Particle.news
Download on the App Store

Jimmy Kimmel Defends Political Focus on Michelle Obama’s Podcast

The remarks stake out late-night comedy as a place for frank talk about politics.

Overview

  • Kimmel, in a Wednesday episode of Michelle Obama’s IMO podcast with Craig Robinson, said politics belongs in his monologues.
  • He called it obvious and unavoidable to address President Donald Trump and said skipping it would be embarrassing or shameful.
  • He pushed back at critics who try to define his role, saying his job is what he decides and what his employer allows him to do.
  • He rejected comparisons to Johnny Carson and pointed to a long tradition of political comedy, citing George Carlin and Richard Pryor.
  • Coverage also recalled his brief suspension last year over a joke after Charlie Kirk’s assassination, while Fox News stressed his liberal record, protest activity, and family strain.