Following the surprising results of the 2024 presidential election, which saw Donald Trump declared the victor over Democratic candidate Kamala Harris, various voices from the late-night television circuit have taken to their shows to share their thoughts and reactions. This time, the responses were marked by discontent, reflection, and humor amid serious political discourse.
Jon Stewart, the former host of The Daily Show, opened the night by addressing the audience during live coverage, attempting to temper fears about the country’s direction. He reassured viewers, proclaiming, “This is not the end. I promise you. We have to regroup, and we have to continue to fight, and we have to work day-in and day-out to create a society we know is possible.” His sentiments echoed the feelings of many who were struck by the election's outcome, emphasizing the resilience and determination necessary to face what is perceived as challenging times for democracy.
Less than sympathetic to the victor's supporters, Seth Meyers offered his more biting commentary on Late Night. He expressed disappointment and alarm, stating bluntly, “I don’t think Donald Trump is a good person. I’d even go so far as to say he’s a bad person.” Emphasizing the current societal divide, he noted, “Half the country thinks he’s a good person or they don’t care, and because of this, he’s going to be our president again.” It’s evident, through Meyers’ delivery, his commitment to fostering dialogue necessary for democratic principles.
On the CBS Late Show, Stephen Colbert echoed this sense of disbelief, humorously displaying mock despair as he greeted the news of Trump’s victory with, “Well, f—k... it happened. Again.” Reflecting on the emotional weight of the election, he drew laughs from the audience by lamenting how he previously wore his “I Voted” sticker with pride, but now felt the need to swap it for something more reflective of his disillusionment. “I walked around like someone without explosive diarrhea, but then after this election, I’m feeling like I’ve been hit by the tidal wave of hopelessness,” Colbert quipped.
Jimmy Kimmel took to Jimmy Kimmel Live! with evident emotional weight, stating upfront, “There’s nothing. Good night, everybody!” He later called the election night “the worst Taco Tuesday of my life” and playfully poked fun at Trump’s frequent claims of election fraud, reshaping it with “this time, we chose not to [cheat], I guess.” Kimmel, who has been publicly vocal against Trump, did not shy away from humor to mask his discontent.
Similarly, on The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon added his perspective by acknowledging the difficult road ahead for many Americans. “No matter who you voted for, I think all Americans can agree: It’s going to be tough Thanksgiving.” He depicted Trump’s win as “a huge comeback for someone who literally never went away,” hinting at the fatigue many feel toward political discourse dominated by the former president.
Taylor Tomlinson, on After Midnight, utilized humor to cope with the post-election reality, sharing her strategy of retreating to watching Game of Thrones to calm her nerves. “I’m mad at myself for believing this wouldn’t happen... I’m mad at CBS for hiring me just so I cannot immediately leave the country,” she remarked, injecting levity to the serious subject of Trump’s return to power.
Other voices were just as vibrant, with Desi Lydic from The Daily Show expressing frustration over the narrative of their democracy: “We have had two qualified, accomplished women nominated for president, and both times, they lost to the worst man... Instead of breaking glass ceilings last night, America decided to get back with her dirtbag ex.” Her thoughts highlight the complex interplay of gender and politics happening at this pivotal moment.
Meanwhile, Rachel Maddow, during her segment on MSNBC, brought attention to the collective choice made by the public, expressing concerns over America’s embrace of authoritarianism. She posited boldly, “If this was not just about two candidates but the very fabric of our democracy, then we have our work cut out for us.” She firmly called on those who cherish democracy to stay engaged.
Even Trump, upon addressing supporters after his victory, tried to appeal to both survivors and skeptics alike, sharing promises for healing. “We’re going to help our country heal,” he stated, yet many perceived it with skepticism considering the backdrop against which he rose to power.
Trump's win, causing ripples within his party, was not received warmly across the board. Exit polls showed Biden with only 40% approval ratings, fueling speculation about the Democratic party’s future and whether unity forged during Biden’s administration remains viable. Biden himself, speaking shortly after the results were announced, stated, “The will of the people always prevails,” reinforcing his commitment to democratic processes amid backlash from various party factions over blame for the lost election.
All of these reactions paint an intensely charged picture of America’s political culture, rife with contradictions, frustrations, and aspirations for the future. They reflect not just the immediate disappointment felt by many, but also the underlying resilience—evident through humor and candid discussions—suggesting the nation remains eager to engage with its complex socio-political reality.
