆🪆🪆🤦‍♂️🤦‍♂️

[@oltedders]

​@@andrewstevenson118Nope, Clarence Thomas is the judge money can buy.

[@andrewstevenson118]

@@oltedders Wasn't that the joke I made? 🙂

[@moniqueengleman873]

You know I have become rather entitled myself lately. If "THEY" don't have to follow the law, then why should I follow the "suggestions". I know this is wrong and I am aware, but honestly I just feel so Betrayed.

[@sharonhunt2267]

Thank you, Steve for your passionate monologue.From a Lifetime Mainer to the Gun advocates…What the hell is wrong with you people?

[@janethertzer9646]

Thank you Steve for speaking the truth about these shootings and no one seems to want to it

[@helios7212]

Yes is absurd we cannot get like basic universal background checks passed, ugh 🤦‍♂️ the conservative fear of a police state is valid, but this is ridiculous some common sense legislation esp around assault rifles cannot be done 🤦‍♂️😔

[@dirkbag22]

The same thing that was wrong with the founders of this great country - the belief that we ought to be able to defend ourselves. Read the constitution and bill of rights, and grow TF up.

[@andrewfielding391]

It's because they have been bought, by gun lobbyists. @@helios7212

[@USBAMCISMC]

He purchased the weapons prior to being committed...This was a failure of authorities to consficate his weapons.

[@ChristineGrindle]

As a Mainer who grew up in Lewiston, thank you. Every word you said of us is true✌️🤟

[@michrae_j]

Thank you for your comments about the horrific shooting in Maine. Very well said. 🥰😥☮️🖖

[@mshumway78]

Stephen getting serious at the end needs to happen more. John Stewart was always so good at this and I love to see it happen here. Bravo Mr Colbert!

[@torontomame]

I'm not a Mainer, I'm not even an American. I'm a Torontonian. But Stephen's monologue brought tears to my eyes that I'm still blinking away as I write this. There's nothing I can say apart from "damn right".

[@jefflandeen]

Same here, tears after that speech

[@waryaawariiri1812]

I am an Etobicoker and I agree with this.

