With the battle to emerge as the leading contender for the Democratic presidential nomination still unsettled with two years to go, President Obama has injected an unexpected twist into the conversation.
In a pre-recorded sit-down at his presidential center, filmed a month ahead of its public opening, Obama spoke with Late Show host Stephen Colbert. Colbert noted he was “looking for a new gig soon,” as the program is set to end on May 21 after more than 30 years on TV.
During the chat, Colbert, 61, cracked: “A lot of people tell me I should run for president,” directing the joke at the most-liked former Commander-in-Chief still living. Instead of brushing it off, Obama leaned into the premise—while also appearing to take a swipe at the current political era shaped by his successor.
When Colbert asked whether it was a “dumb” idea for a TV personality to run for the White House, Obama responded with a carefully playful line: “Well, you know, the bar has changed.”
Obama then expanded on the point: “Let me put it this way. I think that you could perform significantly better than some folks that we’ve seen.”
He didn’t name anyone directly, but the implication landed with the audience, drawing loud applause. Obama also underlined that he meant it, adding: “I have great confidence in that.”
Still, when Colbert pushed to find out whether the remark amounted to an endorsement, Obama made clear it did not.
Regardless, Colbert will soon be figuring out what comes next. The May 21 finale follows a much-criticized decision announced in July last year to end CBS’ Late Show after a 33-year run.
The timing has been scrutinized because it coincided with Paramount—CBS’ parent company—seeking approval from the administration for a multi-billion merger with Skydance, led by David Ellison, son of Trump ally Larry Ellison.
Network executives have insisted the cancellation was “purely financial.” But on Tuesday, David Letterman—the previous host of the late-night franchise—shared his view of that explanation.
In comments to the New York Times, Letterman acknowledged that social media has changed how much cultural influence talk shows can hold, while arguing the format remains fundamentally compelling: “I don’t think it’ll ever go away because it’s just the best. It’s humans talking to humans.”
COLBERT: How dumb do you think it is for people to say that I should run for president?
OBAMA: Well, you know, the bar has changed. I think you would perform significantly better than some folks we've seen.
COLBERT: Is that an endorsement?
OBAMA: It was not pic.twitter.com/ffBQOvbvRT
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) May 6, 2026
Letterman was also blunt about why he believes Colbert was pushed out, pointing to Colbert’s frequent criticism of the president.
As Letterman put it: “He was dumped because the people selling the network to Skydance said, ‘Oh no, there’s not going to be any trouble with that guy. We’re going to take care of the show. We’re just going to throw that into the deal. When will the ink on the check dry?’
“I’m just going to go on record as saying: They’re lying.”
With only a small number of shows left before the curtain falls, Obama also offered Colbert a closing message of appreciation and encouragement.
“Thank you for everything that you have done,” Obama said. “I know we’ve only got a few shows left, but I know you’re gonna make them count, because you always have.”