Detailed Summary of "Gov. JB Pritzker | You Can't Handle The Roof" Episode

Podcast Information:

• Title: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
• Host: CBS
• Episode: Gov. JB Pritzker | You Can't Handle The Roof
• Release Date: August 6, 2025

1. Opening Monologue

Stephen Colbert kicks off the episode with his signature humor, addressing recent political antics with a satirical twist. He mocks an unusual press conference held by the President on a rooftop, highlighting the absurdity of a world leader using hand signals and shouting from an unconventional location.

• Quote: "Sir, why are you on the roof? That's nice. That's not a question you hear asked of a world leader that often." ([02:00])

Colbert juxtaposes this with a playful comparison of global approval ratings, humorously elevating fictional figures like Pope Leo XIV and Bernie Sanders to unexpected heights of popularity.

• Quote: "The Gallup poll measures the approval rating of 14 world leaders. And by far the most popular in the world is Pope Leo xiv. Yep. Right at the top." ([04:00])

He further delves into internal dynamics within the Trump administration, spotlighting Health and Human Services Secretary RFK Jr. as the "least unpopular" yet facing potential fallout with Trump himself.

• Quote: "Health and Human Services secretary and angry bell pepper RFK Jr. While he's least disliked by Americans in the administration, he might be falling out of favor with Trump himself." ([07:00])

2. Political Commentary

Colbert transitions into broader political commentary, addressing the ongoing Jeffrey Epstein saga and its entanglement with political figures. He humorously critiques the Justice Department's handling of Ghislaine Maxwell's situation, painting a picture of her "bougie" minimum-security prison environment.

• Quote: "Inmates may take classes on foreign languages and gardening... Well, you know what they say on your first day in prison, you walk up straight to the biggest guy in the yard and say, 'excusez moi.' " ([08:12])

Shifting focus to congressional dynamics, Colbert critiques Republican Congressman Mike Flood's ill-received town hall in Nebraska, emphasizing the disconnect between proposed policies and voter sentiments.

• Quote: "How much does it cost for fascism? How much do the taxpayers have to pay for a fascist country?" ([11:59])

He underscores the Republican Party's challenges, highlighting efforts to redraw congressional maps in states like Texas to secure additional seats—a move he portrays as a blatant power grab.

• Quote: "Texas Republicans, theatrically trying to steal five seats from the people... violating the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution." ([20:45])

3. Interview with Governor J.B. Pritzker

Governor J.B. Pritzker of Illinois joins Colbert to discuss the contentious issue of Texas Democratic lawmakers fleeing the state amid Republican-led redistricting efforts. Their conversation sheds light on the broader implications for democracy and partisan politics in the U.S.

• Colbert: "Governor, you're... hosting Texas Democratic lawmakers who fled their state after Republicans tried to redraw their congressional maps... How'd this come about?" ([17:42])

• Pritzker: "Donald Trump's trying to steal five seats from the people... violating the Voting Rights Act and the Constitution... the House Democratic Caucus decided the only thing they could do was leave Texas." ([18:17])

Pritzker defends Illinois as a sanctuary for these lawmakers, emphasizing the state's commitment to protecting democratic principles against unconstitutional actions.

• Pritzker: "We're protecting them and taking care of them. I'm very proud of them." ([18:51])

The discussion delves into the mechanics of redistricting, with Pritzker clarifying that Texas Republicans are attempting to manipulate congressional maps mid-decade—an irregular and controversial strategy.

• Colbert: "I mean, look, so because all states to a certain extent do this. Why is what Texas doing particular egregious in this case?" ([20:33])

• Pritzker: "Republicans are doing it mid-decade. That is extraordinarily rare." ([21:04])

Addressing legal concerns, Pritzker responds to questions about alleged federal overreach, asserting the safety of Democrats within Illinois' jurisdiction despite Texas' civil warrants.

• Pritzker: "As long as they're in Illinois, they're safe." ([21:58])

The conversation also touches on Pritzker's personal motivations, revealing his commitment to social justice and honoring his late mother's legacy of activism.

• Pritzker: "Standing up for people's rights... protecting people from the onslaught of somebody like Donald Trump... that's something my mother would be out doing right now." ([24:19])

4. Conclusion

The episode wraps up with Colbert acknowledging Governor Pritzker's efforts to uphold democratic values in the face of partisan challenges. He emphasizes the significance of such political maneuvers in shaping the future landscape of American governance.

• Colbert: "Governor Pritzker, everybody. Thank you for listening to the Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert." ([28:26])

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert: "Sir, why are you on the roof? That's nice. That's not a question you hear asked of a world leader that often." ([02:00])

• Governor J.B. Pritzker: "We're protecting them and taking care of them. I'm very proud of them." ([18:51])

• Governor J.B. Pritzker: "As long as they're in Illinois, they're safe." ([21:58])

This episode masterfully blends humor with incisive political analysis, offering listeners both entertainment and insight into the current state of American politics. Governor Pritzker's interview provides a substantive look into the strategic moves within party lines and their implications for democracy, all delivered within Colbert's engaging and witty hosting style.