Summary of "Stephen Presents: John Dickerson"

The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert
Host: Stephen Colbert
Guest: John Dickerson
Release Date: January 2, 2025

Introduction

In the episode titled "Stephen Presents: John Dickerson," Stephen Colbert welcomes listeners to what he initially refers to as the "last podcast of the year." However, he quickly clarifies that it's actually the first podcast of 2025, setting an engaging tone for a reflective and forward-looking discussion. The episode centers around John Dickerson, CBS's chief political analyst and the incoming co-anchor of the CBS Evening News, highlighting his influence and the high regard in which he is held by both hosts and listeners.

Celebrating John Dickerson

Stephen Colbert opens the conversation by celebrating John Dickerson’s popularity, noting, “the number one podcast download of the year for us, was the ex post facto deconstruction and the explaining of Dickerson” (01:58). Colbert praises Dickerson’s journalistic integrity and his balanced approach to reporting, emphasizing his ability to remain objective even when dealing with emotionally charged topics. He remarks, “He deeply loves his country and you feel it in his concern that people understand the news” (02:56).

Building a Friendship

The hosts delve into the personal connection between Colbert and Dickerson, sharing anecdotes about their friendship's origins. Colbert recounts how he became a fan of Dickerson through the "Slate Political Gabfest" podcast and describes Dickerson’s demeanor as having a “Tolkien elf-like quality” (03:12). This metaphor highlights Dickerson's thoughtful and measured approach to discussions, avoiding biases and striving for clarity. The conversation also touches on shared interests, such as Tolkien and Thomas Merton, and personal interactions that solidified their friendship (05:38).

John Dickerson’s Role in Politics and Media

As the discussion progresses, the focus shifts to Dickerson’s imminent role as co-anchor of the CBS Evening News alongside Maurice DuBois. Colbert commends Dickerson’s professionalism and personal integrity, stating, “He is a person who's enormous personal integrity, and I think he's a person to be admired and modeled” (06:32).

Election Analysis

The podcast transitions to an in-depth analysis of a recent election, with Dickerson providing insights based on exit polls and voter behavior. He explains the complexities of the voter dynamics, noting discrepancies in Vice President Harris’s performance with women and the overperformance of Biden in certain demographics (10:49). Dickerson draws parallels to the 2004 presidential race, emphasizing the unpredictability and surprises that often accompany elections (10:45).

The Impact of Donald Trump

A significant portion of the conversation examines the enduring influence of Donald Trump on the Republican Party and American public institutions. Dickerson asserts, “He [Trump] has changed [the Republican Party] down to the studs more than Ronald Reagan” (19:09), highlighting Trump’s profound and lasting impact on the party’s dynamics and strategies. He discusses how Trump’s behavior and rhetoric have reshaped public institutions, especially the press, and the challenges this poses for traditional journalism (20:14).

Democrats' Current Position

Dickerson offers a critical view of the Democratic Party’s struggles, attributing them to the erosion of their coalition by Trump’s influence. He emphasizes the need for the Democrats to reassess their electorate and develop messaging that resonates with the current voter base. He envisions an ideal "working democracy" where both parties engage in meaningful competition to improve lives, particularly for those facing systemic barriers (17:11, 18:49).

Journalistic Integrity and Future Role

Addressing his upcoming role as co-anchor, Dickerson underscores the importance of maintaining journalistic integrity in an era where facts are often contested. He states, “Our job is basically the same job we had before... trying to figure out what's going on and then take it to people and say this is what we think is happening” (22:36). Dickerson reaffirms his commitment to factual reporting and serving the public’s need for reliable information, despite the challenges posed by political figures who undermine trust in the media.

Explaining Democracy to the Next Generation

In a poignant moment, Dickerson shares his approach to explaining the complexities of democracy to a young audience, specifically addressing how to convey the nuances of political choices to a 14-year-old. He uses the metaphor of two buses representing different political agendas, emphasizing the importance of collective effort and the impact of personal choices on the broader democratic process (24:37).

Conclusion

The episode concludes with mutual expressions of gratitude between Stephen Colbert and his co-host, reinforcing the camaraderie and respect among the hosts and their guest, John Dickerson. The discussion leaves listeners with a thoughtful exploration of the current political landscape, the evolving role of media, and the enduring significance of integrity in journalism.

Notable Quotes:

• Stephen Colbert (01:58): “Nobody lays it out in a reasonable and interesting thing about John is that not only does he lay it out in very clear ways and not only is it, I think, admirably journalistically objective... but he deeply loves his country.”

• John Dickerson (10:49): “There's always surprises. And so I thought now did I think he was going to run all seven? I thought the polls were so close, I thought he might not, or whoever won might not win all of them.”

• John Dickerson (17:11): “Democrats have to figure out what happened to them. The Democratic coalition was eaten away by Donald Trump.”

• John Dickerson (20:14): “He has followed through on a lot of the things he said... presidents always want to do stuff, but they're constrained by traditions of the office... He has a person of impulse with all of those things gone.”

• John Dickerson (22:36): “Our job is basically the same job we had before... trying to figure out what's going on and then take it to people and say this is what we think is happening.”

• John Dickerson (24:37): “People have been given freedoms that they were denied and glorious opportunities in this country that you can't get anywhere else... there are other people on the bus who just want to be seen and have opportunity in American life.”

This episode provides a comprehensive exploration of John Dickerson’s professional journey, his impact on journalism, and his perspectives on the current political climate. Through candid discussions and insightful analysis, Colbert and his co-host offer listeners a deep dive into the challenges and responsibilities of modern journalism in a rapidly changing political landscape.