Well, it was only a matter of time before David Letterman popped back up to throw some gas on the fire — and throw his weight behind late-night host Jimmy Kimmel in the process.
The long-retired king of late-night made a guest appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” this week and didn’t hold back. Not that anyone expected him to.
Right out of the gate, Letterman dubbed Kimmel the “leader of the resistance,” applauding his anti-Trump rants and political potshots that have practically become a nightly ritual.
Kimmel, playing the self-deprecating card, quickly shot back that he’s a “totally ineffective leader of the resistance.” That back-and-forth set the tone for the rest of the interview — two left-leaning comedians patting each other on the back while serving up red meat for their base.
And just in case anyone thought Letterman had mellowed with age, he made sure to deliver his trademark sneer aimed squarely at Donald Trump, calling the former president a “fool.”
Letterman said, “If the leader of the free world is a fool, the leader of the free world then should expect and examine every bit of ridicule he receives.” He wrapped that up with a flourish, saying his ability to insult politicians “irrespective of party” somehow makes him look good. Kimmel, naturally, agreed.
This wasn’t just comedy — it was a mutual admiration society for two entertainers who’ve made it clear where they stand politically. And while Letterman may be enjoying his retirement, Kimmel’s still in the trenches, despite everything from poor ratings to a recent suspension hanging over his head.
Speaking of that suspension, Kimmel was temporarily benched earlier this year after falsely linking a murder suspect to the MAGA movement.
That story spiraled fast and landed the show in hot water, even as the network tried to sweep it under the rug. But in a move that surprised many, ABC has decided to double down, extending Kimmel’s contract through 2027.
For critics, that’s a head-scratcher. Kimmel’s ratings continue to lag behind competitors, and the show’s tone has turned sharply political, alienating plenty of viewers who used to tune in for laughs, not lectures. But if Letterman’s endorsement means anything in the world of late-night — and it still does to some — then Kimmel’s got the old guard backing his fight.
