Stephen Colbert Critiques JD Vance’s Defense of Racist Group Chat
Late-night host Stephen Colbert addressed the fallout from leaked messages within a Young Republicans online group chat during his monologue on March 6, 2024. The chat, which contains over 250 slurs and a message stating, “I love Hitler,” has sparked outrage and condemnation. The Young Republicans organization consists of more than 500 members aged between 18 and 40, and despite an official apology, Vice President JD Vance defended the group’s behavior, suggesting it was typical youthful folly.
Colbert opened his segment by highlighting the shocking nature of the leaked messages, which included a range of offensive language and jokes targeting various minority groups. He quipped about Vance’s comments on the matter, stating, “Kids do stupid things, especially young boys.” Colbert humorously recounted his own youthful antics, saying, “When I was in Cub Scouts, about 10 years old, me and my troop invaded Poland.”
The host challenged Vance’s defense, pointing out the age discrepancy in the Young Republicans. “Despite their name, Young Republicans, to be a member of the group you have to be at least 18, and some members are up to 40 years old,” Colbert noted. He added, “Because nothing says young like getting your first routine colonoscopy,” reinforcing his critique of the group’s maturity level.
Colbert specifically focused on the alarming “I love Hitler” remark, mockingly stating, “This one’s tough to spin.” He further jested, “What? I was talking about Pete Hitler and his honky-tonk bluegrass band. You’re telling me there’s another Hitler? What did he do?” This comedic approach served to underline the seriousness of the situation while engaging the audience.
In addition to the troubling messages, Colbert pointed out the sheer volume of the group chat, which included a staggering 2,900 pages of texts. He emphasized the range of offensive comments shared within the chat, stating, “These young Republicans also text each other an array of slurs, jokes about enslavement, disparaging comments about Jews, women, Black people, and other minorities.” He further highlighted a text from one group member who acknowledged the potential consequences of the leak, saying, “If we ever had a leak of this chat, we would be cooked.”
Colbert also took aim at Bobby Walker, Chairman of the New York Young Republicans, who attempted to apologize for the messages yet claimed that “portions of the chat may have been altered, taken out of context, or otherwise manipulated.” Colbert dismissed this as a genuine apology, quipping, “That’s not an apology. That’s like saying, ‘Your honor I plead guilty… to looking great in this orange jumpsuit.’”
The discussion surrounding the Young Republicans group chat continues to draw attention, raising questions about the values and behaviors being cultivated within political youth organizations. Colbert’s segment highlighted both the absurdity of the defense offered by Vance and the serious implications of the leaked messages, leaving audiences to reflect on the broader societal issues at play.
