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Stephen Colbert wasn’t supposed to speak at the RNC, but that didn’t stop him

Comedian Stephen Colbert tapes a segment on the floor of the Republican National Convention for CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at the Quicken Loans Arena July 17, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Comedian Stephen Colbert tapes a segment on the floor of the Republican National Convention for CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at the Quicken Loans Arena July 17, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Comedian Stephen Colbert tapes a segment on the floor of the Republican National Convention for CBS’s The Late Show with Stephen Colbert at the Quicken Loans Arena July 17, 2016, in Cleveland, Ohio.
Win McNamee/Getty Images

The list of people set to speak at the Republican National Convention in Cleveland has finally been released, ranging from Donald Trump’s staffers to his family members to some political supporters. And then there’s Stephen Colbert.

The comedian and host of The Late Show on CBS made a surprise speech at Quicken Loans Arena on Sunday, welcoming everyone to the “2016 Republican National Hungry for Power Games” before being promptly booted out.

Dressed as Hunger Games character Caesar Flickerman (part of The Late Show “Hungry For Power Days” bit Colbert has been doing since September), the comedian held the stage Sunday with enough time to say a few words.

“[Trump] has formed an alliance with Indiana Gov. Mike Pence,” Colbert announced theatrically. He then bowed his head and apologized for blacking out at the mention of Pence. He continued: “So it is my honor to hereby launch and begin the 2016 Republican National Hungry for Power Games!”

The RNC technically gave The Late Show permission to film on the floor, but this is probably not what the Republicans had in mind — evidenced by the security guard who appeared to escort Colbert offstage.

Mid-stride, Colbert turned back toward the guard to say, “Look, I know I’m not supposed to be up here. But let’s be honest, neither is Donald Trump.”

We don’t know how much the RNC knew about Colbert’s stunt before it happened, but we do know it brought some well-needed entertainment and nostalgia for Colbert Report antics. With the convention starting today and The Late Show broadcasting from Cleveland this week, it’s safe to assume this won’t be Colbert’s last prank.


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