'Let sanity prevail': Internet backs Stephen Colbert for mocking 'crazy' Republicans over border crisis
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Late-night talk show host Stephen Colbert recently took a dig at Republicans over the ongoing border issue, using humor to comment on the complexities of immigration policies.
Colbert, host of 'The Late Show,' opened the segment by acknowledging the long-standing border crisis, highlighting the recent surge in border crossings through Mexico.
He said, "Now, no matter what your views are on immigration, there's no denying there's been a border crisis for decades."
GOP's extreme measures and legislative hostage-taking
Colbert sarcastically mentioned the extreme measures some Republicans have taken, including holding Ukraine aid hostage for a new border wall. He humorously referenced GOP strategist Chadam Duon's influence on the strategy, quipping about the legislative hostage-taking.
"Republicans have been pushing [Biden] hard to get tougher on the border, and recently they've resorted to some extreme measures like holding Ukraine Aid hostage over the building of a new border wall. It's a plan put forth by Chief GOP strategist Chadam Duon," he quipped.
From failed negotiations to potential civil war in Texas
The host then turned to the failed bipartisan border negotiations, focusing on Oklahoma Senator James Lankford. Colbert playfully described Lankford's role, complete with a tongue-in-cheek graphic portraying the senator's unconventional hairstyle.
As the border bill gained significance, Colbert addressed the potential for another civil war, particularly in Texas. He highlighted Governor Greg Abbott's controversial anti-immigration crackdown, involving razor wire installations along the border.
Abbott's unconventional razor wire installations
The host humorously described Abbott's measures, including installing razor wire under the surface of the Rio Grande and circular saw blades between buoys.
"Lenford buckled down, negotiated hard with the Democrats, and he got a deal. Republicans thanked him by backing out. That is so crazy. Republicans are the ones who insisted on a border deal above everything else, and now they're backing out."
Mitch McConnell's insights and Supreme Court ruling
Colbert touched on the Supreme Court's ruling against Texas, emphasizing the federal government's authority over immigration matters.
"Why did Republicans do this? The same reason they do anything, as Mitch McConnell explained: 'The issue is that the nominee Trump wants to campaign on immigration. You can't take away immigration, Mitch. That's my best stuff.'"
The talk show host then delved into Abbott's defiant response to the Supreme Court's ruling, invoking the compact theory and nullification — an archaic idea from the 1830s.
"So, they picked bangs. Sorry, we really tried not to use it again. But come on, because over the weekend, the Oklahoma Republican party approved a resolution condemning and censoring James Langford for his role in the ongoing bipartisan border negotiations."
QAnon convoy: A humorous take on fringe elements
Adding a touch of historical perspective, Colbert referenced James Madison's opposition to nullification, pointing out that the Constitution's author dismissed the idea as unsound. The host also drew parallels between Abbott's claims of invasion and Madison's view on the matter.
Colbert didn't shy away from poking fun at the fringe elements of the political spectrum, including a group of QAnon influencers and antivaxers organizing a convoy to the Texas border. He humorously remarked on their underwhelming turnout, contrasting the expected 700,000 participants with the actual turnout of predominantly older participants.
Colbert expressed hope for a peaceful resolution, infusing the commentary with his trademark humor. The host teased the potential for a civil war, not with a bang but with a playful reference to Senator Lankford's hairstyle.
Public outcry against unofficial control
In response to Colbert's satirical commentary, users express concern over non-elected figures influencing Congress.
One user wrote "Does any one else find that a person who is not an elected official is controlling the Congress? Regardless of the issue, I am appalled that we tolerate this. What happened to democracy? People representing us, not just one guy?"
Another added, "The US is going from satirical insanity to a general population Squid Games. Please let sanity prevail and fix your sinking ship!."
One commented, "Would you like to play a game" has to be my favorite part of this."
Another wrote, "Hey dont have enough sense to be embarrassed. When will it stop..this is ludicrous !! Thanx Stephen."