Here is a fun riddle for you. Which is more obnoxious, a lefty late night host posturing as a politician, or a Democrat politician assuming the role of a lefty late-night host? Unfortunately, the teaser is no longer one of abstract concept but a reality, brought to life by former Mayor Pete Buttigieg’s stint as a fill in host on Thursday’s Jimmy Kimmel Live.
The hosting gig choice was certainly a strange one on the part of Kimmel’s booking staff. Alas for Buttigieg, his anchoring responsibilities were off to a wonky start as he walked out to an almost non-existent audience:
…Now this is a very strange night for us. Not only because this is my first time hosting a talk show -- because we're doing it without a regular studio audience. Due to public health concerns over the coronavirus, we have cancelled the studio audience tonight. A few kind Kimmel staffers and some friends, my husband Chasten, all here instead, we're going to have a great time.
In essence, the only people occupying seats were those that were paid to be there or relationally obligated on the part of close proximity to Mayor Pete. Next he attempted to offer guidance on the virus in the form of a political statement:
…Now, there is a bill right now in Congress that would provide free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs it, paid emergency leave, and unemployment insurance for workers who are laid off because of economic shock. So, for the good of every worker, every family, and every community that will be hurting, we need Congress to get that done. So take a moment, so call the number on your screen and tell your Senators and Representatives now is the time for action.
Buttigieg began to sling barbs as his monologue progressed: “You know, a lot of folks are wondering how I ended up getting booked to host this show and all I can say is that Iowa caucus app really screwed everything up. Actually, Jimmy asked me to fill in because right now he is off taping "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" Which is a game show that Michael Bloomberg won 56,000 times in a row.”
You could cut the awkwardness in the room with a knife as the Mayor took stabs at his defunct presidential bid while the Kimmel crew donned “Pete for President” gear:
You know, some people have been skeptical about me hosting a show like this. They're like "You're too inexperienced, you'll never be a good late night host." Well, a lot of people said I'd never get elected president -- and I showed them!
...
Well, I've been made to feel very welcome here today. And because I never show up to someone's home empty handed, I brought some gifts for the crew. Truth is, I have a shipping container full of "Pete for President" merch I can't get rid of.
Jumbled in the oddity of the evening was an interview with Patrick Stewart in which Buttigieg was gifted an original Star Trek script from the actor. A bizarre sketch of the Mayor attempting to land a job on Hollywood Boulevard at a pretzel shop was also a memorable segment of the night.
Perhaps Mayor Pete should stick with his day job which is well, not a host.
Transcript below:
Jimmy Kimmel Live!
3/12/20
11:35:47 PM
PETE BUTTIGIEG: Welcome and thank you for being here tonight. My name is Pete Buttigieg -- and I am running to be the next host of "Jimmy Kimmel live!" Now this is a very strange night for us. Not only because this is my first time hosting a talk show -- because we're doing it without a regular studio audience. Due to public health concerns over the coronavirus, we have cancelled the studio audience tonight. A few kind Kimmel staffers and some friends, my husband Chasten, all here instead, we're going to have a great time.
(...)
BUTTIGIEG: I agree that this virus is no match for the American people. But for us to get through this, we have to take immediate action. Now, there is a bill right now in Congress that would provide free coronavirus testing for everyone who needs it, paid emergency leave, and unemployment insurance for workers who are laid off because of economic shock. So, for the good of every worker, every family, and every community that will be hurting, we need Congress to get that done. So take a moment, so call the number on your screen and tell your Senators and Representatives now is the time for action.
(...)
BUTTIGIEG: You know, a lot of folks are wondering how I ended up getting booked to host this show and all I can say is that Iowa caucus app really screwed everything up. Actually, Jimmy asked me to fill in because right now he is off taping "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?" Which is a game show that Michael Bloomberg won 56,000 times in a row. You know, some people have been skeptical about me hosting a show like this. They're like "You're too inexperienced, you'll never be a good late night host." Well, a lot of people said I'd never get elected president -- and I showed them! Well, I've been made to feel very welcome here today. And because I never show up to someone's home empty handed, I brought some gifts for the crew. Truth is, I have a shipping container full of "Pete for President" merch I can't get rid of.
