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Stephen Colbert
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Don't miss spring deals under $20 now through May 7th at the home Depot, subject to availability, valid on select items only. Welcome one and all to the Late Show. I'm your host, Stephen Colbert. Ladies and gentlemen, ladies and gentlemen, I've got some good news and some bad news. Now that we're done with the good news, I'll tell you that this morning the Commerce Department released their new GDP report and turns out US Economy is going into reverse. In fact, the Commerce Department released this statement evidently. Yeah, Picky to the point. That's 2:52. Evidently, America's gross domestic product shrunk by negative 0.3% in the first quarter, which is much worse than economists had projected. And that's saying a lot because economists did not have high expectations. This is like your girlfriend's review of the Phish concert. I didn't know any of the songs going in. I don't like that kind of music. But once I got there, I actually hated it. I love them. I think they're great. Trey is great. Trey Anastasio. Come on, Trey. We love Trey Fuego. This is bad. Since the common definition of a recession is two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth, we've already had now one quarter of negative GDP growth. Can any expert clarify how close that puts us to recession? Thank you, Dr. Bon Jovi. Thank you, doctor. A lot of people could be losing their jobs. I hope you have some other skills to fall back on. Good. Good to know. I wonder what he rides now. Wall Street's reaction was turbulent and mixed. Starting the day with a Fall of more than 700 points, then rallying and finishing up more than 100, I believe. Is this true? We have footage of the Dow over the last few weeks. Trump. He's fine. He's fine. He's. Trump was clearly worried about how the Dow would react to the news about the declining gdp, so he posted today before the open of the market. This is Biden's stock market, not Trump's. Okay, but when Biden was president and the market was good back then. Trump posted. This is the Trump stock market. Cuz my polls against Biden are so good that investors are projecting that I. It's Freaky Friday rules. When Biden is president, it's actually me. And when I'm president, it's actually Jamie Lee Curtis. Yep. Wow. Or that redhead. Whatever her name is. That redhead. So are we headed into recession? Well, there are some non traditional indicators that people often keep an eye on. For instance, instead of full size booze bottles, the company that makes Jack Daniels reports that consumers are buying more small bottles lately. Yeah, just small. Could be a sign of a recession. Could be that it's just little league season. Alright, here we go. Play ball. Hey, Tanner was safe. No, Linda, this is not like the violin recital. Give me the bat. I'm going in. Another trend don't go far with that. Another trend that may indicate a recession. Craft beer sales are way down. What? But if people can't afford craft beer, they'll take to the streets. This, it will be the first million brother in law March. What do we want? Beer that tastes like a pine tree. Too much hops. Plus, according to one financial analyst, sales dropped roughly 6% over the past months in men's underwear. And guys only skip replacing underwear when they're worried about money. Or. Hear me out. Or when they're single. Or when they've been married for more than a year. Another troubling sign out there in the market. Strippers are reporting that customers are tipping less than half of what they used to. Yes, but what those customers lack in tips, they make up for in sparkling personality. Hey. Hey, Cheyenne. Hey. Hey, Cheyenne. You smell good. Listen, I hate to do this, but I need a place to crash. Does your building allow iguanas? Full disclosure. I can't afford underwear now. I wouldn't know. I wouldn't know. I've saved the most shocking news for last. Ladies and gentlemen. Trump's 145% tariffs against China have have ground shipments to a halt. And now retailers fear a toy shortage this Christmas. What? You were a little late But. Thank you. But without toys, what will Santa leave in the good little boys and girls? Stockings. Beautiful clean coat. Okay. There you go. He's got a plan. He's got the concept of a plan. You see, factories in China produce 90% of Christmas goods sold in America. The remaining 10% are handmade ornaments by kids that have mom, dad, and the Shadow Man. Hi, Alan. Hey, buddy. Thanks for coming in. We wanted to talk to you about Billy's Christmas drawing. Yeah, when we ask him about the Shadow man, all he says is, he is coming. Just keep an eye. Just keep an eye on him. He's a good kid. To mark his first hundred days, Trump did an interview with ABC's Terry Moran. Here he is showing off the Oval Office. Over here, you have the original of Abraham Lincoln and