RealClearPolitics Podcast Jimmy Kimmel’s Return to ABC
Sep 24, 2025
The hosts dive into Jimmy Kimmel’s return to ABC, exploring his apology and the mixed reactions it generated. They discuss President Trump's legal threats against the network and Google's decision to reinstate creators banned for political speech. A recent ICE facility shooting raises concerns about political rhetoric, while the allegation surrounding a tape involving White House border czar Tom Homan adds another layer of intrigue. Censorship, media bias, and the future of fact-checking are hot topics, sparking a lively debate.
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Kimmel's Return Seen As Mixed Message
- Jimmy Kimmel's return mixed sincere emotion with perceived hypocrisy about past partisan jabs.
- Hosts argued his apology lacked an explicit 'I'm sorry' and ignored prior support for censorship when Biden's allies pushed it.
Censorship Linked To Bureaucratic Effort
- Carl Cannon argued censorship was organized within the bureaucracy and continued under Biden.
- He said Kimmel failed to address this broader pattern and selective enforcement.
Assess Late Night Through Business Lens
- Consider the business model when evaluating late-night shows; niche politicized formats chase micro-audiences.
- Expect broadcast late-night economics to force format changes or downsizing over time.