Once again, Stephen Colbert is feuding with CBS, the network on which his show The Late Show airs.
Colbert had scheduled an interview with Texas Democratic candidate for Senate James Talarico last month, but was told by CBS lawyers that the interview would not be aired.
“He was supposed to be here, but we were told in no uncertain terms by our network’s lawyers, who called us directly, that we could not have him on the broadcast. Then I was told in some uncertain terms that not only could I not have him on, I could not mention me not having him on. And because my network clearly doesn’t want us to talk about this, let’s talk about this,” said Colbert on the part of The Late Show episode that did air.
Colbert has been an active critic of President Donald Trump and his administration. He has shown unwavering opposition to the current administration, and in doing so, his show got cancelled. The Late Show will be ending in May.
“Stephen Colbert said on his late-night show on Monday that his network, CBS, barred him from airing an interview with a Democratic candidate for a U.S. Senate race because of new guidance from the Trump administration about equal airtime for political candidates,” according to the New York Times.
Talarico said in his interview with Colbert that, “I think Donald Trump is worried we are gonna flip Texas,” in reference to the upcoming Senate race.
The argument made by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is that if Talarico were to appear on The Late Show on CBS, his opponents would be allowed to appear as well.
CBS released a statement saying, “THE LATE SHOW was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico. The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett, and presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled. THE LATE SHOW decided to present the interview through its YouTube channel with on-air promotion on the broadcast rather than potentially providing the equal-time options.”
Instead of caving to the FCC and CBS, Colbert aired the interview on Youtube and criticized FCC chair Brendan Carr.
“Well, sir, you’re chairman of the FCC, so FCC U, because I think you are motivated by partisan purposes yourself,” Colbert said during The Late Show’s broadcast on Feb. 16.
I applaud Colbert’s unwillingness to comply with his network and our country’s administration. He is outspoken and never afraid to tell it like it is.
“Let’s just call this what it is: Donald Trump’s administration wants to silence anyone who says anything bad about Trump on TV, because all Trump does is watch TV, OK? He’s like a toddler with too much screentime. He gets cranky and then drops a load in his diaper,” Colbert said.
I watched the interview segment on YouTube, and Talarico’s comments on religion’s place in politics really resonated with me as someone who has given up religion.
He discussed how fellow Christians have convinced themselves and others that the “most important issues are abortion and gay marriage,” and said neither of those things is mentioned in the Bible.
I strongly agree with his statement and that there is propaganda being pushed by those who consider themselves Christian. He goes on to talk about how the two most important commandments are to love God and your neighbor, something our so-called Christian politicians seem to forget.
I believe Colbert’s interview with Talarico could have made a large impact on those who pretend to follow the teachings of Jesus. He grew up in the church, like many supporters of the current administration and me. Maybe if CBS supported one of its most popular shows instead of backing the FCC, those remaining Trump supporters would feel differently than they do now, as they are seemingly willing to take a bullet for him.
Although I am being a bit unrealistic with my hope here, some MAGA supporters are “ride or die” and probably not looking to give up their entire lifestyle.
Colbert’s show will end in two months due to its cancellation. After a decade of the show airing on television, I hope the audience has gained some insight from Colbert over the years. I am sick and tired of the suppression of free speech for those who choose to speak negatively of the Trump Administration.
Madelyn Marabella can be contacted at