George Washington. And, of course, you have the Declaration of Independence. What does it mean to you? Well, it means exactly what it says. It's a declaration. It's a declaration of unity and love and respect, and it means a lot. And it's something very special to our country. Come on, skate. Skate. No, thank you. Jim. Jim, can we see Terry Moran's face again? Oh, Terry, Terry, Tonight, we are all your face. Throughout the interview, Trump complained about everything. Here he is whining about the Fed. Interest rates are the same. Interest rates should be down, but we have a Federal Reserve that wants to be stubborn. They want to be cute. Yeah. Federal Reserve wants to be cute. Which explains Jerome Powell's new bangs. Wow. Doesn't look bad. Kind of playful. Softens his face. Fresh for the summer. Mm. Things heated up when Moran asked Trump about Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the Maryland father who Trump deported due to what ICE admitted in court was an administrative error. But since then, the Supreme Court has ordered Trump to facilitate Abrego Garcia's return. But instead, the administration doubled down, saying it wasn't a mistake and that he is a member of Ms. 13. Trump even posted an image of himself holding a picture of Abrego Garcia's knuckle tattoos, on which the administration clearly Photoshopped labels for what they claim those tattoos secretly mean. Ms. 13. Moran asked Trump about all of this, and Trump flew off the handle. He said he wasn't a member of a gang. And then they looked, and on his knuckles, he had MS.13. There's a dispute. Wait a minute. Wait a minute. He had MS.13 on his knuckles? Oh, he had some tattoos that are interpreted that way, but let's move on. Wait a minute. Okay, Terry, Terry, Terry. He did not have the letter MS.13. It says MS.13. That was photo. So let me just. That was photoshopped. He had ms.13 tattooed. Do you want me to show you the picture? I saw the picture. We'll leave. Okay. If Trump's that easily fooled by Photoshop, I certainly hope he doesn't watch the show. Okay. Terry. I've seen so many things you wouldn't believe. Did you know that Jerome Powell has bangs now? They really softened his face. It's fresh for the summertime. Wow. Trump also held a rally in Michigan yesterday to celebrate his first 100 days. And he highlighted his biggest achievements. Straws. I wiped out the paper straw. We've opened up your faucets and we've opened up especially me. I don't like taking a shower where the water goes drip, drip, drip onto my luxuriant hair. I need a lot of water. I need everything I can get. I need all the water I can get. If my hair doesn't get enough irrigation, the whole crop dies. It's like I'm growing almonds up there. It's the San Fernando Valley. Trump was clearly thrilled to be back with his old rally pals. There's my friend Blacks for Trump. I like that guy. Your whole group has been so supportive over the years. I want to thank you. I want to. Everyone thinks I pay you a fortune. I don't know. I don't even know who the hell he is. I just like him. Thank you very much. Thank all of the fellas. Oh, oh. That pause before fellas was something else. I believe we have footage. Trump's brain trying to hold back the words he almost said. Trump also spotted. He also spotted his old buddy, insane pillow salesman Mike Lindell, who was there with a plus one. He's great and he's doing great and he's got a beautiful new wife and all that stuff. And I'm proud of you. Look at him holding hands. He's still holding hands. I'm very proud of him. That's nice. Jim. Can we see a shot of Mike Lindell with his new wife? Oh, she's beautiful. She's just. She's gorgeous. We got a great show for you tonight coming up. Jen sake, that's your money saying it's time for a McDonald's run. Cause with new McValue at McDonald's, you.
Jen Psaki
Get more than you expect.
Stephen Colbert
Like buy a six piece McNuggets and add a McChicken for just a dollar. Your money says let's go get more than you expect. With new MCvalue, prices and participation may Vary valid per item of vehicle or lesser value.
Jen Psaki
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Stephen Colbert
There to hear it live?
Jen Psaki
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Stephen Colbert
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Jen Psaki
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Stephen Colbert
Go to your happy price, Priceline. My guest tonight is an MSNBC host, a former White House press secretary and the author of the New York Times bestseller say More. Next week she launches her new show in primetime, the Briefing with Jen Psaki. Please welcome back to the late show. Jen Psaki, nice to see you again. Great to see you. I like discussing the news with you. You explain things in a very understandable way. Let's talk about just yesterday. Trump was Trump's hundredth day in office. How did you celebrate?
