Colbert's Ketamine Conspiracy Did Musk's Trip Explain the Greene Gaffe?

Stephen Colbert Questions if Elon Musk's Ketamine Has Worn Off

Late-night host Stephen Colbert recently took aim at the apparent lack of due diligence in Congress, sparking a wave of humorous yet pointed commentary on the political process. His monologue, featuring the insightful contributions of Michael Kosta, highlighted the absurdity of voting on legislation without fully understanding its contents.

The crux of Colbert’s comedic critique centered on Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene's admission that she hadn't thoroughly read a bill before voting on it. Kosta brilliantly captured the essence of Greene's nonchalance, portraying her justification as akin to skimming a book club selection rather than scrutinizing critical legislation. "I mean, congrats on coming out against a crazy thing in this bill, but you weren’t aware of what was in it? That’s your job! This isn’t book club — you can’t just read the first seven pages and then be like, ‘I love it. Linda, more rosé.’" Kosta quipped, perfectly encapsulating the gravity of the situation.

Colbert then posed a crucial question that resonated with many viewers: "Does anyone in Congress read anything before they vote on it? Are we being governed via Apple user agreement?" This rhetorical question served as a springboard for a hilarious yet thought-provoking analogy.

His impersonation of an Apple user blithely agreeing to terms and conditions without reading them – only to discover, to their horror, that they've unwittingly defunded Medicare – was a masterclass in comedic timing and observational satire. "[imitating Apple user] Yeah, blah, blah, blah, blah, yeah, click ‘I agree.’ I just want to download ‘Baby Shark,’ come on. Hold on, wait a second, did I just defund Medicare? Whatever. [sings] Baby shark, do do." The absurdity underscored the lack of engagement from some representatives.

Kosta further amplified the point by mimicking Representative Mike Flood's potential defense: “[imitating Representative Mike Flood] Hey, hey, hey, why are you guys booing me? I’m just telling you I didn’t do the bare minimum of my job. Feels like you should be applauding me for my honesty.” This satirical portrayal highlighted the unsettling normalization of inadequate preparation amongst certain political figures.

The segment concluded with a sharp reminder of the critical importance of legislative scrutiny: “But you’ve got to read these bills! It’s not like a 23andMe terms-of-service agreement, where you can just blindly sign it, and now there’s a clone of you who’s a sex slave for an Uzbek oligarch. Unlike that, these bills are important.” Kosta's concluding remark served as a powerful call for greater accountability and responsibility from our elected officials.

Colbert’s comedic commentary isn't merely entertainment; it serves as a critical reflection on the state of our political system. His insightful satire encourages a much-needed conversation about transparency and the importance of engaged participation in the legislative process. It's a timely reminder that informed decision-making is paramount to effective governance, and that a casual approach to such matters is simply unacceptable.

Tags: Congress, US Politics, Bill Voting, Political Satire, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Trump Bill, Mike Flood, Stephen Colbert, Apple User Agreement, Political Commentary, Legislative Scrutiny, Government Accountability, Political Humor

Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/05/arts/television/stephen-colbert-elon-musk-ketamine.html