The Transfer of Power, Climate Escape Plans, and Trump’s Return to Office

Summary

The Daily Show: Ears Edition – Episode Summary Title: The Transfer of Power, Climate Escape Plans, and Trump’s Return to Office
Release Date: November 8, 2024
Host: Ronny Chieng

---

Overview

In this riveting episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Ronny Chieng delves into the tumultuous landscape of American politics post-2024 elections. The discussion navigates through the delicate transfer of power, the looming climate crisis, and the controversial prospect of former President Donald Trump reclaiming the White House. Featuring an exclusive interview with political reporter Emily Ngo from Politico, the episode offers insightful analysis, sharp wit, and unfiltered commentary on the nation's most pressing issues.

---

The Transfer of Power and Trump’s Potential Return

The episode kicks off with Ronny Chieng dissecting the recent peaceful transfer of power from incumbent Vice President Kamala Harris to President-elect Donald Trump. Chieng humorously critiques the optimism surrounding democratic processes, sarcastically remarking, “...American democracy still works as long as the guy who likes overthrowing the government wins the election” (02:21).

Chieng speculates on Trump's future administration, listing potential cabinet members with biting satire:

“...this cabinet looks like the division of the X Men for the mutants who had too much mutation.” (05:30)

He further mocks the ongoing legal challenges facing Trump, highlighting Special Counsel Jack Smith’s decision to wind down federal cases against him:

“Apparently, you can just get away with your crimes if you win the presidency.” (06:24)

The host emphasizes the cyclical nature of Trump's political saga, noting, “...we’re gonna be talking about Trump again every day for another four years, I guess” (04:15).

---

Climate Crisis and Scientists’ Escape Plan

Shifting gears, Chieng addresses the escalating climate crisis, mocking Trump’s stance on environmental policies:

“Trump is really trying to kill this planet harder than he tried to kill Mike Pence.” (12:03)

He references alarming climate data predicting 2024 as possibly the hottest year on record:

“According to experts, it is virtually certain that global temperatures will be more than 1.5 degrees above pre-industrial levels.” (12:50)

In a satirical twist, Chieng presents a mock announcement by scientists who have devised an escape plan for humanity aboard a self-sustaining spaceship, ridiculing the lack of urgent action:

“We're out and we're coal rolling your asses. On our way.” (14:15)

This segment underscores the absurdity of inaction in the face of scientific consensus on climate change.

---

Interview with Emily Ngo: The Rise of Trump and MAGA Republicans

The highlight of the episode is an exclusive interview with Emily Ngo, political reporter and co-author of The New York Playbook at Politico. Chieng commends Ngo’s journalistic prowess before diving into the discussion:

“The New York Playbook at Politico is like a must read for all politicians and people who follow politics.” (17:13)

Ngo elaborates on the unexpected surge in support for Trump and MAGA Republicans, particularly among marginalized communities:

“Nearly one half of Latino men and one fifth of black men voted for Donald Trump. He made gains in all these racial minority communities.” (17:24)

Chieng probes Ngo on the strategies behind Trump's expanded electorate, questioning whether it stems from policy coherence or divisive rhetoric. Ngo attributes it to Trump's effective branding and messaging:

“Politics, bluster goes a long way. A really, really long way. So there's messaging is a huge part of running for office.” (30:08)

The interview also touches on the evolving media landscape and the role of confirmation bias in shaping public opinion, with Ngo stressing the importance of journalists maintaining integrity amidst a fragmented information ecosystem.

---

Media, Journalism, and Confirmation Bias

Chieng and Ngo engage in a candid conversation about the challenges facing modern journalism. Chieng expresses frustration with the proliferation of misinformation and the erosion of trust in media institutions:

“Trust in journalism and institutions is at an all-time low. It's pretty devastating...” (23:17)

They discuss the impact of social media algorithms amplifying confirmation bias, leading audiences to consume information that reinforces their existing beliefs. Chieng criticizes the dilution of professional journalism:

“News media is very generous to these TikTok idiots... can you just lead us through what goes into a news story...” (20:14)

Ngo emphasizes the rigorous processes journalists employ to verify information, highlighting the dichotomy between traditional reporting and the rapid dissemination of unverified content online.

