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Stephen Colbert Downplays 2028 Bid, Leaves Post–Late Show Path Open

His comments followed a pointed onstage gesture and recent criticism of Paramount’s decisions as he navigates the show's planned May finale.

Overview

  • Asked at Slate’s Political Gabfest on Dec. 18 if he’d run in 2028, Colbert replied, “Absolutely, I should not run for president.”
  • He added that any public-service decision would come after The Late Show ends in May and would involve talks with his family and faith leader.
  • During the event, he hugged John Dickerson and then raised a middle finger to the crowd in a move widely reported as directed at CBS.
  • CBS announced in July that it was ending The Late Show, describing the move as a financial decision in a challenging late-night market.
  • Colbert has criticized corporate choices by CBS parent Paramount, questioning spending tied to a hostile Warner Bros. Discovery bid and calling a $16 million donation linked to a settlement a “big, fat bribe.”