In a notable departure from their usual support for President Joe Biden, late-night hosts Stephen Colbert and Jon Stewart have voiced concerns about the president’s performance and the future of his candidacy.

On Monday night’s episode of “The Late Show,” Colbert stopped short of explicitly calling for Biden to step aside but came very close. Reflecting on a campaign event three months ago where he interviewed the president, Colbert remarked, “That night, he seemed ancient but cogent.” However, the recent debate with Donald Trump has raised new questions about Biden’s mental stamina, with Colbert admitting uncertainty about the best path forward. Biden’s reassurance attempts, including a confusing statement during an ABC interview, have not helped his case. The White House’s attempt to correct the transcript only added to the confusion.

Colbert highlighted Biden’s internal conflict between perseverance and the courage to step aside for the greater good. “Self-sacrifice takes a particular kind of courage, and that is a courage I believe Joe Biden is capable of,” Colbert said. “It is possible handing leadership to a younger generation is the right thing for the greater goodest. Or good as. Either one.”

Meanwhile, Jon Stewart, hosting “The Daily Show,” criticized Biden’s team for offering various excuses for his poor debate performance, ranging from having a cold to being jet-lagged. Stewart mocked these explanations, pointing out the inconsistencies and calling them “blatant bullshit.”

Biden has faced increasing calls from within his party to step down, with supporters arguing that he remains the only viable candidate against Trump’s authoritarian threat. However, Stewart dismissed the idea that it’s too late to change candidates, citing recent quick elections in Britain and France. He urged for a “stress test” of the situation to explore other options.

“Do you have any idea how thirsty Americans are for any hint of inspiration or leadership and a release from this choice of a megalomaniac and a suffocating gerontocracy,” Stewart passionately stated. He proposed turning the upcoming Democratic National Convention into a true contest to find the best candidate.

Both hosts stopped short of directly demanding Biden to drop out but emphasized the need for serious consideration of alternative leadership, reflecting a growing sentiment within the Democratic Party.