---

Conclusion

As the episode wraps up, Chieng reiterates the critical state of American democracy, environmental sustainability, and media integrity. Through sharp humor and incisive interviews, The Daily Show: Ears Edition offers listeners a compelling narrative of a nation at a crossroads. The episode serves as both a satirical critique and a call to awareness, urging audiences to engage thoughtfully with the evolving political and environmental challenges.

---

Notable Quotes

• Ronny Chieng: “American democracy still works as long as the guy who likes overthrowing the government wins the election.” (02:21)
• Ronny Chieng: “...this cabinet looks like the division of the X Men for the mutants who had too much mutation.” (05:30)
• Ronny Chieng: “Apparently, you can just get away with your crimes if you win the presidency.” (06:24)
• Ronny Chieng: “Trump is really trying to kill this planet harder than he tried to kill Mike Pence.” (12:03)
• Emily Ngo: “Nearly one half of Latino men and one fifth of black men voted for Donald Trump. He made gains in all these racial minority communities.” (17:24)
• Ronny Chieng: “Trust in journalism and institutions is at an all-time low. It's pretty devastating...” (23:17)
• Emily Ngo: “Politics, bluster goes a long way. A really, really long way. So there's messaging is a huge part of running for office.” (30:08)

---

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition masterfully intertwines humor with serious discourse, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of current events. Whether critiquing political maneuvers, highlighting environmental urgencies, or dissecting media dynamics, Ronny Chieng and his guest Emily Ngo deliver content that is both entertaining and enlightening. For those seeking a comprehensive analysis of America’s socio-political climate, this episode stands out as a must-listen.

---

Note: Timestamps are based on the provided transcript and correspond to the respective quotes and discussions within the episode.

Transcript

[Seth Doane]

When 60 Minutes premiered in September 1968, there was nothing like it.

[Joe Biden]

This is 60 Minutes.

[Ronny Chieng]

It's a kind of a magazine for television.

[Seth Doane]

Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. But that's all about to change.

[Donald Trump]

Like, none of this stuff gets looked at. That's what's incredible.

[Seth Doane]

I'm Seth Doane of CBS news. Listen to 60 Minutes, a second look on Apple Podcasts.

[Kamala Harris]

You're listening to Comedy Central.

[Ronny Chieng]

From the most trusted journalists at Comedy Central. It's America's only source for news. This is the Daily show with your host, Ronnie ch. Welcome to the Daily Show. I'm Roy Chang. We got so much to talk about tonight. Kamala reverse insurrects Trump, phones a friend, and we'll find out how to leave this planet for good. So let's get into Indecision 2024. It's a new day in America. Can you feel the delights? All that sunshine and roses or whatever makes people happy? No. Okay, well, maybe you're not looking hard enough. We're gonna begin, though, with the start.

[Donald Trump]

Of the something that makes this country.

[Ronny Chieng]

So great when it happens.

[Donald Trump]

We're talking about the promise of a.

[Ronny Chieng]

Peaceful transfer of power. Whoa. Peaceful transfer of power. Let's sh. For the bare minimum of a democracy, the first step of this was Kamala Harris calling Donald Trump to promise that she wouldn't do what he tried to do.

[Donald Trump]

The vice president called President elect Trump to congratulate him.

[Ronny Chieng]

According to a senior Harris aide, the.

[Donald Trump]

Vice president discussed the importance of a peaceful transfer of power.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yes, Governor called Trump, conceded the race and told him there should be a peaceful transfer of power. And, you know, as soon as Trump hung up the phone, he was like, uh, yeah, yeah, yeah, that's great. Pussies. So I guess American democracy still works as long as the guy who likes overthrowing the government wins the election, because then he won't overthrow the government. So with the transfer happening, we're gonna be talking about Trump again every day for another four years, I guess. And I, for one, did not think that when I came out of the jungles of Malays to do comedy, I would be making jokes about Donald Trump every day for 13 years straight. 13 years. I don't talk about anybody as much as I would talk about my mom. As much as I talk about this guy, I don't talk about my wife as much as I talk about this guy. Yo, my wife thinks I'm having an emotional affair with him. I'm gonna be talking about this guy on my deathbed okay? Which I assume will be in three years when he somehow brings back the bubonic plague. And you might be sitting at home saying, well, Ronnie, why don't you just shut the up about Trump? Well, for the same reason CNN doesn't shut the up about him. Money. Lots and lots of money. So let's get these dollars right now and get back to Donald Trump. And you know what? Attitude is everything. I'm gonna be optimistic. If Donald Trump can get some good people around him this time, maybe he'll do good for the country. I mean, who's he getting to help him with the transition? And I'm going to be heavily involved on the transition. Great. It's take your dumb ass to work day. And what qualifications would Don Jr be looking for? I want to make sure now that we know who the real players are, the people who will actually deliver on.

