Eric Swalwell Announces White House Bid On Stephen Colberts Show, Setting Late Night Record

UPDATED with video: Stephen Colberts The Late Show became the first TV program on which two candidates have announced their 2020 White House bids with Mondays announcement by California Rep. Eric Swalwell.

“Youve been very critical of President Trump; youve called him a wrecking ball, a Russian agent,” Colbert said, asking what he can do, by way of setting up the Democratic congressmans announcement.

Swalwell began his statement, declaring democracy “on the ropes.”

“I see a country in quicksand, unable to solve problems and threats from abroad, unable to make life better for people here at home,” Swalwell said. The congressman said he talks to people who feel like theyre running in place and kids who sit in classrooms afraid theyll be the next victim of gun violence, while lawmakers love guns more than kids.

“Im ready to solve these problems. Im running for president of the United States,” he finished. After a brief pause, he added, “Boy, did it feel good to say that!”

Swalwell becomes the second Dem to receive a special pin that reads: “I Announced on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.”

New York Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced her candidacy on Dems favorite late-night therapy hour in January, telling Colbert, “Im going to run for president of the United States because as a young mom, Im going to fight for other peoples kids as hard as I would fight for my own.”

In return, Colbert presented her with the pin and a plane ticket to Michigan “so you will campaign there” in a not-even-thinly veiled dig at Hillary Clinton.

Colbert nearly set the record that month. Days before Gillibrand announced, Colbert came this close to snaring his first official presidential bid announcement, when Sen. Kamala Harris of California appeared on his show to tout her new book.

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