Here’s How Late-Night Became Political Before Trump

The article discusses the evolution of late-night television's increasing political focus, which began during the George W. Bush administration and predates the Trump presidency. Prior to the Bush era, late-night hosts generally focused on lighter, more comedic content. However, as the country became more polarized during the lead-up to the Iraq War, hosts like Jay Leno and David Letterman began incorporating more political commentary into their monologues. This shift was driven by a desire to address pressing political issues and hold leaders accountable, as well as the recognition that audiences were craving this type of content. The trend continued to grow, with hosts like Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert becoming known for their sharp political satire and analysis. While the current political climate has further amplified the political nature of late-night comedy, the article suggests that this transformation was already well underway before the Trump presidency. The increased political focus reflects the changing role of late-night television in addressing the concerns and perspectives of the viewing public.