[Donald Trump]

The President's message, the people who don't.

[Ronny Chieng]

Think that they know better than the duly elected President of the United States. Yeah, no more smart people. Only people who look at my idiot dad and go, what a genius. And where is Trump gonna find people who will do whatever he says? I mean, didn't they all die when they injected themselves with bleach? So let's see who these people are.

[Donald Trump]

75 days from now, Trump returns to the White House. And right now, there is an intense focus on who he will surround himself with. Florida Senator Marco Rubio, possibly former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, maybe Secretary of Defense, former acting Homeland Security Secretary Chad Wolf, perhaps reappointed.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay, okay. You know what? Actually not as bad as I expected. Marco Rubio, Mike Pompeo, they're basically professional political administrators, right? At least they're wearing suits and ties. It could be worse.

[Donald Trump]

And then there's some, shall we say, more unusual names. Steve Bannon, conspiracy nut. Laura Loomer, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. And Elon Musk.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay, yeah, it's worse. This cabinet looks like the division of the X Men for the mutants who had too much mutation. They're like, hey, what's your mutant power? I just talk like this, and people.

[Kamala Harris]

Trust me with their hell.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay, so this is the A Team. And other names floated for his cabinet include Hannibal Lecter, the Menendez brothers, the polio virus, and for Secretary of Transportation, a cybertruck with a Hitler mustache. Now, Don Jr. Isn't the only one thinking about the transition. So is the guy who has spent the last two years trying to transition Trump into a prison cell. Tonight, Special counsel Jack Smith is now signaling he'll wind down his two federal cases against President elect Trump.

[Donald Trump]

The January 6th criminal case and the classified documents case are effectively over. DOJ guidelines are clear. You cannot prosecute a sitting president.

[Ronny Chieng]

Great. Trump gets off with no punishment. It's just as the famous quote says, the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends towards, sorry, ran out of time. He's president now. Apparently, you can just get away with your crimes if you win the presidency. And that sound you just heard is Diddy forming an exploratory committee for 2028. I mean, he doesn't even need any policies. He just hands out behind other people's policies going, uh huh, yeah, yeah. So not only does he get off on January 6, Trump also gets off on stolen documents. In fact, not only are they not gonna prosecute him, they have to put the documents back where they found them, scattered around his toilet in Mar A Lago. Trump gets to. He doesn't have to go to prison, which means he doesn't have to sneak in a tanning bed up his rectum. And probably the best part for him is having the guy who kicked him out of the White House welcome him back. Yesterday, I spoke with President Elect Trump to congratulate him on his victory. And I assured him that I'd direct my entire administration to work with his team to ensure a peaceful and orderly transition. Oh, my God. We get it, okay? You people love transferring power peacefully. It's on and on about it. Hey, maybe if Democrats tried an insurrection once in a while, they could actually start winning something. Because apparently there's no punishment for it anyway. It's just a free shot. I mean, if it works, you stay in office. And if it doesn't, no harm, no foul. But of course, Joe Biden couldn't call it quits without reminding people that his administration was about more than just you paying $50 for eggs. Much of the work we've done is already being felt by the American people, but the vast majority of it will not be felt, we felt, over the next 10 years. We have legislation we passed that's just only now just really kicking in. Cool. All his good decisions are kicking in just in time for Donald Trump to take credit for them. Perfect execution, as usual, Democrats. But as you heard, Joe Biden called Donald Trump to personally congratulate him and welcome him to the White House. And luckily, we at the Daily show managed to get the audio of that call.

