June 24, 2017
Colbert for president? That's what he told the Russians, anyway.
The host of CBS' "The Late Show" announced he is considering a run for the presidency in 2020 during an appearance on "Evening Urgant," a Russian talk show inspired by American late night TV and hosted by Ivan Urgant.
Colbert's comments came during an offbeat version of Russian roulette, in which he and Urgant traded shots of vodka on a spinning table with a bowl of pickles in the center.
"Is this all vodka? Then why do we spin it? So every single one of them's a bullet?"
"Yes," Urgant replied, according to the Los Angeles Times. "Welcome to Russia."
Colbert also asked what the pickles were for. They would be used as chasers, he was told.
Before taking his first shot, Colbert toasted the audience and viewers with his usual tongue-and-cheek.
"To the beautiful and friendly Russian people, I don't understand why no members of the trump admin can remember meeting you," he said before tipping the glass.
After Urgant took a shot in turn, Colbert asked if he could announce something.
"I'm here to announce that I am considering a run for president in 2020," the satirical TV personality said in a serious tone to cheers from the audience. "I thought it would be better to cut out the middle man and just tell the Russians myself.
His tone and expression lightened some for his next statement.
"If anyone would like to work on my campaign in an unofficial capacity, please, just let me know," he said.
Colbert appeared to poke fun at mounting evidence that Russian officials meddled in the United States' presidential election last November, as well as allegations that President Donald Trump's campaign colluded with them.
Colbert ended his interview with Urgant by toasting "A strong America, a strong Russia," before taking another shot.
Colbert announced his trip to the country on Thursday when he responded on Twitter to the two-part Trump tweet in which he said there are no recordings of his conversations with former FBI Director James Comey.
"Don't worry, Mr. President. I'm in Russia," Colbert responded with a picture of himself walking in Russia. "If the "tapes" exist, I'll bring you back a copy!"
.@realDonaldTrump Don't worry, Mr. President. I'm in Russia. If the "tapes" exist, I'll bring you back a copy! pic.twitter.com/v5flvAMtFY
— Stephen Colbert (@StephenAtHome) June 22, 2017
As for his presidential remark, it's worth noting that Colbert tried to run for president twice as host of Comedy Central's "Colbert Report," on which he played a conservative TV personality.
Watch Colbert's appearance on Urgant's show below.