Jen Psaki
I mean, I just covered my eyes, pretended it never happened. No, I didn't do that. Look, I. Most days I don't know if you feel this way. I know you're a big observer of the news. Explainer of the news yes. Most days I feel like I'm drinking from a fire hose of dirty water. Like I feel so overwhelming. And the last hundred days have definitely felt that way.
Stephen Colbert
That's part of the plan, isn't it? That's part of the planet flooding the zone.
Jen Psaki
They literally say this out loud. They tell us all we're gonna flood the zone so that you can't pay attention to what we're doing behind the scenes, which is quite telling.
Stephen Colbert
Throw so many things over the plate that you don't know what to swing at.
Jen Psaki
Exactly, exactly.
Stephen Colbert
And it's sort of successful cuz there's so many things going on at once. I believe Elizabeth Warren for the 100th day, put out a list of 100 corrupt things that Trump has done since he took office. And some of them I didn't know about. And I do my best to pay attention.
Jen Psaki
Yeah, she may run out of paper. There's more than 100 corrupt things he's done in his first hundred days in office. I mean, what I found is that whenever he's trying to do something that seems a little weird, Shiny ballish I'll call it. I mean, something like renaming the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America or going after Greenland. He wants Greenland. He's doing something even worse behind the scenes. And so one of the lessons I've learned is you have to read all the fine print and you have to follow the threads of stories, because if not, you're going to be focused on talking about Greenland while he is trying to get the personal data of Americans, put them on the cloud, sell it to China, go to the homes of undocumented immigrants who are paying taxes, whatever it may be. That's what's happening behind the scenes while he's talking about Greenland and the Gulf of America.
Stephen Colbert
Now, while you were not on, you know, in the news business at the time, during his first administration, things are pretty crazy. I'm sure you're paying attention. What differentiation do you see between these two? There's a lot of familiar faces in there.
Jen Psaki
Well, I think I don't think of myself as a naive political person, but I think this is far worse than I thought it was going to be. It is far worse than the first term because now he is running again. He tells you often what he's thinking and what he is, where his head is at. And he said earlier this week in an interview that came out in the Atlantic that he's not just running the country, but the world. That's how he sees his job.
Stephen Colbert
Vladimir Putin might disagree.
Jen Psaki
Vladimir Putin might disagree.
Stephen Colbert
Xi Jinping might disagree.
Jen Psaki
He might also disagree. But the point is he now is unchecked. He now sees himself as not subject to consequences. That is the lesson he's learned politically over the last 10 years. And that is why. And he thinks he's running on a mandate, which, by the way, he doesn't have. He did not get 50% of the vote, and his poll numbers are going down. But he's running without consequences. And that means that he is. He's leading with cruelty. He's allowing his worst motivations to determine how he's governing. And that's why I think it's worse than the first term.
Stephen Colbert
Well, interesting thing happened the other day. Axios, you know, which is a major political news organization, asked this poll question. They ask, do you agree with the statement that Trump is a dangerous dictator whose power should be limited before he destroys American democracy? 52% of Americans agreed with that statement, which is a remarkable a, it's a remarkable question to be at a point that is a reasonable question to ask, but remarkable that 52% of Americans agree with that. Does that surprise you that people are paying attention this much this early or that he has been so extreme this early that people feel comfortable giving that answer.
Jen Psaki
Well, first of all, as you just pointed out, but I just want to echo this. The fact that the majority of the country thinks that he is a dangerous dictator. That's a paraphrase. Or is concerned about.
Stephen Colbert
He must be stopped before he destroys democracy.
Jen Psaki
Who must stop is quite, we get a little numb sometimes to his actions and the impact of them. That is quite remarkable.
Stephen Colbert
That's a poll. To splash a little water on your face.
