The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Episode: Sen. Bernie Sanders | Yap Quest
Release Date: May 16, 2025
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: Senator Bernie Sanders
Duration: Approximately 38 minutes

Introduction

In this episode of The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert, host Stephen Colbert welcomes back Senator Bernie Sanders, the senior senator from Vermont and two-time presidential candidate. The conversation delves deep into the pressing issues facing American society, including income inequality, campaign finance reform, healthcare, and the influence of oligarchs in politics.

Trump’s Visit and Military Critique

Timestamp: 01:25 - 09:44

Colbert opens with a satirical monologue about former President Donald Trump's activities overseas, particularly his visit to Qatar where he addressed American troops. He humorously critiques Trump's song choices and fashion sense, mocking his remarks on military technology and stealth fighter jets.

Notable Quote:

“I hurt myself to see if I still feel I did Johnny. Johnny Cash Trump. There you go.” (01:25)

Colbert humorously questions Trump's approach to military aesthetics:

“If our pilots have to fly an ugly plane, I'd rather, frankly, I'd rather lose the whole war.” (04:15)

He also lampoons Trump's planned military parade on his birthday, highlighting the absurdity of combining celebration with military might.

Republican Budget Cuts and Healthcare

Timestamp: 09:44 - 18:18

The discussion shifts to Republican proposals aimed at financing tax cuts for billionaires by cutting Medicaid and other essential programs. Colbert mocks the potential negative outcomes of such cuts, including the loss of healthcare coverage for millions and the reduction of nutritional assistance for children.

Notable Quote:

“If this bill is passed, experts estimate that in the next 10 years, 8.6 million fewer Americans will have health care coverage.” (10:21)

Colbert uses sarcasm to emphasize the dire consequences:

“No health care. Ask your doctor about rubbing some dirt on it. Side effects include getting dirty and death.” (10:24)

He also criticizes GOP Senator Josh Hawley for opposing the bill, highlighting the internal conflicts within the Republican Party.

Media and Authoritarianism Concerns

Timestamp: 18:32 - 34:46

Colbert transitions to discuss the erosion of democratic norms, focusing on President Trump's legal actions against various media outlets. He underscores the dangers of a president suing the press for unfavorable coverage, portraying it as a step towards authoritarianism.

Notable Quote:

“He's the first president in history to sue the media because he doesn't like what they are saying about him.” (32:39)

Senator Sanders echoes these concerns, emphasizing the threat to free press and democratic institutions:

“He is already receiving settlements from ABC and Meta, and now he's suing CBS for $20 billion.” (33:56)

The conversation highlights the importance of a robust and independent media in safeguarding democracy.

Income and Wealth Inequality

Timestamp: 15:03 - 23:51

Senator Sanders passionately addresses the growing income and wealth inequality in the United States. He contrasts the vast fortunes of billionaires with the struggles of ordinary Americans living paycheck to paycheck.

Notable Quote:

“We're living in a moment of more income and wealth inequality than we've ever had in the history of this country.” (16:57)

Sanders criticizes the corrupt campaign finance system fueled by Citizens United, arguing that it enables billionaires to wield disproportionate influence over government policies.

“A government of the billionaires, by the billionaires, and for the billionaires.” (16:57)

He advocates for systemic changes to restore economic fairness and ensure that government serves the needs of the many, not the few.

Healthcare and Education Reforms

Timestamp: 26:14 - 35:15

The conversation delves into specific policy areas, with Sanders highlighting the catastrophic cuts to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding under the Trump administration, which resulted in a 31% reduction in cancer research.

Notable Quote:

“Cancer is such a terrible disease that's impacted probably every family one way or another in America.” (26:51)

Sanders calls for Congress to restore this crucial funding, emphasizing its importance for advancing medical research and saving lives.

He also discusses the exorbitant costs of higher education in the U.S., advocating for free public colleges and universities to alleviate student debt and make education accessible to all.

“Public colleges and universities are free. We could do it.” (23:51)

Oligarchy and Campaign Finance Reform

Timestamp: 27:44 - 34:46

Sanders expands on the concept of oligarchy, explaining how concentrated financial and political power among the elite undermines democracy. He cites the influence of figures like Elon Musk, whose vast wealth allows them to manipulate the political landscape.

Notable Quote:

“These are not nice guys. They really are not. They are extremely greedy people and they want it all.” (17:04)

He urges for collective action and grassroots organizing to counteract the oligarchic tendencies, encouraging ordinary Americans to run for office and advocate for policies that prioritize working families over the wealthy elite.

“Our job is to organize people in every way, to stand up politically in workplaces, in universities, on the streets, to demand that we have a government which represents all of us and not just a few.” (28:26)

Youth and the Resurgence of Socialism

Timestamp: 34:46 - 35:15

Addressing the appeal of socialism among young people, Sanders attributes it to widespread disillusionment with economic inequality and the unattainability of the traditional American Dream.

Notable Quote:

“Young people are looking out there and they're saying, why, with all of this technology, with all of this wealth, why are we not doing better for ordinary Americans than we are?” (35:15)

He emphasizes the Democratic Party's need to reconnect with the working class and present a compelling vision for the future to harness the growing support for progressive policies.

Closing Remarks

Senator Sanders concludes by reiterating the necessity of systemic reforms to dismantle the oligarchic structures dominating American politics. He calls for increased civic engagement, policy advocacy, and the election of representatives who genuinely serve the public interest.

Notable Quote:

“Do you think young people get excited about folks like you or AOC or New York City mayor hopeful Jamaal Bowman who are self-described Democratic socialists because they believe in a fairer, more equitable society?” (35:15)

Colbert thanks Sanders for his insights, and the episode wraps up with promotional segments for upcoming shows and advertisements.

Key Takeaways

• Economic Inequality: Sanders highlights the unprecedented levels of income and wealth disparity in the U.S., advocating for policies that address these imbalances.

• Campaign Finance Reform: Emphasizes the corrupting influence of unlimited campaign contributions from billionaires, calling for systemic changes to ensure a fairer political process.

• Healthcare and Education: Urges for the restoration of critical funding for medical research and the implementation of free public higher education to alleviate student debt burdens.

• Threat to Democracy: Discusses the dangers posed by authoritarian tendencies, particularly through the lens of a president suing the media, and the broader implications for democratic institutions.

• Youth Engagement and Socialism: Attributes the rising interest in socialism among young Americans to frustration with existing economic structures and a desire for a more equitable society.

• Grassroots Organizing: Calls for increased civic participation and the election of representatives focused on the needs of working families rather than the interests of the wealthy elite.

This episode serves as a comprehensive exploration of the critical challenges facing the United States, offering Senator Bernie Sanders' perspective on the urgent need for political and economic reforms to foster a more just and equitable society.