[Joe Biden]

Hello, Donald, it's me, Joe. Brandon. Congratulations, man. You beat Kalama. I don't know how you did it.

[Kamala Harris]

Oh, I lied a lot. And I was super racist.

[Joe Biden]

Oh, good. That might have worked on Calamari in the semifinals, but it ain't gotta be me. Final boss.

[Kamala Harris]

No, Joe, that's not how works. I. I won the whole thing.

[Joe Biden]

Oh, God love ya. Hey, who is this?

[Kamala Harris]

It's Donald Trump. You called me?

[Joe Biden]

Well, good luck to you, Donnie. And promise me you take care of my precious dog commander.

[Kamala Harris]

I'll do my best, Joe, but Christy know I'm called dibs.

[Joe Biden]

I understand. Gotta be honest, Dan, I'm a little sad being using my old darn legacy. Now all I got is a high score in a White House PAC man machine, Little yellow guy eating dots all day, sometimes fruit cherries in trouble.

[Kamala Harris]

Joe, I don't know what the hell you're talking about. I'll be honest, I'm also kind of sad. Running for president is my passion, but being president is a terrible price I have to pay for being so good at racism.

[Joe Biden]

What do you mean, Joe?

[Kamala Harris]

You're Joe, I'm Donald. Look, what I mean is now I have to spend all my time with RFK and Elon Musk, and they're weird. And this is Donald Trump saying that.

[Joe Biden]

Who?

[Kamala Harris]

I just wish I could keep the campaign going forever.

[Joe Biden]

Well, I'll tell you what. In four years, if neither of us is married, we both run for president against each other.

[Kamala Harris]

Four years? You really think you'll make it that long?

[Joe Biden]

Hey, I might be dead, but I'm not old. Please say, kiddo, you and me again. 20, 28. Best 2. F3.

[Kamala Harris]

You beautiful son of a bitch. I'm in. I just have to ignore the part of the Constitution that stops me from running again.

[Joe Biden]

You think you could disrespect the Constitution like that? Hey, who is this?

[Ronny Chieng]

When we come back, we find out how scientists are going to save us. So don't go away.

[Seth Doane]

When 60 Minutes premiered in September 1968, there was nothing like it.

[Ronny Chieng]

This is 60 Minutes. It's a kind of a magazine for television.

[Seth Doane]

Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. But that's all about to change.

[Donald Trump]

Like, none of this stuff gets looked at. That's what's incredible.

[Seth Doane]

I'm Seth Doan of CBS news. Listen to 60 Minutes a second. Look wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ronny Chieng]

Hey, welcome back to the Daily Show. If you're worried right now that Donald Trump is going to ruin America, I think your fears are misplaced, because he actually might ruin the entire planet.

[Donald Trump]

President Elect Donald Trump's return to the White House could slow global Climate Action Trump vowing to pull the US out of the Paris climate Accord a second time. Trump has called climate change a hoax and is promising to boost oil drilling and production, repealing parts of the IRA. This massive $1.2 trillion investment package in clean technology, including electric vehicles, wind turbines, solar panels.

[Ronny Chieng]

I expect him to try to undo as much as he can. Yeah, I guess destroying the planet is one way to advance your policy agenda. I mean, you can't be trans if there's no planet. Trump is really trying to kill this planet harder than he tried to kill Mike Pence. But hey, Mike Pence survived, so maybe the Earth will be fine.

[Donald Trump]

New data suggests 2024 will be the hottest year on record. According to experts, it is virtually certain that global temperatures will be more than 1.5 degrees above pre industrial levels.

[Ronny Chieng]

At that level, the climate crisis begins to exceed the ability of humans and nature to adapt. Yeah, this sounds kind of bad. I only wish someone could have warned us about this. Apart from every scientist for the last. The good news is the scientists are smart enough to know that we weren't gonna listen. And they have a backup plan.

[Emily Ngo]

Since the 1970s, scientists have been warning humanity that carbon pollution could destroy all life on Earth. And during that time, humanity increased carbon pollution by 90%. But hey, we're not mad. We get it. You don't wanna take the bus to work. And now that the Earth is dying, you want us to find a solution. So we did. We scientists have invented this. A super advanced self sustaining spaceship that will escape this planet and give humanity a fresh start. And you're not coming. Oh, you thought we were going to bail you out? You can come and up Mars too.