[@frankmalinaro9700]

~~~~~~Love from a 75 yr old hippy living in San Francisco , Cali , Bunches of Blessings Stephen Colbert , your a true Patirot , tell it like it is brother .

[@vycariousone]

Damn right.

[@ernesthill4017]

God bless our Canadian friends. America could not be blessed with a better neighbor 🙏

[@heatherjordan8038]

As a Mainer who loves jagged rock beaches & the state flower, I am so proud of my state for coming together. Thank you for supporting us! #LewistonStrong 💛

[@TheCelticKT]

Mainers are a force! Sending you all the love and hugs in the world. #LewistonStrong :)

[@heatherjordan8038]

@@TheCelticKT Thank you!!!

[@user-pf7qy9sl7e]

God bless

[@suecaron1]

Another Mainer here. Thank you Stephen for recognizing and addressing our tragedy this past week. It can happen anywhere. Please, everyone, vote for background checks and a ban on automatic rifles. We are heartbroken.

[@emu314159]

Automatic weapons are heavily restricted already; none made after i think it was 1986 can be transferred legally (except as dealer samples, etc, but with the backround checks you have to pass to become a dealer, don't expect a lot of shootings from them.) Was a full auto weapon used in this shooting? That's very unusual, finding even a crappy one will set you back well over 10k.

[@janesmith5967]

Thank you, Stephen, for saying what needs to be said loudly and clearly!

[@teacherguy5084]

Awesome segment calling out the members of Congress who are really gun lobbyists. Thanks so much, Stephen.

[@Mark-gg6iy]

Well said at the end Mr. Colbert. I am sooo sick and tired of the prayers and thoughts BS of the deluded cultists.

[@zachgraupner6011]

I had to add my applause to the end of this speech! Powerful words!

[@elliegolfam4939]

Too much NRA and other special interest groups control Congress and any actions (or non-actions) taken by it, particularly on the issue of guns. It's literally a tragedy💔sending you love from across your northern border 🇨🇦

[@TobyWild]

Damn, Stephen was ANGRY.... that was clear rage in that speech. Perfectly articulated and directed. If only your politicals had an ounce of what he has.

[@jodieirwin438]

Thank you Stephen for addressing these killings and calling out the cowards in the maga Republican party who never fail to run away from their responsibilities to the American people.

[@emu314159]

I don't know who's worse, the crazies who legitimately believe in the MAGA bullshit, or the hypocritical corporate whores. I used to work with people who I legitimately thought had a reasonable level of, well, reason, and they TRULY believed that the election was stolen, they'd off the cuff say, "Yeah, obviously the ballot boxes were stuffed," when it's very easy now with encrypted Q codes etc to validate a mail in ballot (or however they actually carry it out, i could think of 7 ways before breakfast.)

[@hotfudgecake]

what does a mentally ill individual who decided to be violent have anything to do with a political party ?? please tell me. this is a HUMAN issue. the man was SICK this country needs to help it's people . but no people like you find it easier to just blame some imaginary "enemy" you call "MAGA" , Blame the "republicans" as if they collectively as a group committed the mass murder.... that's easy right .. not get to the true root of the problem which is society absolutely falling apart as we know it.

[@davidh3823]

You're awesome Stephen. You need to keep personally calling out politicians on their BS. You have the platform. Thank you for the laughs. I can't believe the disgusting country the USA has become.

[@rayceeya8659]

Background checks saved my life when a stalker tried to buy a gun in California. He had a warrant a the gun shop owner called the cops. If he'd waited until he was here in Oregon I'd probably be dead.

[@eccentricJill]

I'm so glad that it worked and that you're still here with us. ❤

[@Sharonmxg]

I wish our political leaders had the same brand of moral compass Stephen navigates life with.

[@robertsipes7391]

Amen to that!

[@rhondah1587]

Most Democrats do have that same moral compass. VOTE DEMOCRAT. They will actually do something.

[@accuratealloys]

He’s reading a teleprompter.

[@wh44]

@@accuratealloys Yes, he is reading from a teleprompter. Words that he and his team of writers wrote, and that he approved. You expect him to memorize ten minutes of monologue every night? Could you even manage the memorization you're expecting of him, let alone everything else he does?

[@rastadaddio8949]

@@accuratealloys ok, what's your point.

[@JMF77]