Jen Psaki
To splash a little water. But I would say it's also consistent with other numbers in the Axios poll. In that same poll, 56% of independents, many of whom, some of whom voted for Trump, don't like what they're seeing. He is underwater. As in more people don't like it than like what he's doing on immigration and some specific steps he's taken on immigration, cost of living and what he's done to address cost of living. He's far underwater. And these are some of the things that he ran on, ran for president on. So he may think that he has a mandate and is running unchecked as an aspiring king, but his overreach means that the public, as we're seeing in poll after poll, doesn't like a lot.
Stephen Colbert
Of what they're seeing and not just what he's doing. But clearly, you know, they, he tries to put a happy face on everything. Terry Moran in that same interview that we're playing in the monologue said that you promised to make prices come down. And he said, yeah, they've all come down. He just bold faced lies that way.
Jen Psaki
Well, he tried to get him to believe a fabricated photo too. Right. So yes.
Stephen Colbert
Well, my understanding is that that was really on his knuckles. That's what Trump said. I've got no reason.
Jen Psaki
Well, there you go. He's telling.
Stephen Colbert
We're taking a quick break here, but we'll be right back with more. Jen Psaki, everybody. Now streaming. When everything's on the line, real heroes rise to the occasion. TV's hottest show is Fire Country. We're firefighters. We're gonna find a way to get you out of here. We take the hits together.
Jen Psaki
We're on the same team. I'm right here with you.
Stephen Colbert
No matter what.
Jen Psaki
I would never leave you hanging in the deep end.
Stephen Colbert
This place is a way of giving you new family. Fire Country. All episodes now streaming on Paramount. Are you still quoting 30 year old movies? Have you said cool beans in the past 90 days? Do you think Discover isn't widely accepted? If this sounds like you. You're stuck in the past. Discover is accepted at 99% of places that take credit cards nationwide and every time you make a purchase with your card you automatically earn cash back. Welcome to the now it pays to Discover. Learn more@discover.com credit card based on the February 2024 Nelson Report Ryan Reynolds here from Mint Mobile. I don't know if you knew this, but anyone can get the same Premium Wireless for $15 a month plan that I've been enjoying. It's not just for celebrities. So do like I did and have one of your assistant's assistants switch you to Mint Mobile today. I'm told it's super easy to do. @mintmobile.com Switch upfront payment of $45 for 3 month plan Equ to $15 per month required Intro rate first 3 months only, then full price plan options available, taxes and fees, extra default terms@mintmobile.com the first 100 days have also included an overt attack on the press, which is nothing new, but this is quite extreme. In this case, kicking the AP out for not going along with Gulf of America at one point. Just canceling all the wire photos from being able to be in the press gaggles my understanding. Are you worried about journalists caving to the pressure of the Trump administration and denying the public the truth that they need to hear?
Jen Psaki
Yes. I mean, first of all, when you're kicking out the AP and Bloomberg and Reuters, I mean, these are reporters who are asking things like what do you say about the bond market? What about these ceasefire negotiations? They're not gotcha questions. They are there to cover the actual news policymaking that is happening in any administration. And here's why though, I'm very concerned. Because I think while I'm newly on the media side of things, I've worked with media for more than two decades. Where the decisions are made are often behind the scenes. So there's no media organization or media outlet or reporter who's going to say we are going to obey in advance. Now that's not how it's going to work. What happens is stories are killed, voices aren't invited on, stories are muted, they're watered down. We've obviously seen this happen recently. We don't know all the details behind the scenes with 60 minutes, but the resignation of Bill Owens resigning is a significant statement of what they felt they were experiencing on one of the nations.
Stephen Colbert
Scott Pelley at the end of 60 Minutes on Sunday night directly tied it to the pressure that Paramount is feeling about having their broadcast license held up by Trump and the fcc.
Jen Psaki
And that is a significant statement by Scott Pelley, who has been a down the middle straight news journalist who's covered war zones, multiple presidents, had tough interviews with all of them. What I mean is we don't know all the details, of course, of everything that happened.
Stephen Colbert
We will eventually know if Paramount ends up folding to Trump, then we'll know the details.
Jen Psaki
We will know more. But my concern is that we don't have. I don't have an insight, you all don't have an insight into every conversation and every editorial meeting that is happening. I think most journalists are there to hold truth to power, to hold people to account, to follow the story. But where does the pressure come from at the top? And how do people respond to that? And how does that manifest itself? And what news ends up on the front pages and on television? And those are pieces that you're not gonna see all the behind the scenes conversations on.
