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

Trump signals strikes even as he predicts Iran will yield at negotiating table
14 minutes ago
'We're not going to let Iran make money on selling oil to people that they like and not people that they don't like, or whatever it is', Trump said
20 minutes ago
Trump signals Hormuz blockade after Iran talks fail over nuclear dispute
55 minutes ago
Trump orders ‘immediate’ Hormuz blockade says ships paying Iran tolls will be interdicted
1 hour ago
Trump praised the astronauts’ achievement, invited them to the White House, and said the US would 'do it again,' with Mars as the next goal
8 hours ago
Trump arrived at Miami’s Kaseya Center flanked by UFC boss Dana White and a family entourage including daughters Ivanka Trump and Tiffany Trump
10 hours ago
Throughout the talks, the US delegation remained in close contact with President Donald Trump and senior national security officials
11 hours ago
A three-judge panel ruled 2-1 that the initial interference should be put on pause temporarily
11 hours ago
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei said Iranian forces stopped a US destroyer near the Strait of Hormuz after 'ceasefire violations'
13 hours ago
JD Vance described the outcome as worse for Iran, while Donald Trump maintained that the US had already secured victory regardless of a deal
13 hours ago