Stephen Colbert’s interview with Donald Trump was an embarrassment of comedy

“I will be covering all the presidential candidates who aren’t Donald Trump,”‘ Colbert said on his debut night.

“Barack Obama, born in the United States?”

Colbert did insert the occasional dagger of mirth, as when Trump sat forward in his chair and talked about his plan to build a new Great Wall of China between the U.S. and Mexico with “a handsome, big fat door” for legal immigrants.

However, Colbert was cordial and Trump seemed comfortable playing to the audience, some of whom gave him a standing ovation when he came out.

“I want to thank you, not only for being here, I want to thank you for running for president“, Colbert told Trump. If you say, ‘No, I’m not giving to you, ‘ and they win, and you go back three years, five years later you get the cold shoulder.

The night’s music guest, Raury, has declared himself The Future of Hip Hop, Colbert said, “which would sound egotistical on any show that did not have Donald Trump on tonight”.

“I apologize for being flawless”. Sitting on his couch posed more of a challenge to Trump, who leads his 14 Republican rivals – including New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie – in the polls despite a string of controversial comments and questions about the seriousness of his campaign.

He hosted his Comedy Central show in character, interviewing politicians, authors, celebrities and more as a mock conservative newsroom host. He had fun with Trump (how could you not?), but also showed him something that resembled respect-which turns out to be a core value of Colbert’s new show. But even then, Trump kept his cool.

When Trump hesitated, Colbert tempted him with the “meatball”.

“And some nice things”, Trump interjected.

The game is exactly what it sounds like, with Colbert reading out quotes and challenging Trump to figure out whether he said them or Colbert said them.

Tuesday was a gamble for Trump since Colbert isn’t known to pull punches with his guests, especially those in the political realm.

“‘Dear Ernie: Better luck next time, ‘” the host suggested Trump use for the inscription.

Colbert read a tweet that Trump posted complaining about the cold weather and declaring that “we need global warming”.

Trump put up his hands and began to demur.