[Ronny Chieng]

No.

[Emily Ngo]

Plus, you're going to bring your lifted F150s and aliens will think we're the kind of people that don't wash our buttholes. It's too bad for you because we've decked this ship out. We've got movie theaters, theme parks and bar trivia that's actually hard because we're smart. None of this general knowledge bullshit. This now extinct historical figure ignored science and died horrifically. Hey, that's you. We also gathered two of each animal so Gordon Ramsay can cook them for us. Mmm, kangaroo. Oh, and if you're a liberal who thinks I deserve a spot, I recycle. You're definitely out recycling. Doesn't matter if your closet is full of plastic clothing from Shein. You're ruining the environment and you look like shit. Now I know what you're thinking. You'll Just stop the ship before we leave. Well, guess what, assholes? We took off while you were watching this video from all us scientists and Gordon Ramsay here at the USS told you so. We're out and we're coal rolling your asses. On our way. Also, we're keeping the name. This message has been brought to you by Amazon, Apple and Exxon. It definitely wasn't our fault.

[Ronny Chieng]

Thanks, scientists. When we come back, Emily Ngo will be joining me on the show. So don't go away.

[Seth Doane]

When 60 Minutes premiered in September 1968, there was nothing like it.

[Ronny Chieng]

This is 60 Minutes. It's a kind of a magazine for television.

[Seth Doane]

Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. But that's all about to change.

[Donald Trump]

Like, none of this stuff gets looked at. That's what's incredible.

[Seth Doane]

I'm Seth Doan of CBS news. Listen to 60 Minutes a second look wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ronny Chieng]

Hey, welcome back to the Daily Show. My guest tonight is a political reporter and co author of the New York Playbook at Politico. Please welcome Emily Ngo. Hey, thanks for coming to the show. Please take a seat. Yep. Oh, look, they gave you a standing O. Emily, thanks for coming on the show.

[Donald Trump]

These are all Trump owners.

[Ronny Chieng]

These are all huge fans of yours. They give you a standing ovation. The New York Playbook at Politico is like a must read for all politicians and people who follow politics. And I guess the journalists there are kind of like the best political journalists in the country.

[Donald Trump]

Undisputed.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah. And you guys kind of take pride in having your finger on the pulse and knowing the people and the politicians what the happened on Tuesday.

[Donald Trump]

I wish I could redirect and ask you because we're still processing it all, but the fact of the matter is Donald Trump and MAGA Republicans grew their electorate, grew their support right under Democrats noses. They made gains in all these key demographics. Did you know that nearly one half of Latino men and one fifth of black men voted for Donald Trump? He made gains in all these racial minority communities. He grew his support among working class Americans. So not just disaffected rural white voters, but a lot of people of racial minorities as well.

[Ronny Chieng]

Right. So as someone whose ear was on the ground in New York City, I mean, did you see this happen? Is this a surprise to you?

[Donald Trump]

I wouldn't say it's a surprise. I traveled with Donald Trump, covered his campaign.

[Ronny Chieng]

Did you put money on his campaign? You had the inside. You go poly market. And some French guy just won $50 million betting on Trump. So I Don't know if you had some.

[Donald Trump]

Why would I be here if I had $50 million?

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah, we should use that inside knowledge. But you felt it.

[Donald Trump]

You felt the growth just knowing the country, having traveled with this campaign in 2016 and been to parts of Pennsylvania and the west that were stricken by economic flight and talked with people who get their news from different sources than Politico and the Daily show, and we.

[Ronny Chieng]

Should be getting the news from here. This is. We just. We just made a bunch of dick jokes in the first. So if you're watching this for news, don't watch this for news. But, I mean, you.

[Donald Trump]

They just felt like they were left behind.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah. Well, one thing is that you're not just going to these cities. You're going to cities and you're with the candidates and you're actually with the voting population. So you get a really good sense of it. Yeah.

[Donald Trump]

So not even cities, villages, like unincorporated parts of the country, people who are starting to vote or voting for the first time and really found in Donald Trump. I mean, they're not seeing everything that people. Metropolises necessarily see. They just see someone who cares, according to them, about inflation, someone who's worried about border security, worried about migrants and people who arrive here and stay illegally.

