Donkey of the Day: Bill Clinton Deflects on Trump Testifying Over Epstein Files
Podcast: Donkey of the Day (Power 105.1 FM)
Host: Charlamagne tha God
Date: March 3, 2026
Episode Overview
Charlamagne tha God delivers the "Donkey of the Day" award to former president Bill Clinton for his evasive response to a question about whether Donald Trump should testify before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee regarding the Epstein files. The episode dissects Clinton’s deposition performance, his reluctance to take a position, and contrasts it with Hillary Clinton’s forthright answer on the same subject. Charlamagne ties Clinton's behavior into broader themes of elite solidarity and evasion of accountability among political figures.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Bill Clinton’s Deposition and Shady Optics
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Deposition Videos Surface: The episode kicks off with Charlamagne reacting to the public release of Clinton’s deposition connected to the Epstein files. Clinton is seen nostalgically flipping through photos of himself with Epstein.
"You can see President Clinton flipping through old Epstein photos, smiling from ear to ear… his attorney had to pull the photos away from him, and Bill Clinton pulled him back." — Charlamagne [03:49]
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Awkward Questioning from Nancy Mace: Nancy Mace (R-SC) presses Clinton on Epstein’s alleged claim that Clinton "likes them young." Clinton volunteers "underage" rather than just "young," drawing attention to a carefully rehearsed distinction.
- Notable exchange:
Nancy Mace: “Epstein cases that Epstein said you, quote, like them young. Why would Epstein say that about you?” [04:23]
Bill Clinton: “First of all, that's not true…” [04:45]
Nancy Mace: “I didn't say underage. I said young.” [04:55]
Bill Clinton: “But it's still not true.” [04:58] - Charlamagne’s breakdown:
"Bill, Nancy is right… She didn't say ‘underage.’ She said ‘young.’ You volunteered the underage part. That was the line he was rehearsing preparing for this deposition." [05:04]
- Notable exchange:
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Monica Lewinsky Reference: Mace points out that "young" can refer to a 22-year-old intern (Monica Lewinsky), not just minors.
2. Clinton Dodges the Trump Testify Question
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The Core Donkey Moment: Clinton is asked, “Should Donald Trump have to testify in front of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee regarding the Epstein files?” He deflects:
Bill Clinton: “That's for you to decide.” — [05:58]
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Charlamagne ridicules the dodge:
“To get more information. That's all you got? That's for you to decide… That's cowardly. All right. That's up to you… But can you at least explain why you think they should?” [06:02, 06:50]
3. Contrast With Hillary Clinton’s Directness
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Response from Hillary Clinton: Played as a comparison, Hillary answers decisively that Trump should testify and gives legal reasoning for it.
Nancy Mace (reading Hillary’s statement): “Absolutely… If you were in court, what did you know about this person? Donald Trump has been held civilly liable for sexual assault… He would be on my witness list.” [06:15]
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Charlamagne highlights the difference:
“Not only did she say yes, absolutely, she gave an explanation as to why it is a yes. One of these things is not like the others.” [06:50]
4. Charlamagne's Critique: Elite Solidarity and Accountability
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Charlamagne suggests Clinton’s dodge is about “elite solidarity” rather than neutrality.
“When political figures start answering a yes or no question like it's an essay prompt, it's because the real answer is… politically inconvenient or… they trying to save their own ass…” [07:56]
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He argues Clinton is protecting himself (and Trump) because their positions as “elites” transcend political rivalry.
“What you are witnessing here is the fact that, as George Carlin said, this is one big club and we not in it… President Clinton and President Trump are wearing the same jersey… that's not being neutral, that's elite solidarity.” [09:07]
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Pointed Call-Out:
“If you testified and your wife testified, why would it be so hard for President Trump to have to testify? … If you want it all out there, then why shouldn't he come testify?” [09:07]
Notable Quotes & Moments
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Charlamagne’s Signature Sarcasm:
“Simple question. Should Donald Trump have to testify… Listen to his answer.” [05:04]
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Bill Clinton’s “Club” Moment:
“I hate this, but because I don't believe I should inject anything, but I do not want to leave the impression… I have no information that he did anything wrong. I just want it all out there. I want everybody to get it all out there and let everybody see where we are.” [08:24]
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Mic Drop Takeaway:
“If you believe in accountability, it shouldn't depend on whose jersey the person is wearing.” [09:07]
“Please give President Clinton the biggest hee haw. Yes, indeed.” [09:55]
Timestamps for Key Segments
- [03:30] — Donkey of the Day intro and Clinton deposition context
- [04:23] — Nancy Mace grills Clinton about “liking them young”
- [05:58] — Clinton punts on the Trump testimony question
- [06:15] — Hillary Clinton’s clear stance played for contrast
- [07:56] — Charlamagne critiques political parsing and elite self-preservation
- [09:07] — Closing summary: “one big club,” accountability, and hee haw delivery
Podcast Tone & Style
- Charlamagne’s delivery is biting, sarcastic, and direct, mixing humor with outrage.
- He uses memorable pop culture and political references (“big club,” “wearing the same jersey”) to underscore the theme of elite protectionism.
- The segment is fast-paced and focused, letting the deposition audio and commentary drive the narrative.
In Summary:
This "Donkey of the Day" episode skewers Bill Clinton for conspicuously sidestepping a simple question about Trump and the Epstein files—an act that, as Charlamagne argues, reveals more about the unity of American political elites than any partisan divide. The show’s trademark blend of comedy, critique, and real talk makes it a must-listen for those following public accountability—or the lack thereof—among America’s powerful.