Stephen always has the best monologues at times of crisis. Words so well spoken. All the best for Mainers.

[@dominickdavis1376]

You Mr Colbert are awesome thank you for your heartfelt words for us Mainers

[@olympiawa]

Love how gaetz talks about working on a Monday and Friday when congress works more than 100 days less than the average American. The man doesn't know what an honest days work is.

[@bettyjones113]

Or honest or work or difference between day and dark

[@rcpmac]

You must think campaigning is a vacation.

[@btcrazee1]

He’s never done a days work in his life. I’d like to see him work a year on construction in 100 degree heat, or a production line.

[@anthonypetty9288]

Well said, Stephen. Living in New Zealand, I cannot believe the number of mass shootings that occur in the US. So far this year, more than 565 mass shootings (597 deaths & 2380 injuries, according to ABCNews) and we haven't even reached the end of October. That is a mind-numbing statistic and extremely saddening. Much love to all the victims' families.

[@martinevans1427]

Also, thankfully, living in New Zealand, well said!

[@SpeckleKen]

I'm in Europe. The news headlines at a US mass shooting no longer include "USA" or "America": it is enough to say there's been a mass shooting - with overwhelming odds we know where it will be. It is state-sanctioned insanity to arm your criminals and future criminals.

[@myriamickx7969]

From Belgium: we just had a mass shooting in Brussels 2-3 weeks ago: two people were killed and one wounded. This had immense repercussions that still last today. Of course, in our country like yours, the sale of firearms is basically prohibited. This was an Islamic terrorist armed with a military-style rifle, who killed two Swedish soccer football supporters. So far, the Justice Minister had to resign, it turned out that the AG administration are severely understaffed and will be increased in the near future, and there's also a lack of performative computerization that's being addressed immediately. The shooting underscored a lot of malfunctions at various levels, but measures are taken to improve the situation. I couldn't help compare this "modest" shooting and its large political response, with the near total indifference shown by most politicians in the US: "OK, another shooting, mental health issue, thoughts and prayers, let's move on”.

[@Bearbok]

Thank you for using your platform not only to make us laugh but to make a stand for all of us when things need to change

[@gracie1598]

It's not his platform it is the corporate influence and who he answers too.

[@lynemac2539]

Well, somebody's heart is in the right place.

[@leavingitblank9363]

@@gracie1598 Oh, it's very much his platform. He calls the shots in that studio.

[@gracie1598]

@leavingitblank9363 You are young or unintelligent if you honestly believe that every late night talk show host Does Not answers to the corporate entity that employees them.

[@leavingitblank9363]

@@gracie1598 Go look up the definition of "unintelligent". Then look up the definition of "ignorant". I am neither. (Nor am I young, but thank you.) But I know which you are as you try to school me about studio bosses. Please. Anyway, you're making an argument that's neither relevant nor correct. If you think he's simply being handed a script and that "corporate" is writing it, don't bother watching. Or commenting.

[@kathowed]

Thank you. This is the sort of late night monologue we need!

[@223Drone]

The worst part about Clarence Thomas is that he knows he can opnely admit that he's corrupt and get away with it since he knows no one is going to do anything about it.

[@ElSantoLuchador]

You mean like Donald Trump?

[@s.z.6200]

The only way is to get enough senators to impeach him. What I don’t understand is how this blatant purchasing of Supreme Court justices and Congress members is not illegal.

[@embreis2257]

is there no realistic mechanism to remove a supreme court judge?

[@RabblesTheBinx]

​@@embreis2257impeachment is the only vehicle to remove an appointed judge or justice. And there's a 0.0% chance that a Republican-controlled House will vote to impeach a conservative justice when there's a Democrat president, and even if they did, there's also a 0% chance that Democrats could flip the _16_ Republican senators needed to convict and remove said justice from the bench. There is one other way to do it, but it's... unpleasant and very illegal.

[@bettyjones113]

Sheldon Whitehouse RI

[@robbiegailh.2076]

Brilliant. How dare this Speaker of the House "leave it there?"

[@jprevatt]

WE the PEOPLE should leave HIM where he was! Or better yet, off his former AND current post

