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

Tillis says Congress needs clear war objectives before approving major funding package
2 minutes ago
Loomer framed Trump’s reaction to Mueller’s death as natural, arguing critics misunderstand human instinct and personal emotion
7 hours ago
Trump denied sending troops as missions eye Hormuz and Kharg Island, while Joni Ernst said Marines give leverage and Republicans back strikes
9 hours ago
Speaking to Fox News' Sean Hannity, Stephen Miller accused Democrats of 'enabling cheating' for opposing the SAVE America Act.
10 hours ago
Senator John Fetterman has consistently been the only Democrat to vote against the shutdown, which has now stretched to 36 days
10 hours ago
Iran’s attempted strike exposed a longer reach than previously claimed, raising fresh concerns over hidden capabilities
11 hours ago
Robert Mueller was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2021, retired from legal practice that year, and fully stepped away from public life by 2022
11 hours ago
Schumer condemns Trump’s remarks after Mueller’s death, linking them to broader concerns over economic strain and foreign policy decisions
11 hours ago
Donald Trump criticized David E Sanger after The New York Times report said his Iran war messaging was inconsistent and many goals remained unmet
12 hours ago
Global oil flows face disruption as tensions spike, with energy markets rattled and allies weighing response to escalating US-Iran standoff
13 hours ago