Episode Summary: John Dickerson (Extended) | Sneaux Day

Podcast: The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: John Dickerson, CBS News Chief Political Analyst and Co-Anchor of the All-New CBS Evening News
Release Date: January 23, 2025

1. Introduction to John Dickerson and Current Political Climate

The episode opens with Stephen Colbert welcoming John Dickerson back to The Late Show, congratulating him on his new role at CBS Evening News. The conversation quickly delves into the political landscape at the beginning of Donald Trump's administration, highlighting the tumultuous actions taken within the first few days in office.

2. Trump's Pardon of January 6th Rioters

John Dickerson addresses the controversial decision by President Donald Trump to pardon 1,500 individuals involved in the January 6th Capitol riot, including hundreds convicted of serious felonies like assaulting police officers with deadly weapons.

• Public Reaction: Dickerson cites a recent AP NORC-MILF Manor Poll, revealing that only 2 out of 10 Americans support the pardons. He humorously compares this approval rating to the dismal Rotten Tomatoes score of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen.

  John Dickerson [03:18]: "We've said this before... There is far too much trans in Transformers, I believe."

• Political Fallout: The decision has caused significant backlash within the Republican Party. Representative Mike Johnson deflects responsibility, stating, "It's not my place," leading to confusion and criticism about his stance.

  Representative Mike Johnson [05:21]: "It's not my place. It's the President's sole decision."

• Senator Tommy Tuberville's Response: Tuberville declines to support the pardons, citing a lack of firsthand observation of the events.

  Senator Tommy Tuberville [05:38]: "I didn't see it. If I see it, I would believe it, but I didn't."

• Dickerson's Critique: He criticizes the administration’s handling of the pardons, questioning the rationale behind releasing violent offenders without adequate oversight.

  John Dickerson [05:54]: "What are you looking at? His high fine butt while he walks away."

3. Inauguration Week and Calls for Mercy

During inauguration week, Trump and his team attended services at the National Cathedral. Reverend Marianne Buddy delivered a poignant sermon pleading for mercy and compassion towards marginalized communities and families facing hardship.

• Reverend Marianne Buddy's Sermon: She implored President Trump to show mercy to LGBTQ+ children and families, emphasizing the moral duty to protect the vulnerable.

  Reverend Marianne Buddy [07:11]: "I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President, on those in our communities whose children fear that their parents will be taken away."

• Trump's Reaction: Colbert humorously notes Trump's apparent discomfort with the sermon, highlighting the administration's lack of engagement with religious and moral appeals.

  Stephen Colbert [09:04]: "He had sex with couches, which we learned. And I mean, every single couch he ever saw, he would stick his penis in. It is something that never happened."

4. Nomination of Pete Hegseth as Secretary of Defense

The discussion shifts to President Trump’s nomination of Pete Hegseth, a Fox & Friends host, as Secretary of Defense. Hegseth faces numerous allegations, including alcohol abuse and verbal and emotional abuse.

• Allegations Against Hegseth:

  • Alcohol Abuse: Instances of Hegseth being excessively intoxicated, such as being dragged out of a strip club in military uniform and passing out in various settings.

  • Emotional Abuse: Reports from a sworn affidavit by Hegseth's former sister-in-law detailing his abusive behavior.

• Implications for Confirmation: Dickerson describes Hegseth’s nomination as a “huge experiment,” questioning his qualifications and suitability for such a critical role.

  John Dickerson [29:40]: "Hegseth just doesn't have that experience."

• Colbert’s Commentary: He underscores the potential dangers of appointing individuals lacking the necessary expertise to manage complex defense operations.

  Stephen Colbert [30:57]: "Walter Isaacson... said, it'll be like his experiments with the rockets, but there will be a lot of rubble."

5. Exercise of Presidential Power and Executive Actions

Dickerson and Colbert analyze Trump's aggressive use of executive power, particularly his issuance of approximately 200 executive actions in the early days of his presidency.

• Categories of Executive Actions:

  • Baiting the Press: Executing actions to provoke media coverage.

  • Shock and Awe: Overwhelming the system with actions to destabilize opposition.

  • Messaging on Immigration: Sending a strong signal that the U.S. border is closed, aligning with Trump's hardline stance.

• Comparison with Historical Presidencies: The conversation draws parallels to Franklin D. Roosevelt’s expansion of presidential power during the Great Depression, though noting Trump’s concentration of power is more centralized.

  Stephen Colbert [23:09]: "FDR was... call the bill asking for the reorganization of the executive branch the dictator bill."

• Implications of the January 6th Pardons: Dickerson emphasizes that pardoning the rioters signifies Trump’s disregard for constitutional obligations to protect democratic processes.

  John Dickerson [16:44]: "What does it say about all presidents want to exercise power?"

6. Mount McKinley vs. Denali: Symbolism and Federalism

Trump’s obsession with renaming Denali back to Mount McKinley is discussed as a symbolic act reflecting his administration's approach to federalism and local vs. federal authority.

• Historical Context: Mount McKinley was originally named by a miner for President McKinley and later reverted to Denali based on local preference.

• Political Significance: The renaming effort is portrayed as an assertion of federal authority over local decision-making, contrasting with conservative principles of federalism.

  John Dickerson [27:49]: "It's almost as if you're saying that the modern Republican Party is inconsistent about its beliefs."

7. CBS Evening News Relaunch

In a shift from political discourse, the episode concludes with John Dickerson and Maurice DuBois preparing to take over as co-anchors of the newly relaunched CBS Evening News. They discuss the transition, drawing inspiration from legendary CBS anchors like Edward R. Murrow.

• Dickerson’s Reflection: He expresses admiration for past CBS news figures and the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity.

  John Dickerson [32:20]: "They were so good. They had seen the stakes of the human experiment from covering World War II."

• Colbert’s Enthusiasm: Stephen Colbert shares his excitement about the new set and the collaborative effort in preparing for the show’s premiere.

  Stephen Colbert [31:27]: "We've been every day talking about, is this the story? That's been a really extraordinary experience."

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Dickerson [03:18]: "There is far too much trans in Transformers, I believe."
• Representative Mike Johnson [05:21]: "It's not my place. It's the President's sole decision."
• Reverend Marianne Buddy [07:11]: "I ask you to have mercy, Mr. President..."
• John Dickerson [16:44]: "What does it say about all presidents want to exercise power?"
• Stephen Colbert [23:09]: "FDR... asking for the reorganization of the executive branch the dictator bill."
• John Dickerson [27:49]: "The modern Republican Party is inconsistent about its beliefs."

Conclusion

This episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert offers an incisive analysis of the early actions of Donald Trump's administration, particularly focusing on controversial pardons, aggressive executive actions, and the nomination of unqualified individuals to key positions. John Dickerson provides a critical perspective on the concentration of presidential power and its implications for American democracy, while Stephen Colbert adds his characteristic humor and sharp commentary. The discussion culminates with a nod to Dickerson's new role at CBS Evening News, bridging political discourse with journalistic evolution.