Stephen Colbert
You had confrontational press when you were the press secretary. You see Caroline Levitt up there doing her thing. First of all, not an easy job for someone that young, you know, for anyone.
Jen Psaki
But yes, for anyone.
Stephen Colbert
No, but the older you get, the thicker your skin gets.
Jen Psaki
That's true.
Stephen Colbert
What do you think of the job she's doing so far?
Jen Psaki
She is serving one person. He selected her for that reason. She can command the room, but what she's not doing is using it as a room to provide accurate information to the public. Using it as a room to be a defender and an advocate for the need to do that.
Stephen Colbert
And are you prepared for when she attacks you for saying that?
Jen Psaki
I am. It's okay. Come on down.
Stephen Colbert
Okay, great. So again, you've used your expression as a communications professional. You wrote a book called, say, Communicating at Work, At Home and in the World. What are the Democrats biggest communications problems right now? What are they not doing?
Jen Psaki
Well, I think what's pretty clear is not enough of them are fighting. Far too many are still relying on the old tactics of Everlore.
Stephen Colbert
But Chuck Schumer, he wrote a very.
Jen Psaki
Strong letter with eight strongly worded questions.
Stephen Colbert
What more can you ask of a leader? That's exactly right.
Jen Psaki
If that's not going to make you shake in your boots, I don't know what is.
Stephen Colbert
What'd you make of Pritzker's speech?
Jen Psaki
I thought J.B. pritzker, governor of Illinois. I thought it was. There's some Jamie Pritzker fans here.
Stephen Colbert
Sure.
Jen Psaki
It was incredibly powerful and strong. The message he was sending was I'm a fighter. I'M going to say the things, I'm going to call out the do nothing Democrats. His words, not my words. He's going to call out what he's seeing in the Trump administration. And I think what we're seeing right now is there is a divide. Basically, there are people who are out there doing stuff. And by doing stuff, I mean it can be anything. Go lead a protest, go to a red state, go hold a town hall, go to El Salvador, whatever it may be, do stuff. People want to know you're fighting and doing things. If Democrats are going to rely on the tactics of old, they will lose. And so hopefully more people come onto the fighting side.
Stephen Colbert
We're gonna take another break. We'll be right back with more Jen Psaki. Everybody, stick around. You've got a new show, 9pm Starting next week. Yep. On Tuesdays to Fridays.
Jen Psaki
Yep.
Stephen Colbert
That is, that's Rachel's old slot. Rachel Maddow's old slot.
Jen Psaki
No pressure at all.
Stephen Colbert
No pressure at all. She's still on Mondays, but you guys, Tuesday Fridays. Has she giving you any advice?
Jen Psaki
Tons. I mean, first of all, for Rachel Maddow fans out there who feel panicked, she is. There's only one Rachel Maddow. She is. I could never do what she does. I mean, she does. Even if I went to Rachel Maddow School for five years, there's no such thing to anyone who wants to attend. But the advice she's given me is one, she works her ass off. Seventeen years in, she is never resting on her laurels. She's reading news at 8 in the morning, she's working all day. And she's always trying to tell stories that no one else is telling. You never tune into the Rachel Maddow show at 9pm and see the same thing you've seen all day everywhere else. Because she's going to weave things together and help put good and interesting information out into the world. On my best days, I'm gonna try to do that. We obviously come from different backgrounds, too. She knows that I know that. You know, I'm a recovering campaign rat. I've spent a lot of times on political campaign buses and lots of times in the Oval Office. So the show's gonna be a little different. But she also has reminded me, and I talked to her earlier today, that one of the things we a lot of things in common, but one of them is this passion for telling the story of what the opposition is doing and what Democrats are doing. And I don't just mean elected Democrats. I mean people you never heard of people who are running grassroots movements out there, people who are doing protests at their local town halls, people who are maybe thinking about running for office. It's such an important part of the story right now. She's doing that. We're gonna continue to do that. She also gave one thing she did try to give me advice on or try to get me to try one time was turkey jerky. Have you ever tried turkey jerky?
