On Wednesday, Stephen Colbert took yet another look at the ongoing impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump — and explained what he called “the five stages of Republican impeachment grief” to viewers.
The bit came while Colbert talked about Sen. Lindsey Graham who, less than a month ago, when asked about accusations of quid pro quo against Trump, denied them but said if evidence supported it he would find it “disturbing.” But then, on Tuesday Graham utterly refused to even look at the evidence coming out of congressional hearings this week.
“How tragic,” Colbert said. “Graham is clearly working through the five stages of Republican impeachment grief.”
Then Colbert broke them down. They are:
1. Anger
2. Denial
3. Won’t Read
4. Can’t read
5. No hablo ingles
Colbert then addressed Graham directly to talk about the evidence the senator refuses to look at.
“Lindsey, Lindsey, I’m sure you’re watching. So you don’t have to read it. I will just summarize the transcripts in three words.” Then, as Colbert lifted a sign with the words “Quid Pro Quo” on it, he urged Graham not to look away. At which point the camera started panning around to avoid seeing it, forcing Colbert to fling the sign up in the air to be seen.
Watch the whole gag below:
TONIGHT: Senator Lindsey Graham refuses to listen to new testimony or evidence about Trump's alleged quid pro quo with Ukraine. #LSSC pic.twitter.com/i5GxjOt2Zz
— The Late Show (@colbertlateshow) November 7, 2019