[Ronny Chieng]

How much of it is that they didn't see the news, and how much of it is that they just kind of heard what they wanted to hear or they didn't hear what they didn't want to hear?

[Donald Trump]

I mean, that's a little bit of both, right, that we have this phenomenon called confirmation bias, where you're only going to read and watch and listen to what confirms your preexisting beliefs.

[Ronny Chieng]

Sure.

[Donald Trump]

And so the more diversified the news media becomes, the more you're finding sources of information, including on social media, that are just fitting what you want and believe and want to hear. It's not like five television stations and these anchors giving everyone the same kind of news. It's your social media algorithm being changed.

[Ronny Chieng]

So that you're diversifying. News media is very generous to these TikTok idiots, you know, so you're a professional journalist. You went to school for this. You've been doing it a long time. You know, how do you feel when these, you know, podcasts, whatever, come in and they, you know, they just up the news for everybody and then. And then you try to clean it up, but then, you know, it's already kind of a lost cause.

[Donald Trump]

I mean, how I feel is you can say you.

[Ronny Chieng]

To them. This is basically, you can tell, say, fuck You. Yeah, I'll say it. No, I'm not gonna say you. Hey, you.

[Donald Trump]

I will note that they get their information from journalists and reporters like the ones at Politico. People who are on the ground who are talking directly to the politicians, to the voters.

[Ronny Chieng]

I'm sorry, who is they? What do you mean?

[Donald Trump]

They get the tiktokers people.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, they gay from you.

[Donald Trump]

Yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay.

[Donald Trump]

They wouldn't know.

[Ronny Chieng]

So what the happened when it comes out the other end of their asses?

[Donald Trump]

It's strained. There's a filter.

[Ronny Chieng]

It's digested and turned into feces.

[Donald Trump]

They're taking news from an original source.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah, well, maybe you can talk a little bit about that because, you know, you're like a. You couldn't be more of an insider in terms of, of not just covering politics, but journalism. And so sometimes I think the layperson, like myself included, we hear things like the unnamed sources or this was off the record. Or you hear about, you watch enough Aaron Sorkin and you're like, oh, the news editor needs two confirmed sources before we can publish this. And you know all this because it's almost like the etiquette of news. But the general public just reads the final article and they don't know what went into that. So they see a quote and they go, well, this could be fake. And by the same token, someone else can go, oh, all I need to do to do news is put things in quotes. And then. So I mean, can you just lead us through what goes into a news story and why people are so fucking.

[Donald Trump]

Sometimes the sources are first person sources, sometimes the sources are the politicians themselves. There is. I'll let you in a secret. Sometimes I haven't done this myself. But you will have quoted someone who is familiar with the principal's thinking that could be a politician. They're familiar with their own thinking that blind quote is a politician. Right.

[Ronny Chieng]

As in they are, they're giving you an anonymous quote, but it's themselves.

[Donald Trump]

Yeah, yeah, right.

[Ronny Chieng]

I do that all the time. I always say Ronny Chang is.

[Donald Trump]

But you would be a person familiar with Ronny Chang's thinking.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah. A person familiar with Ronny Chang's thinking thinks that he's the best host on a daily show. And I, I leak that every single day. People fake out anonymous sources.

[Donald Trump]

Yep. So that's rare what I just described. But the more direct and close you get to the story, the more accurate it is. And yeah, trust in journalism and institution is at an all time low. It's pretty devastating for someone like me who's worked so hard and worked so hard in each story to make sure that I talk to as many people as possible, verify it with as many people as possible. And it's not even just both sides. You're talking to as many sides as possible. Because there's not a two side situation actually in most news stories.

[Ronny Chieng]

Sure. I mean, not to put you on the spot, but can you give an example of like a story that you worked super hard on that some guy on Twitter was like, you, this is fake or whatever?

[Donald Trump]

I think that happens like every hour, to be honest.

[Ronny Chieng]

Everything you report is like, this is fake.

[Donald Trump]

Just mute them.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah, but what like, so can you just again, just take us through kind of what will go into reporting for you? Like if, you know, I don't know, what's the news story that you had to like, actually investigate?