Stephen Colbert
Yeah, Chef had turkey jerky.
Jen Psaki
Does anyone like turkey jerky here, Listen, it's just salt. Well, Rachel Maddow, she's an amazing colleague. She's obviously brilliant what she does, but she suggested to me one day, hey, you may want to try this turkey jerky. We were on a set and I was thinking, oh, Rachel Maddow's offering me some turkey jerky. I'm going to try it. You could hear the other anchors kind of laughing. It was like an indoctrination of sorts, I think.
Stephen Colbert
Are you being hazed by Rachel Maddow?
Jen Psaki
Maybe I was being hazed. I had some bites of this turkey jerky and I could not get this turkey jerky down. I had to spit out the turkey jerky. So I don't, I can't follow all of the Rachel Maddow advice, but everything else has been very good.
Stephen Colbert
I think she's trying to undermine you.
Jen Psaki
You think the turkey, turkey.
Stephen Colbert
I think it's really hostile.
Jen Psaki
She's trying to make me spit it out. Maybe. I don't know.
Stephen Colbert
Jen, thanks for being here again. Good to see you. Her book say More, say More is available now in paperback. Her show the Briefing premieres next Tuesday on msnbc. Thank you for listening to the Late Show POD show with Stephen Colbert. Just one more thing. If you want to see more of me, come to The Late Show YouTube channel for more clips and exclusives. Starting your own business can be intimidating. Suddenly you're wearing all the hats. Designer marketer, customer support, shipping expert. It's a lot. That's where Shopify comes in. Shopify is the global commerce platform powering millions of businesses around the world and 10% of all e commerce in the US Shopify has your back. With hundreds of ready to use templates, you can launch a beautiful professional online store that looks and feels like you need content. Shopify's AI tools can help you write product descriptions, headlines, even enhance your product photos. Want to grow your reach easily? Create email and social media campaigns to meet your audience wherever they're scrolling. And with Shopify's world class support, you'll have expert help for everything. Turn your big business idea into. With Shopify on your side, sign up for your $1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com Odyssey podcast. Go to shopify.com Odyssey podcast shopify.com Odyssey podcast now streaming. When everything's on the line, real heroes rise to the occasion. TV's hottest show is Fire Country. We're firefighters. We're going to find a way to get you out of here. We take the hits together.
Jen Psaki
We're on the same team.
Stephen Colbert
I'm right here with you no matter what.
Jen Psaki
I would never leave you hanging in the deep end.
Stephen Colbert
This place is a way of giving you new family. Fire Country. All episodes now streaming on Paramount. Plus.
Detailed Summary of "Jen Psaki | Crash Or Credit" Episode from The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Introduction
In the May 1, 2025 episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert engages in a spirited conversation with guest Jen Psaki, the former White House Press Secretary and current MSNBC host. The episode, titled "Crash Or Credit," delves into the intricacies of the U.S. economy, the political landscape under President Trump’s administration, media dynamics, and the communication strategies of the Democratic Party. Through a blend of humor, insightful analysis, and candid discussion, the episode offers listeners a comprehensive look at the current state of American politics and governance.
Monologue Highlights
Stephen Colbert opens the episode with his characteristic blend of humor and sharp commentary, focusing on the recent economic downturn revealed by the Commerce Department. At [02:52], he states:
“America's gross domestic product shrunk by negative 0.3% in the first quarter, which is much worse than economists had projected.”
Colbert humorously compares the economic report to a disappointing concert experience, quipping:
“It's like your girlfriend's review of the Phish concert. I didn't know any of the songs going in. I don't like that kind of music. But once I got there, I actually hated it. I love them. I think they're great.”
He further explores the implications of the GDP decline, questioning:
“Since the common definition of a recession is two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth, we've already had now one quarter of negative GDP growth. Can any expert clarify how close that puts us to recession?”
Colbert also touches on Wall Street's volatile reaction and former President Trump's response, highlighting Trump's attempts to sway market perceptions by attributing market performance to his influence despite political dynamics.