[@leahtreck1083]

YES,YES,YES, thank you Stephen for your courage to speak out and speak the TRUTH.

[@barbaraolson6783]

Thank you Steven Colbert and team, so glad you have returned.

[@alro11]

we are in deep trouble - go Stephen for calling out this dude - and support Maine 🌲

[@SoyBrig]

That was the most impressive monologue given by any host I've heard for a very long time. Thank you!

[@ellenwilson5598]

Totally agree!! Thank you Mr Colbert, best ever 💯💯💯👍

[@earthtend2253]

Very exquisitely telling it like it IS .... Thank you, Stephen Colbert.

[@kelvinnance8371]

Wow Stephen, you were superb, especially starting about 6:39. You really give hope that we may get through this crucible relatively unscathed, even when few to none will be unscathed, or unaffected.

[@1961Bullet]

It’s now been 24 hrs. And Steven Colbert would be a better Mike Johnson than Mike Johnson.

[@jprevatt]

Well A HEARTY AMEN to that statement too ❤❤❤❤💯🥊🥊🇺🇸🙏

[@channarosenblatt8197]

Yoo Hu Stephen! The best words spoken in public by anyone on the Maine tragedy. You have my thanks and respect.

[@VincentLowe]

Somebody doing something compassionate and meaningful with the monologue. 🎉 Excellent work!

[@jenjones3035]

Thank you, Stephen. It is time someone REALLY voices the failings of the people in congress when it comes to legislating! It’s always “thoughts and prayers” but nothing to actually help Americans. No more “leave it at that”. Time to move on from these weak people and pay attention to who we are really choosing to work for us.

[@rosemarywessel1294]

Thank you for your reprisal of Mike Johnson's lack of spine on guns. My niece lives in Lewiston with her husband and kids. The shooters car was found near her house. She took the kids and is staying with her parents in NH to wait until he's found, but her husband's staying home for work. This one hit close to home for our family.

[@firequeen2194]

I’m so sorry. I can’t imagine. This has to stop. 💔

[@rosehill9537]

Sending your family love from Australia 🇦🇺 I can't imagine what you are going through

[@cybercat29]

Sending your dear family love from Burnaby, British Columbia, Canada 🥺🇨🇦

[@disavowalf3351]

With love from Scotland. Thankfully we don’t have this problem anymore, after we had a senseless massacre at a primary (elementary) school in Dunblane in 1996. I note one of the other comments is from Australia and they passed a similar ban after they had a massacre in Port Arthur, in the same year…so it can be done when there is the political will to do it. I hope with all my heart that the voices of the American people are finally heard above the clamour & nonsense of special interest groups. Take care, best wishes to you & your family at such a difficult time❤️🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿❤️

[@user-yf8xe8be8n]

😢

[@tomrepton6786]

Well done Stephen for strong words as ever, just a shame they and the words that thousands of others speak against the senseless lack of gun control will just be ignored again and again and again. ‘It’s not the time to speak about it…’ is one of the worst excuses I’ve ever heard and yet keep hearing - as is always said, they will NEVER speak about it as there is always another shooting. Crazy.

[@user-yf8xe8be8n]

😢

[@michellewall6748]

The rest of the world cannot fathom the lack of gun reform in America……shocking! Condolences to all the people of Lewiston….

[@dutchberean2804]

I remember when Australia gave up their guns. Look how they were.treated during the Covid years. I imagine if they were armed, they wouldn't have been running over the citizens with horses and putting them in concentration camps. I bet you didn't even know this happened. There's lots you don't know. But you will find d out shortly.

[@KS-PNW]

"those who would give up essential liberty for temporary safety deserve neither liberty nor safety."

[@JeanRouse]

Thank you, Stephen. You not only make us laugh but also, voice our frustrations and concerns with politicians in such a common-sense way.

[@lisab9541]

Stephen, thank you for pointing out the obvious that we can pray but the lawmakers can actually do something powerful to help make us safer.

[@hereigoagain5050]

OMG! It was bad enough that comics broadcasted real news for the last 20 years. Now comics provide inspirational leadership and moral guidance. Thanks Stephen.

[@nancyf729]

Thank you Stephen for such a powerful and heartfelt message. My heart aches for everyone who has lost a loved one to gun violence. It must stop. We the people want assault weapons banned. VOTE blue down the ballot!