[Donald Trump]

I'm gonna try to think of a good example. But I just want to say that it's such a privilege to do what I do because every day is different. So I don't even have a proper example for you because every story is different. But you can get a tip it will be via text. If you've worked in journalism, political journalism for as long as me, people are just go directly to you before they go to any other news outlet or a reporter or anything like that. They don't want to tell you on the record, but they'll tell you on background. So you gotta get confirmed by other people who might know. And you're just jumping through all these hoops, but making sure that every detail is as accurate as possible. And the way to make it accurate and have people trust what you do is to get it right. And it's got to be accuracy over speed. It is a very competitive business and you do want to be first. And there is a thrill and there is a necessity to breaking the story, but you've got to get it right.

[Ronny Chieng]

Sure. And how do you navigate that? Like what you just said, you put in all this work into kind of checking your sources and background info and making sure what you put out is correct. Like, how do you, how do you let people know that that's how much work you put into it? You know, how do you show the work that you've done just right? In the end, you just go, what? This is correct?

[Donald Trump]

No, no, no. Because what you, what you said, what you reported was about to happen eventually happened.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, okay.

[Donald Trump]

Yeah. A lot of political news journalism, especially with outlets like Politico, is being able to not just predict, but say that Something is de Kutz say, a major Supreme Court decision on abortion access on Roe and on Dobbs. We had that story first and it came to be. And so I think that's how you build up the reputation.

[Ronny Chieng]

Sure. That you have broken correct news before.

[Donald Trump]

Yeah. And off the record means, you know, it's like a conversation you've never had, but it helps inform your knowledge. And I think the key is just to be talking to people all the time. Mornings, nights, weekends. You're just like in it.

[Ronny Chieng]

Is that what you call like cultivating sources?

[Donald Trump]

Yeah, cultivating sources. But it's also, I mean, it becomes a way of life because you love what you do, they love what they do. And you're never friends necessarily with people in politics, but you build a trust and it becomes a give and take over time.

[Ronny Chieng]

Sure. And as an insider in this, like, do have you. Can you confirm that these people are scumbags or are they nice people? These, like, No, I mean, like, are you.

[Donald Trump]

So if these folks are scumbags, like, I might be wearing. Because I'm like that into it. Okay, so did Ronnie just call me a scumbag?

[Ronny Chieng]

A little bit.

[Donald Trump]

That's okay. Ronnie.

[Ronny Chieng]

To be fair, I'm also a scumbag and all this. So I. But like, oh, yes, scumbag tonight. But no, don't clap that. It's awful. No, but what I meant is that is there is that difference, like you are with them every day.

[Donald Trump]

Yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

So I guess is their actual who they are as a person different to who they put on? Like we see all this chaos and extreme rhetoric.

[Donald Trump]

Yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

And then behind the scenes, are they like, man, that's crazy. I can't believe I said that shit, you know? Oh, they do that?

[Donald Trump]

Yes.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay, well, that's awful then.

[Donald Trump]

Well, there's a performative element to everything there is to television. There is to politics and. Yeah. When you get to know someone, you can be, you know, a different version of yourself or at least a more laid back version.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay, so is who. Can you tell me who's not as crazy as they is? Mtg.

[Donald Trump]

Oh, she's a great interview.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, she's a great interview.

[Donald Trump]

Yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay, wait, am I harming your sources right now by trying to. No, no. Okay. Is Donald Trump. Have you followed Trump? You've interviewed him? Is he.

[Donald Trump]

So I. Donald Trump served on jury duty in Manhattan several years ago when he was running for president the first time.

[Ronny Chieng]

Wait, he was on jury duty?

[Donald Trump]

Yeah, and I was with him. This was years ago. This was 2015 then. And he was Just sitting. He was sitting there reading newspaper clips about himself. I don't remember the case. He didn't get picked.

[Ronny Chieng]

I'm sorry, wait, hang on. In 2016, Donald. 2015, Donald Trump was on jury duty in Manhattan.

[Donald Trump]

Yeah, but for day. I mean, this is. This is when people are still getting to know him. And I'll just say what he was like then. I mean, he was, like, chilling in the room with other potential jurors and talking with them. And, I mean, everyone who's in politics has some level of charisma to them.

