Stephen Colbert Praises the Young Survivors of the Parkland Shooting Demanding Action

The “Late Show” host delivered a powerful call to action for those seeking change.

On Tuesday, Stephen Colbert returned to the “Late Show” for the first time since last week’s school shooting in Parkland, Florida to praise the impassioned young survivors who have risen in the wake of the horrific tragedy to demand action from lawmakers.

“I hope these kids don’t give up because this is their lives and their futures,” he said. “Somebody else may be in power, but this country belongs to them.”

Looking to the unprecedented nature of the #MeToo movement, Colbert ended the somber segment with a message of hope and a call to action for the fast-approaching midterm elections. “A lot of men in power did not see that coming, but it proved that change can happen overnight,” he said. “And this is an election year. So if you want to see change, you have to go to the polls and tell the people who will not protect you that their time is up.”

BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

payment methods

BEFORE YOU CLICK AWAY!

“Lying.” “Disgusting.” “Scum.” “Slime.” “Corrupt.” “Enemy of the people.” Donald Trump has always made clear what he thinks of journalists. And it’s plain now that his administration intends to do everything it can to stop journalists from reporting things they don’t like—which is most things that are true.

No one gets to tell Mother Jones what to publish or not publish, because no one owns our fiercely independent newsroom. But that also means we need to directly raise the resources it takes to keep our journalism alive. There’s only one way for that to happen, and it’s readers like you stepping up. Please help with a donation today if you can—even a few bucks will make a real difference. A monthly gift would be incredible.

payment methods

We Recommend

Latest

Sign up for our free newsletter

Subscribe to the Mother Jones Daily to have our top stories delivered directly to your inbox.

Get our award-winning magazine

Save big on a full year of investigations, ideas, and insights.

Subscribe

Support our journalism

Help Mother Jones' reporters dig deep with a tax-deductible donation.

Donate