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Colbert Using New Platform To Mix Comedy, Current Events, Politics

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Stephen Colbert is finally taking the stage as the new host of "The Late Show on CBS."

KDKA's Susan Koeppen and Ken Rice got the chance to sit down with Colbert to talk about his new show and what he plans to bring to the light night table.

When you first meet Stephen Colbert, you're not exactly sure who you're getting.

After all, the Stephen Colbert on Comedy Central was just a character he played for 10 years. He was a pitchman for a bank in Nebraska, and his first job on TV was reading the lottery numbers in Wisconsin.

But he honed his comedy skills at Second City in Chicago where he fell in love with making people laugh.

"I like telling jokes. I like talking about the news; you get to talk about what happened that day," Colbert says.

Colbert will use his new platform to mix comedy and daily issues, and politics will still be part of the show. Just don't expect the guy from "The Colbert Report."

"He was always in an argument with the world, I don't want to always be in an argument," says Colbert.

George Clooney and presidential candidate Jeb Bush will be his first guests.

Colbert: "I want to have all the candidates on, you know, the Pope would be great. Are you talking to the pope?"

Koeppen: "He's coming in September to Philly."

Rice: "He'll be in Philadelphia."

Colbert: "Seriously, why isn't he going to Pittsburgh? Pittsburgh is the Pennsylvania city."

Speaking of Pittsburgh, Colbert is quite fond of our city. Just don't get too close to him at a Steelers game over fears he may wave a black and gold staple just a little too wildly.

Koeppen: "You know what this is?"

Colbert: "That's the Terrible Towel."

Growing up in South Carolina, the youngest of 11 children, Colbert has come a long way. And now, he has his name in lights on Broadway. We're proud to have him on KDKA.

"I love this news team. We already have so many great memories together," Colbert says.

And we love you Stephen.

KDKA didn't leave NYC empty handed. Check out Susan and Ken's selfie with Colbert! Please feel free to share that with friends and family.

Just click on the photo to see it in its full size:

colbert-ken-susan
(Photo Credit: Susan Koeppen/KDKA)

And he gave us candy. They aren't just gummy bears, they are "Col-Bears."

Don't miss "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" immediately following KDKA-TV News at 11 p.m.

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