Stephen Colbert miscalculated how the coronavirus would affect Trump

Last week after the president Donald trump was diagnosed with coronavirus and later admitted to Walter Reed Hospital, Stephen colbert dispensed with jokes to offer a solemn and respectful commentary on the danger the news presented to the presidential office.

I am worried about the President of the United States, Colbert said on Friday. Specifically, I am worried that someone has not protected our president from this pandemic. It is important that our president does not get sick. And it’s upsetting, but not surprising, that the one who put our president in danger was Donald Trump.

But on Tuesday, after Trump left the hospital while still infected with the deadly virus, he held a photoshoot on the steps of the White House while Apparently struggling to breathe, Colbert admitted that he may have misjudged the situation.

You know, ladies and gentlemen, when Donald Trump first contracted the coronavirus, I thought maybe, maybe, he would come out of that experience with a touch of humility, Colbert said. Because honestly, nothing would disarm his detractors more than if he stood up and told the world I was wrong. I learned my lesson. And I really sympathize with the hundreds of thousands of people who have been seriously ill or lost their lives as a result of this pandemic.

But here’s the thing. I forgot one thing, he added. He never does that. He never changes. Hes a Telfon trout. He just swims through all of life’s normal experiences and not a learning barnacle left. He’s the least wise person in history. Hes the anti-Solomon.

According to Colbert, the straw that broke my brain was Trumps Strongman’s propaganda in the White House. After leaving Marine One on Monday night, Trump climbed the steps of the White House rather than entering through the normal entrance. He then removed his mask and saluted as the helicopter took off.

Only Donald Trump would think climbing the stairs is a feat, Colbert said, before emulating the president. Now watch me drink water with one hand. And for my last turn, I will close this umbrella. It cannot be done! Hey, how did you do, Mary Poppins?

After calling President Kim Jong Don, Colbert added, Trump wanted it to be a show of force, but moments after taking off his mask, he was clearly having trouble breathing. Still, it’s a strong look, because nothing bad ever happens to people who are famous for their balconies: your Mussolini, your Saddam, your Juliets.

It was all silly, but that is the dumbest part, he continued, before pointing out that after this free posting, Trump was left unmasked for part of his return to the White House for later use. in a promotional video.

It all seemed like propaganda. And it really looked like it was propaganda when they released it as propaganda, Colbert said, before video playback. He was far from impressed with the end result. Good Goebbels! Yelped Colbert. Not only this propaganda campaign, it’s also a trailer for the upcoming movie Triumph of the sick.

In his return remarks, Trump made a number of outlandish claims, including that he could be immune to the coronavirus, which he still has. I have learned so much about the coronavirus and one thing is for sure: don’t let it dominate you. Don’t be afraid of it. You’re going to beat him, Trump said.

Once again, he’s not learning anything, replied Colbert in exasperation. It’s like Scrooge woke up on Christmas morning and said, I’ve been visited by three ghosts. Do not be afraid of them, my friends, and do not let them dominate you. I just put on my Bose noise canceling headphones and slept like a gin-soaked baby. The point is, I have to infect Tiny Tim with coronavirus.

More interesting stories from Vanity Fair

A first look at Diana and Margaret Thatcher in The crown Season four
Celebs Roast Trump rhymes with John Lithgows Trumpty Dumpty Delivered
Get ready for the apocalyptic film by George Clooneys Midnight sky
The best streaming shows and movies in October
Inside Netflix’s latest frenzied escape, Emily in Paris
The crowns Young stars on Prince Charles and Princess Di
From the Archives: How Hollywood Sharks, Mafia Pins, and Movie Geniuses Shaped The Godfather
Not a subscriber? Join Vanity Fair to receive full access to VF.com and the full online archive now.