[Ronny Chieng]

Sure.

[Donald Trump]

Wait, that's charisma?

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay, so you're just confirming he's a charismatic figure? That's.

[Donald Trump]

I mean. Yeah, yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay. Okay. But I mean, tell us something we don't know. Is he. Is he a good person? What did he vote for in the jury? What was the case? Was he.

[Donald Trump]

He didn't get picked for the jury.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah, no shit. I mean, how could. How are you gonna pick Donald Trump for the jury? It doesn't. What was he doing there? What was he.

[Donald Trump]

He is just simple duty, civic duty. Donald Trump, with people, with voters, is very. Not just charismatic, but he connects with some people and they feel like they've been seen by him, including in. So he came when he was on trial, a criminal trial, convicted for falsified business records. He did this stop at a bodega in Harlem, and they kind of loved him there.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah, no kidding. I can. I can believe that. Like, that's why he got elected by overwhelming view. And I mean, you've seen kind of New York kind of become a bit more. Kind of heading a bit more conservative in the last couple of years. I mean, this is something you foresaw, is that. I mean, can you explain this?

[Donald Trump]

So the selection of Trump to return to the White House shows that it's not an aberration. Right. That this might be where the country actually is heading. And there's voters, there's an electorate that needs to be heard, especially on economic issues. And as far as New York, he made some serious gains this year. Gained over 2020, gained over 2016. And that, again, had to do with a lot of voters of color, Latinos in the Bronx, where he had a rally, a lot of Asian voters as well, a lot of people who turned out to vote for him that maybe Democrats are alleged to have taken advantage of, or you wouldn't think necessarily would.

[Ronny Chieng]

Either take it for granted. Maybe.

[Donald Trump]

Taken for granted. Right. Sure. To have taken for granted. And then you wouldn't expect to necessarily vote for Trump.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah, Right.

[Donald Trump]

And maybe they're apolitical or not necessarily identifying with one party or another and.

[Emily Ngo]

Just writing on the side.

[Ronny Chieng]

Would you think, like, appealed to them more? The incoherence in policy or just the outright racism? Or was it the, I mean, in.

[Donald Trump]

Politics, bluster goes a long way. A really, really long way. So there's messaging is a huge part of running for office of your party, doing well, you know, in the White House and the Senate and Congress. And in the end, the Democrats just did not have as strong a message as the Republicans. And it's not necessarily just about Republicans. It's about Donald Trump. He is this brand. It wasn't Maga, you know, back when he was running in 2015 and 2016, and now it is. He's built out this brand. He's built a name for himself, and he stands for something that people think resonates with them.

[Ronny Chieng]

Sure. Okay. Well, on that, I mean, I really appreciate you giving an air of professionalism and maintaining your standards and giving us some insight onto the politics you call your scumbag. No, it's okay. You called yourself a scumbag as well, so I guess we're even. Yeah. Thanks for coming on the show and thanks for continuing the great journalism and professional standards and trying to tell us exactly what's going on objectively with no emotion whatsoever. Thanks so much, political reporter, and we know everybody. We're going to take a quick break. We'll be right back after this. Hey, that's our show for tonight. Now here it is, your moment of debt.

[Emily Ngo]

Some of the president's elect's advisors have.

[Donald Trump]

Suggested that you should resign. If he asked you to leave, would you go?

[Ronny Chieng]

No.

[Emily Ngo]

Can you follow up on, do you.

[Donald Trump]

Think that legally you're not required to leave?

[Ronny Chieng]

No. Explore more shows from the Daily show podcast universe by searching the Daily Show. Wherever you get your podcasts, watch the Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount plus.

[Seth Doane]

Paramount podcasts. When 60 Minutes premiered in September 1968, there was nothing like it.

[Ronny Chieng]

This is 60 Minutes. It's a kind of a magazine for television.

[Seth Doane]

Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. But that's all about to change.

[Donald Trump]

Like, none of this stuff gets looked at. That's what's incredible.

[Seth Doane]

I'm Seth Doan of CBS news. Listen to 60 Minutes a second look on Apple Podcasts.