Stephen Colbert Shares Emotional Reaction to Election Results, Cheers on Anti-Trump Protesters
After Stephen Colbert's somewhat somber live Election Night special on Showtime, the talk show host returned to his regular CBS slot on Wednesday for a live Late Night episode, where he was still coming to terms with Donald Trump's victory.
"There's no way around it. This is what it feels like when America's made great again," Colbert announced. "I was really hoping it would feel better because this sucks."
Colbert then addressed the ongoing anti-Trump protests that have broken out in several cities across America, including in New York City where thousands have congregated in peaceful but passionate protest outside Trump Tower.
"The unity thing might take a skosh longer than Trump was hoping for," Colbert quipped after playing video of a crowd of marching activists. However, he went on to stress how vital it was for impassioned people to make their voices heard.
"Freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, First Amendment, the most important things we can do together," Colbert shared. "Don't stop speaking your mind. Don't ever be cowed by what happens in the next four years."
"Like it or not -- for the record: not," he continued, referencing his own feelings on the election outcome, “we have to accept that Donald Trump will be the 45th President of the United States."
In response to a chorus of booing from the audience, Colbert replied, "Listen, I get that feeling completely. I just had to say it one more time. I just want to keep saying it until I can say it without throwing up in my mouth a little bit."
WATCH: Late Night Hosts Address 2016 Election Results in Heartfelt Monologues
Like Seth Meyers -- who got emotional during his own Late Night monologue -- Colbert addressed the difficult task some parents will face when discussing this election with their kids.
His advice? "Just follow [Trump's] lead and lie."
"Just tell your kids in a reassuring voice that Trump is going to be good, maybe, you know?" Colbert said. "Maybe he'll be different than how he was and always is."
"Just tell them anything. Tell them the new president is Elsa from Frozen. It's the only way to get them to 'Let it go,'" he continued. "Tell them what you should always tell kids: Work hard, be kind, care about other people, don't be selfish, don't grab them where they don't want to be grabbed, and they'll make the world a better place than Donald Trump can."