When Stephen Colbert referred to CNN as an “objective” news source on his evening show, his predominantly liberal New York audience burst into laughter, even though he hadn’t intended it as a joke. The comment came during a conversation with CNN pundit Kaitlan Collins, who was discussing Donald Trump’s difficulty in formulating an “attack line” against Vice President Kamala Harris, citing her age, race, and gender as factors.
Collins explained, “[Trump] really has struggled with how to go after someone who’s 20 years younger than him, who is a different gender, a different race. It’s kind of been this moment where he has not been able to coalesce around a single attack line.”
Colbert responded, “I know you guys are objective over there; that you just report the news as it is.” This remark prompted unexpected laughter from the audience, much to the surprise of Collins, who then asked, “Was that supposed to be a laugh line?” Colbert admitted it wasn’t meant to be a joke, but then added, “I guess it is.”
Elon Musk commented, writing, “Lmaooo, the public knows,” while senior Senate staffer Rachel Bovard added, “lol not even lefties think CNN is objective, which is pretty dang funny.”