[@alienmoosestudios]

Poignant, thank you for showing respect and attention to the situation here in Maine, and everywhere. Stephen, i was blessed to meet you one time in California at a reading of Wigfield. I was the first person at the after meet and signing. I was speechless and you were so kind and diligent to me, Chad. I lived in California, but am from Maine, and moved back 10 years ago to help take care of my elderly Mom. Thank you for being you!!!! ✨💖✨💖✨

[@user-en1lt4hj6h]

Thank you Stephen for taking a moment to speak for the people of Lewiston. Life here has forever changed. As a "Mainer" and part of a multi-generational hunting family I am disgusted that our government allows citizens to own assault weapons.There isn't any reason beyond violence to need one. The laws must change.

[@tracystevenson7337]

Thank you for using your platform to say what needs to be said

[@Chromaticgranny]

Thank you Stephen for voicing what we all feel about congress and the way they are kissing up to the gun lobby, instead of closing loopholes, and passing hard back ground checks for purchases. It's that easy. No gun show loop holes, and doing deep background checks.

[@EzraNiesen]

Thank you Stephen. I was born in Lewiston and I agree 100% with everything you had to say about our Great State of Maine. I love Moxie and pinecones and Maine beaches! But this is the first time I've ever had to look up a mass shooter and a list of his victims to see if I knew any of them.

[@Seigensi]

because it only matters if it might effect you right

[@EzraNiesen]

You want me to apply a little Maine humoh to the situation deeah? "You may be a redneck if you consider a gun rack to be a piece of furniture." One shootah and 31 victims makes 32 people involved. That's the total population of the town of Frye Island, and la'geh than the population of the town of Frenchboro and 3 other municipalities in Maine. For the 99.7% of Americans who don't live the'e, Maine is state of small towns, good neighbahs, proud military veterans, responsible gun owne's, and one of the lowest crime rates in the country. The shootah's name was Robert Ca'd. There was a Ca'd family in my neighbo'hood. I delive'ed their newspapah every mo'ning for 4 yea's. They lived in a trailah but they we'e always some of my best tipping custome's. Judging by the numbah of pickup trucks they always had pa'ked in their ya'd, you can be su'e they owned a lot of huntin' rifles. For anyone who's nevah wonde'ed if someone you went to school with just shot 31 people, it can happen to you too.

[@ryanmichaels297]

As a Maine resident just shocked that it finally happened here, thanks for the kind words. Its so surreal seeing your local area on the national news for such an awful reason.

[@LindaCuthbertson-el5ys]

No words can express sadness felt for you all. Thoughts and prayers from Scotland uk.

[@bryanergau6682]

Maine seems like the LAST place a mass shooting would happen. And during the changing of the leaves, too. Wild.

[@lovingkat5]

🙏🙏

[@chonqmonk]

@@LindaCuthbertson-el5ys Seriously, we have plenty of thoughts and prayers here already, and it doesn't help.

[@clearlychrissy]

I visit Maine often from Connecticut, and the people, air, and environment is so inviting. I was in disbelief when I heard Maine. There are no words that can express how gutted I feel for your community that you had to experience this. I do believe in God, and I will pray for your strength, but I will also act and vote for leaders that take pro active measures to stop this plague of gun violence. 🙏

[@RamblinWoman]

F*ck! That was a powerful opening! Thank you Stephen for continuously being brave enough to speak on tough issues and saying what needs to be said.

[@nicolehill4812]

Very good monologue Steve. Too bad the House and Senate can't be just as good at their job.

[@susansellars3869]

Thomas and his wife both belong in prison! Not in our Supreme court!

[@fayeddy2321]

Such a strong message Steven : our thoughts are with all Americans who have to live with this fear constantly

[@Kathryn721]

Standing ovation for your statements on what happened in Maine.

[@LtJackboot]

Stephen, I love you for laying out the absolute truth.

[@DragonSlayer-ii3ww]

Finally, someone who had the guts to speak the truth. On national tv on a show millions of ppl watch. I just gained respect for Colbert.

[@zztuber]

you must be kidding. whos' truth, the one where you get brainwashed into believing. i'll bet you vote democrats because THE VIEW told you to

[@emu314159]

I've long had mad respect in general, but he won huge points when he had the balls to roast W at the WH Correspondants' dinner.

[@ronbr1000]

Funny as a kick in the balls

[@Alcagaur1]

"The families who have faced our failure to change." Isn't it tragic that this is so accurate?

[@Christiane247]

Again tonight, you said what needed to be said on the Lewiston massacre and especially the Speaker's "thoughts and prayers" response. .thank you!!😔🇨🇦

[@dangerfly]

BoJack Horseman - Thoughts and Prayers: Original release date September 8, 2017 Because of the episode's title and subject matter, many focused on its approach to gun culture and mass shootings in the United States. In Slate, Marissa Martinelli, who praised the episode overall, applauded the episode's willingness to mock the oft-repeated "thoughts and prayers" response to such tragedies.

[@Jacqueline_Thijsen]

He couldn't even manage thoughts, just hopes.

[@lindawellner5415]

Bravo words of wisdom spoken at the end of monologue....keep speaking out for us little people

[@THEMilaTigger]

Goosebumps, Mr. Colbert. Goosebumps. Beautiful speech... now run for office.❤

[@judyfargo8162]

Well said, Stephen. We need to flood our representatives in Congress with phone calls, emails, and letters. And if they won't support reforms in gun laws, VOTE THEM OUT.

[@bookbwitched6823]

Indeed! Just posted this, you do not stand alone. 'The Congress & Senate have been allowed to become what they are by apathy.* It's time we each belly up to the bar.** Please. Let's ALL be calling & emailing our Reps of either party & Demand an answer to the question Stephen posed. 'What Do You Plan To Do About This?' We have his talking points ~ the emails can be short & will be easy to write. Addresses with forms are on Google. Please, let us be more than hoping & praying for change. * 40+% of us didn't vote in 2016. ** Sorry, just so damn mad, I couldn't think of a more elegant euphemism for doing our part in getting these grifters to do their damn jobs. By the way, did you see the MeidusTouch news article showing Democrat Rep. Becca Balint filing a motion to censure MAGA Republican Marjorie Taylor Greene and brings a long list of receipts. It's shocking. & Rep. Jared Golden apologized for opposing an assault weapons ban, said he’ll now support one, and asked his community for forgiveness in the wake of the horrific mass shooting in Maine.

[@duanemcfadden8878]

I agree with you 💯 Amen to that 🙏🏿 😢😢😢❤

[@girlfromthebronxbywayofelb7288]

Vote them out. We don't need to live this way. Enough. 🗽💙🌊🗽

[@musashimiyamoto586]

@@duanemcfadden8878 Stop praying and start protesting.

[@davidclark573]

I explained many times what is going on in government but do not have a voice because I do not have an elected position. Charles Koch, the de facto leader of the john birch society owns and runs the republican party through his several john birch foundations. The reason every republican voted for Johnson to be house leader is because Charles Koch told the republicans in the john birch Freedom Caucus to vote for him. Charles now has a john bircher two away from the presidency and leading the house. Charles Koch’s foundations were instrumental in the pick for the last three supreme court nominees. If you recall the Koch brothers told John Roberts to ignore past decisions and allow Citizen United so they could spend unlimited money in campaigns to get john birchers elected. We could not deal with the birchers in the 50’s and cannot deal with them today. If you recall the Koch brothers lobbied Reagan to drop the fairness in media act so republicans could buy up all available mass media and brain wash the public. The result is the 193 member sinclair group that excoriate democrats 24/7 in the media. Why am I the only person who can see this so clearly? I have no faith that this will be printed because it is accurate and there is a force that does not want to know the truth. Also everyone ignores why Ryan, the past house leader got $400,000 from the Koch brothers. They knew David was about to die and did not want to pay the death tax so had Ryan allowed changes to the death tax in the huge tax cut he pushed through. I ask why no one is investigating the death tax changes made by republicans in the tax bill to save the estate of David Koch over a billion dollars.

[@virginiamiller4890]

Thank you for bringing the truths about gun violence and the basic steps this country can take to making it a safer space to live!

[@radhikanandasw.6342]

Thank you, Stephen Colbert, for speaking and living the Truth. If only our congress people would do the same. 🙏🏽

[@jwn0be]

