Stephen Colbert Takes Swipe During Kennedy Center Honors That No One Likely Saw Coming

Comedian and TV show host Stephen Colbert sits high atop the pecking order for liberals who want a few laughs — especially when the butt of his snark is a prominent conservative or Republican.

Comedian Stephen Colbert waits for an event in the East Room of the White House December 7, 2014 in Washington, DC. Obama and the first lady welcomed recipients of the 37th Annual Kennedy Center Honors to the White House to celebrate their contributions to the arts. (Image source: AFP/Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

So it might come as a shock that during Sunday night's Kennedy Center Honors, Colbert — who was hosting the event — took aim at someone most folks wouldn't have expected: President Barack Obama.

U.S. first lady Michelle Obama and U.S. President Barack Obama sing the U.S. national anthem during the 37th Kennedy Center Honors at the Kennedy Center December 7, 2014 in Washington, D.C. (Image source: AFP/Brendan Smialowski/Getty Images)

According to at least two journalists, Colbert observed that Michelle Obama was sitting next to the president in public, which means that the FLOTUS wasn't likely running for office:

At #KennedyCenter honors. Host #StephenColbert noted that Michelle is sitting beside her husband, which means she's not running for office.

— Howard Fineman (@howardfineman)

December 8, 2014

Colbert, hosting Kennedy Center Honors, jokes @FLOTUS must not want to run for office since she's allowing herself to be seen with Obama

— Jeff Mason (@jeffmason1) December 8, 2014

The program won't be on television until the end of the month, so the powers that be have some time to decide if Colbert's swipe makes the cut.

(H/T: Twitchy)