With the fallout from Russia’s 2016 election meddling still roiling American politics, Late Show host Stephen Colbert stopped by the set of a popular Russian television program in Moscow to make a very important announcement.
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After playing a few rounds of what looked like Russian roulette, but with shots of vodka and cocktail pickles, Colbert raised his hands for silence. “Okay. I am here to announce that I am considering a run for president in 2020, and I thought it would be better to cut out the middle man and just tell the Russians myself,” he told Evening Urgant host Ivan Urgant, confusing his interviewer and instantly making headlines during his highly-publicized trip abroad.
In the video posted on Evening Urgant’s website, there’s a bit of a delay for the translation and for the host to figure out whether or not Colbert is serious. The last part of his announcement is met with laughs and applause from the audience.
“If anyone would like to work on my campaign, in an unofficial capacity, please just let me know,” Colbert added.
Urgant himself was ready with a few laugh lines taking aim at Colbert’s American audience. “I’d like to make a toast to the beautiful country of the USA, which invented the Internet. Thanks to it, we can meddle with US elections,” he joked, according to The Hollywood Reporter. After Colbert announced his presidential run, Urgant responded with another toast: “To you, Stephen! Good luck! We’ll do everything possible to make sure you get elected.”
Colbert dedicated his last shot of vodka to “A strong America, a strong Russia!”
The late night host took a hiatus on Thursday and Friday from his Late Show for his short trip to Russia, but will be back on Monday night with a new episode.
