Kimmel’s Surprising Encounter with Clinton
Months prior to the 2016 presidential election, Jimmy Kimmel recounted a moment when a warning from then-candidate Hillary Clinton took him by surprise. During an interview on his late-night show, Kimmel expressed astonishment at Clinton’s perspective on Donald Trump’s chances in the election, likening it to his shock upon hearing of O.J. Simpson’s acquittal, as he shared in a recent Rolling Stone interview.
A Turning Point in the Interview
Kimmel recalled telling Clinton during a commercial break, “I hope Trump gets the nomination. I think he’ll be a slam-dunk for you,” implying that he viewed Trump as an easy opponent for her. Clinton’s response, “Be careful what you wish for,” struck Kimmel as a serious warning, marking a turning point in his understanding of the political landscape.
Kimmel’s Political Disillusionment
Reflecting on his feelings surrounding the Simpson case, Kimmel articulated how that moment left him questioning his faith in America. He expressed a belief that, ultimately, the country would make the right choice, a conviction that has since waned. Today, Kimmel often critiques Trump and his administration on his show, stating that “there’s always material” available for satire, while also acknowledging a growing disillusionment with politics.
Shift in Approach to Audience Engagement
Kimmel mentioned a transformation in his role as a late-night host. Where he once aimed to educate viewers on current events, he now feels akin to a platform for venting frustrations. He observed, “Now I see myself more as a place to scream,” signaling a shift towards delivering strong critiques rather than informative commentary.
Initial Disappointments in Political Discourse
One notable disappointment for Kimmel was his televised interaction with Senator Bill Cassidy in 2017 regarding the repeal of the Affordable Care Act. Cassidy assured Kimmel, whose son has a congenital heart defect, that any proposed healthcare bill would meet the “Jimmy Kimmel test.” Kimmel later accused Cassidy of being untruthful, expressing shock at the lack of positive action from someone he believed would champion the cause.
Gratitude Towards Bipartisan Actions
Kimmel expressed gratitude to the late Senator John McCain for his courageous vote against the healthcare repeal, recognizing the backlash McCain faced from Trump and his supporters. Kimmel highlighted the atmosphere of fear among Republicans to confront Trump, yet he also noted that liberals contributed to Trump’s rise through their own actions and reactions.
Critique of Outrage Culture’s Role
In his analysis, Kimmel criticized what he perceives as a manufactured outrage among liberals regarding comedians and public discourse, arguing that this reactionary stance played a significant role in Trump’s electoral success. He stated, “I think a lot of the outrage is completely manufactured,” emphasizing that outrage over jokes often stemmed from insincere anger. Ultimately, Kimmel suggested that Trump’s celebrity status remains a significant factor in his enduring influence, making it challenging for political opponents to compete.
