Colbert and Corden call out leaders after massacre at Texas elementary school: 'Show a modicum of courage'
Stephen Colbert and James Corden both opened their shows Tuesday addressing the massacre at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas earlier in the day. At least 19 children and one teacher were killed when a gunman entered the school and opened fire.
“Shortly before I came out here tonight, we learned of the unspeakable shooting in Uvalde, Texas today. And while we can add our prayers for the dead,” Colbert said to The Late Show crowd before taking a moment to compose himself, “there is nothing that could ever be said that can approach the immeasurable grief of those families. But while we’re at it, let’s pray this time our leaders show a modicum of courage in trying to prevent this from ever happening again.”
Colbert then called on his viewers to vote out anyone who won’t work to pass new gun legislation.
“Prayers won’t end this, voting might,” Colbert said. “So when you vote, ask yourself this question: Who running for office has publicly stated that they’re willing to do anything and everything in their power to protect your children from the criminally insane number of guns in America?”
On The Late Late Show, Corden also called out the lack of action despite how often this sort of thing happens in the United States.
“I don’t know what has to happen to change things here,” Corden said. “I am constantly shocked by the number of people who must think that this is an okay byproduct to never make meaningful changes to gun laws. And it doesn’t make sense to me. This doesn’t reflect the country that I think America is.”
Despite President Biden’s call for lawmakers to stand up to the gun lobby, Corden has no faith that that will actually happen.
“Nothing will change. Gun money will continue to get in the way of morality,” Corden said. “So, just as I stood here in this studio last week and I talked about a mass shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo, today, heartbreakingly, it is an elementary school in Texas. And I’ll probably be stood here talking again in another week or two about another place.”
Video Transcript
STEPHEN COLBERT: There is nothing that can ever be said they can approach the immeasurable grief of those families. But while we're at it, let's pray this time our leaders show a modicum of courage in trying to prevent this from ever happening again.
KYLIE MAR: On "The Late Show" Tuesday, Stephen Colbert opened the show speaking about the massacre at a Texas elementary school earlier in the day that left at least 19 children dead.
As usual, leaders in Congress offered thoughts and prayers despite being the very people blocking any meaningful legislation that could prevent this from happening. So Colbert called on his viewers to do their part.
STEPHEN COLBERT: But prayers won't end this. Voting might. So when you vote, ask yourself this question. Who running for office has publicly stated that they're willing to do anything and everything in their power to protect your children from the criminally insane number of guns in America?
KYLIE MAR: On "The Late Late Show," James Corden also railed against the lack of action following tragedies like this.
JAMES CORDEN: And I don't know what has to happen to change things here. I am constantly shocked by the number of people who must think that this is an OK byproduct to never make meaningful changes to gun laws. It doesn't make sense to me.
KYLIE MAR: On Monday night, President Biden urged lawmakers to stand up to the gun lobby, but Corden doesn't believe that will happen.
JAMES CORDEN: Nothing will change. Gun money will continue to get in the way of morality. So just as I stood here in the studio last week and I talked about a mass shooting at a grocery store in Buffalo, today, heartbreakingly, it is an elementary school in Texas.
KYLIE MAR: Proving Corden's point, three prominent Republicans are scheduled to speak at a National Rifle Association event in Texas on Friday. And Corden echoed Colbert's sentiment about thoughts and prayers.
JAMES CORDEN: Words of thoughts and prayers will come from our leaders, but I fear change never will. I hold out hope that this country will eventually wake up and change this senseless gun culture.
