party lines

Stephen Colbert and Nancy Pelosi Make Jokes, Nice

Pelosi Colbert

Man, even their skin tones clash.Photo: WireImage


At the Glamour Women of the Year awards last night, Stephen Colbert exchanged jabs with honoree Nancy Pelosi. During his (in character) introduction of the Speaker of the House, he could only muster: “I am so honored to be here tonight to honor all of these honorable … honorees.” (“My writers are on strike!” he cracked, moments later.) Colbert went on to praise Pelosi’s fashion — over her politics — calling her “by far the most glamorous Speaker we’ve ever had” (an accolade that received enthusiastic applause). “Whether she’s prowling the Capitol steps in a cream pantsuit, or strutting the halls of Congress in a blue pantsuit, or grudgingly clapping behind the president at the State of the Union in, say, cream pants and a blue pantsuit blazer — she always has the right accessories,” he said. “While I may disagree with everything she stands for, I will defend until death her right to” — snapping in a fashion-savvy Z — “MAKE. IT. WORK.” Pelosi took the jokes happily, (perhaps she’s over the time he kicked her virtual ass on Nintendo Wii?), but she saved a barb for him as he left the stage. “Of all the introductions I have ever received,” she said to the comedian, “yours is certainly the most … recent.” —Ben Kawaller

Read what Diane Sawyer thinks is the biggest problem facing TV journalism, and other important factoids, in our complete quotable coverage of the Glamour Women of the Year Awards.

Stephen Colbert and Nancy Pelosi Make Jokes, Nice