Watch: Stephen Colbert out of character with John Kerry

Stephen Colbert is inherently a political being – when he’s in character.

Since launching his eponymous show on Comedy Central, though, it’s easy to forget that he’s playing a character – a character he’ll shed as the new host of “The Late Show” where he’s taking over from the retiring David Letterman.

Here’s a look at the behind-the-scenes Colbert with then Sen. John Kerry during a Talking Points Memo feature in 2007. Much different persona.