I have never felt more contempt than for your new speaker of the house. Good (and I mean it) luck.

[@davidfuentes9957]

So Johnson’s first assignment was to address gun violence on the aftermath of the shooting in Lewiston, ME; and his response was thoughts and prayers. He failed his first assignment, the one of his duties as a speaker of the house. The GOP is a lost cause. Thank you Stephen for shining light at the guys who are supposed to protect us but they’re busy protecting their wallets from running dry of NRA money.

[@jpdemer5]

NO thoughts - just prayers. (Republicans love cutting things down to manageable size.)

[@spiceyhotpot]

Not surprising, the GQP is beholden to the NRA propaganda and will never stop, as riding the gun rights wave will always inspire fear in their willfully ignorant base.

[@gracelandone]

You go, Mr. Colbert. Thank you for using your platform.😊

[@aliceduffy2010]

Your best monologue ever Stephen! Johnson knows how to offer comfort to people suffering the loss of loved ones from rampant gun violence. Advise us that prayer is appropriate now. That’s about all. So, let us get on our knees and bow our heads and ask God to stop the violence because Johnson and the rest of the United States Congress and Supreme Court are surely not going to do a damn thing.

[@eliedgecomb4903]

Thank you, Stephen. You’re a wicked good man.

[@rosemarieroth1984]

"Wicked good" - a wonderful expression from my home state.

[@roberthart3305]

One of your best monologues EVER! Thank you for being so straight forward about the tragedy that faces us every day due to inaction in Congress.

[@hanszlh6522]

- AND ... that "inaction" can definitely be laid on-to the utter and complete failure of that 'Majority of Morons' known as the Republican Party - By God !!!

[@d1zturbed221]

This LITERALLY keeps happening because congress refuses to pass laws on AR style weapons. You don’t hear mass shootings with shotguns or handguns. And all cause of their donors (NRA). We are slowly been stripped of our humanity by been forced to go thru these things over and over again. Stay safe!

[@yyyy-uv3po]

This new speaker seems to be as generic as his name would suggest. Probably nothing good will come out his time again.

[@d1zturbed221]

@@yyyy-uv3po lmao it’s insulting to the people how blatantly they’re been with this fiasco. And the lack of human empathy worries me about the future of this democracy.

[@saraleigh5336]

⁠@@yyyy-uv3pounfortunately, no, he is not generic. He is pretty terrifying on everything from the ACA (working against) to Jan. 6 (a decisive planner).

[@reginafick6620]

Thank you Stephen for that moving monologue. As a born and raised Mainer, your heart-felt synopsis of our spirit brought tears to my eyes. I have heard others praise our strength, work ethics, and spirit before, but you really made those traits shine tonight. They community of Lewiston should not have to to get through this, but all of Maine will gather around them and get them through it.

[@pdoylemi]

The amazing thing was that he gave such a heartfelt speech and absolute tragedy, and still managed to make me chuckle once or twice. If he had been talking about Maine for some more lighthearted reason I think those jokes would have cracked me up. All my best to our Maine brothers and sisters.

[@gsandau]

I hope you're safe and well. We're up in Somerset County.

[@pdoylemi]

@@gsandau Stay safe. I recall the shooting at Michigan State University - my nephew Thomas, and niece May were both students there, and May lived a couple of blocks from the shooting, and often spent time at the Student Union - where the first shootings happened. I knew that on a campus of nearly 50,000, it was highly unlikely that they were victims, but when the news broke, I still recall the fear I felt. And your guy may still be on the loose. Not a good situation - take care.

[@gsandau]

@@pdoylemi Thank you so much. It is stressful watching the news, so I have been taking breaks.

[@mallikaumamaheswaran4713]

Stephen, thanks for your powerful and appropriate statement on the need for action on guns. As you said it is for the voters to rise up to the occasion and compel the elected officials to pass laws prohibiting those assault weapons, universal background checks and mandatory waiting period before purchase as well as surrender of existing inventory of such weapons held by individuals.

[@georgescullane5172]

Thanks for stepping outside of your comedic platform to speak out about the need for our elected officials to take their heads out of the sand and do something incremental to stem the rate of gun deaths in our country.