IT'S the moment Stephen Colbert has been waiting for.
CBS's "Late Show" host has spent months eviscerating President Donald Trump on television, clearly trying to provoke a reaction. It didn't work. Until today.
"You see a no-talent guy like Colbert. There's nothing funny about what he says. And what he says is filthy," Trump told Time magazine. "And you have kids watching. And it only builds up my base. It only helps me, people like him."
Trump also took credit for Colbert's newly improved ratings: "The guy was dying. By the way, they were going to take him off television. Then he started attacking me and he started doing better. But his show was dying. I've done his show. . . . But when I did his show, which by the way was very highly rated. It was high - highest rating. The highest rating he's ever had."
In a preview clip released by CBS, Colbert addressed the quote in his Thursday night monologue. "The president of the United States has personally come after me and my show," he started solemnly. "And there's only one thing to say."
Colbert then broke into a gleeful, maniacal cackle. "Yayyyy!" he exclaimed, rubbing his bands together, looking genuinely grateful as the audience chanted "Steph-en! Steph-en! Steph-en!"
"Mr. Trump, Mr. Trump," Colbert said, composing himself as the crowd noise died down. "There's a lot you don't understand. But I never thought one of those things would be show business. Don't you know I've been trying for a year to get you to say my name?! And you were very restrained. Admirably restrained."
"But now you did it!" Colbert said triumphantly. "I won."
Trump's reference to Colbert being "filthy," of course, refers to the oral sex joke that Colbert made last month about Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin. ("The only thing your mouth is good for is being Vladimir Putin's c- holster.") After a backlash from some viewers that sparked a #FireColbert hashtag, Colbert acknowledged that he could have used a less crude phrase, but refused to apologize.
"I don't regret that. He, I believe, can take care of himself," Colbert said of Trump. "I have jokes; he has the launch codes."
The Washington Post
Fri May 12 2017
Television personality Steven Colbert at New York City, United States. REUTERS / File
What to watch for ahead of US presidential inauguration
Here's a timeline of events between now and inauguration day.
The battle to reduce road deaths
In Malaysia, over half a million road accidents have been recorded so far this year.
Pro-Palestinian NGOs seek court order to stop Dutch arms exports to Israel
The Dutch state, as a signatory to the 1948 Genocide Convention, has a duty to take all reasonable measures at its disposal to prevent genocide.
How quickly can Trump's Musk-led efficiency panel slash US regulations?
Moves by Trump and his appointees to eliminate existing rules will be met with legal challenges, as many progressive groups and Democratic officials have made clear.
2TM: Consultations on PTPTN loans, admission to IPTA at MOHE booth
Consultations on PTPTN loans and admission to IPTA are among services provided at the Higher Education Ministry booth.
Kampung Tanjung Kala residents affected by flooded bridge every time it rains heavily
Almost 200 residents from 60 homes in Kampung Tanjung Kala have ended up stuck when their 200-metre (m) long concrete bridge flooded.
COP29 climate summit draft proposes rich countries pay $250 billion per year
The draft finance deal criticised by both developed and developing nations.
Bomb squad sent to London's Gatwick Airport after terminal evacuation
This was following the discovery of a suspected prohibited item in luggage.
Kelantan urges caution amidst northeast monsoon rains
Kelantan has reminded the public in the state to refrain from outdoor activities with the arrival of the Northeast Monsoon season.
Former New Zealand PM Jacinda Ardern receives UN leadership award
Former New Zealand prime minister Jacinda Ardern was given a global leadership award by the United Nations Foundation.
ICC'S arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant an apt decision - PM
The decision of the ICC to issue arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant is apt, said Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.
KTMB provides two additional ETS trains for Christmas, school holidays
KTMB will provide two additional ETS trains for the KL Sentral-Padang Besar route and return trips in conjunction with the holidays.
BNM'S international reserves rise to USD118 bil as at Nov 15, 2024
Malaysia's international reserves rose to US$118.0 billion as at Nov 15, 2024, up from US$117.6 billion on Oct 30, 2024.
Findings by dark energy researchers back Einstein's conception of gravity
The findings announced are part of a years-long study of the history of the cosmos focusing upon dark energy.
NRES responds to Rimbawatch press release on COP29
The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability (NRES) wishes to offer the following clarifications to the issues raised.
Online Safety Bill and Anti-Cyberbullying Laws must carefully balance rights and protections
The Online Safety Advocacy Group (OSAG) stands united with people in Malaysia in the fight against serious online harms.
Malaysia's inflation at 1.9 pct in Oct 2024 - DOSM
Malaysia's inflation rate for October 2024 has increased to 1.9 per cent, up from 1.8 per cent in September this year.
Saudi Arabia showcases Vision 2030 goals at Airshow China 2024
For the first time, Saudi Arabia is participating in the China International Aviation & Aerospace Exhibition held recently in Zhuhai.
King Charles' coronation cost GBP 71mil, govt accounts show
The coronation of Britain's King Charles cost taxpayers GBP72 million (US$90 million), official accounts have revealed.
Couple and associate charged with trafficking 51.9 kg of meth
A married couple and a man were charged in the Magistrate's Court here today with trafficking 51.974 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine.