Jimmy Kimmel mocks final GOP debate without Trump as 'NSYNC reunion without Justin Timberlake'

Kimmel highlighted the lack of energy and excitement with candidates struggling to captivate the audience without Trump's presence
UPDATED DEC 7, 2023
Jimmy Kimmel humorously critiqued the final Republican presidential debate without Donald Trump, likening it to an 'NSYNC reunion without Justin Timberlake' (Jimmy Kimmel Live)
Jimmy Kimmel humorously critiqued the final Republican presidential debate without Donald Trump, likening it to an 'NSYNC reunion without Justin Timberlake' (Jimmy Kimmel Live)

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Late-night host Jimmy Kimmel took aim at the final Republican presidential debate without Donald Trump, likening the event to "an NSYNC reunion without Justin Timberlake."

In his opening monologue on Wednesday, December 6 night, Kimmel joked about the debate's lackluster lineup, noting that the absence of Trump had significantly impacted the energy and excitement of the event.

Jimmy Kimmel finds GOP debate 'boring as hell' without Trump

"The final Republican debate was last night," Kimmel said, "and let me tell you, it was like watching an NSYNC reunion without Justin Timberlake."

He continued, "It was just a bunch of guys standing around, not really knowing what to do with themselves. They tried to sing some of the old hits, but it just wasn't the same."

Kimmel's comments reflect a broader sentiment among many viewers who found the debate to be dull and uninspiring.

Without Trump's bombastic personality and unpredictable antics, the remaining candidates struggled to generate much interest or excitement.

In addition to the lack of Trump, Kimmel also poked fun at the candidates' frequent use of canned responses and talking points.

"The candidates were all very well-behaved," he said. "They stuck to their talking points, they didn't say anything controversial, and they certainly didn't try to insult each other. In other words, it was boring as hell."



 

Kimmel's monologue touched on yearning for 'substantive' election

While Kimmel's comments were intended to be humorous, they also highlight the serious concerns many have about the state of the Republican Party.

With Trump's dominance, the party has become increasingly divided and polarized, and the remaining candidates seem unable to offer a clear vision for the future.

As Kimmel concluded his monologue, he expressed his hope that the upcoming general election will be more engaging and substantive.

"I'm just hoping that the general election is more exciting than this debate," he said. "We need a campaign that is about real issues, not just personal attacks and insults."

Only time will tell whether Kimmel's wish will be granted. However, his comments offer a humorous and insightful perspective on the current state of the presidential race.

GET BREAKING U.S. NEWS & POLITICAL UPDATES
STRAIGHT TO YOUR INBOX.

MORE STORIES

Mayor Jacob Frey said he does not want Minneapolis police officers focused on 'hunting down' illegal immigrants in the city
53 minutes ago
Surveys suggest Trump faces growing resistance from independents and Democrats, even as Republican voters continue to rally behind him ahead of 2026
1 hour ago
Noem's attack on Biden came during a news conference where she highlighted the DHS' focus on deporting violent offenders
1 hour ago
Funding talks collapsed as Chuck Schumer led Dems to block the DHS budget after Alex Pretti and Renee Good shootings, seeking stricter ICE rules
2 hours ago
From Iowa and New Hampshire to Georgia, a dozen states push for influence in the Democratic race
7 hours ago
Congress can’t review DOJ’s Epstein case without full, unredacted records, lawmakers say
10 hours ago
NY AG accuses Trump of a 'terror' campaign, using fear to keep Republicans in power
11 hours ago
Ilhan Omar dismissed Donald Trump's claims, accusing him of deflecting from failures and fueling conspiracy theories against her
12 hours ago
The comments come amid growing DHS scrutiny after Minnesota raids left two residents dead
13 hours ago
Lawmakers accuse AG Pam Bondi of halting Epstein files release, keeping nearly 50% hidden
14 hours ago