Additionally, Colbert discusses non-traditional economic indicators that may signal a recession, such as the decline in sales of craft beer and men's underwear. He humorously interprets these trends, suggesting:
“If people can't afford craft beer, they'll take to the streets. This will be the first million brother-in-law March.”
Interview with Jen Psaki
Introduction to Jen Psaki
At [13:04], Stephen Colbert welcomes Jen Psaki back to the show, praising her ability to make complex news understandable:
“I like discussing the news with you. You explain things in a very understandable way.”
Discussion on Trump's First 100 Days
Colbert initiates the conversation by referencing President Trump's 100-day mark in office. Psaki responds humorously yet critically:
“I mean, I just covered my eyes, pretended it never happened.”
She elaborates on the overwhelming nature of political news, likening it to:
“Most days I feel like I'm drinking from a fire hose of dirty water.”
Psaki critically examines Trump's communication strategies, noting his tendency to flood the media with numerous initiatives to distract from more significant actions:
“He is far worse than I thought it was going to be. It is far worse than the first term because now he is running again.”
Public Perception and Polls
The conversation shifts to public perception, with Psaki addressing a recent Axios poll where 52% of Americans viewed Trump as a dangerous dictator:
“The fact that the majority of the country thinks that he is a dangerous dictator... is quite remarkable.”
She underscores the disconnect between Trump's self-perception and public opinion, emphasizing his unchecked approach to power:
“He is leading with cruelty. He's allowing his worst motivations to determine how he's governing. And that's why I think it's worse than the first term.”
Media Relations and Press Secretary Role
Psaki discusses the adversarial relationship between the Trump administration and the media, highlighting attempts to suppress truthful reporting. She expresses concerns over journalists facing pressure to conform:
“We don't have insight into every conversation and every editorial meeting that is happening. What happens is stories are killed, voices aren't invited on, stories are muted, they're watered down.”
She references the resignation of 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Owens as indicative of broader media suppression:
“The resignation of Bill Owens is a significant statement of what they felt they were experiencing.”
Democrats' Communication Challenges
When asked about the Democrats' biggest communication problems, Psaki criticizes the party's reliance on traditional tactics:
“Far too many are still relying on the old tactics of Everlore.”
She lauds Governor J.B. Pritzker's proactive approach, stating:
“If Democrats are going to rely on the tactics of old, they will lose. And so hopefully more people come onto the fighting side.”
Jen Psaki's Book and Upcoming Show
Colbert inquires about Psaki’s upcoming endeavors, to which she shares insights from her book "Say More" and her new MSNBC show, "The Briefing with Jen Psaki." She emphasizes the importance of grassroots movements and accurate storytelling:
“She [Rachel Maddow] is going to weave things together and help put good and interesting information out into the world.”
Psaki also reflects on her experiences and the challenges of transitioning from a press secretary to a media personality, highlighting the importance of conveying truth and holding power accountable.
Conclusion
The episode concludes with a mutual appreciation between Colbert and Psaki, underscoring the significance of transparent communication and proactive political engagement. Through their dialogue, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the current political climate, the economic challenges facing the nation, and the critical role of media and communication in shaping public perception. Psaki's insights provide a compelling analysis of the Trump administration's strategies and the Democratic Party's path forward, making this episode a valuable listen for those interested in American politics and governance.
Notable Quotes
Stephen Colbert [02:52]: “America's gross domestic product shrunk by negative 0.3% in the first quarter, which is much worse than economists had projected.”
Stephen Colbert [09:15]: “I wonder what he rides now. Wall Street's reaction was turbulent and mixed.”
Jen Psaki [13:51]: “Most days I feel like I'm drinking from a fire hose of dirty water.”
Jen Psaki [16:08]: “He is leading with cruelty. He's allowing his worst motivations to determine how he's governing.”
Jen Psaki [17:59]: “Stories are killed, voices aren't invited on, stories are muted, they're watered down.”
Jen Psaki [24:29]: “If Democrats are going to rely on the tactics of old, they will lose.”
This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of pressing economic and political issues, enriched by Psaki's expertise and Colbert's engaging hosting style. It serves as an insightful resource for listeners seeking to understand the complexities of current American politics.