Stephen Colbert asks CNN's Jake Tapper why he bothers having Kellyanne Conway on his show
Stephen Colbert reminded Jake Tapper, his guest on Thursday's Late Show, that it was the one-year anniversary of Special Counsel Robert Mueller's appointment to investigate Russian collusion and the Trump campaign. "One full year — which, by my calculations, 36 and a half Scaramuccis," Tapper agreed. Colbert noted that President Trump "is still calling this 'Witch Hunt,'" and Tapper said yes, and "they've caught a few witches, by the way. There have been a few witch indictments."
Colbert asked if Rudy Giuliani is right that all Mueller can do is "write a report," and Tapper said sure, but that "report" could lead to criminal charges. Colbert said he'd be happy with a report. "What kind of report are you looking for?" Tapper asked. "The truth. ... I want somebody to say what actually happened," Colbert said. "I mean, Donald Trump will come and Donald Trump will go — I think we learned that from Stormy," he joked, but "knowing what the truth was" may at least add "some sort of ethical or moral spine to this moment."
Tapper one-upped him: "You want the truth about Russia and possible collusion — I would just like the truth and facts to be respected again in this country." Okay, "let me ask you about how that feels, then, to have people on TV who aid and abet with the corrosion of that information?" Colbert asked. "Kellyanne Conway — why have her on TV? She is a collection of deceptions with a blonde wig stapled on top." Tapper didn't disagree, exactly, but he said he thinks "sometimes it's worth it to have people on so you can challenge the very notion of the facts that are being disregarded and the lies that are being told."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
They went on to talk about Tapper's new novel, The Hellfire Club, plus the echoes of Joe McCarthy, the sexy scene, and Tapper's unfortunate "superpower," which he demonstrated on Colbert. Watch below. Peter Weber
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
6 presumed dead in Baltimore bridge collapse
Speed Read A massive cargo ship hit a support pillar of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, causing it to crumple
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Best music albums: new releases of 2024
The Week Recommends A round-up of the best pop, dance, indie, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Senegal's Bassirou Diomaye Faye: from prison to Africa's youngest elected leader
Why everyone's talking about The 44-year-old has promised to shake up the establishment and enact economic reforms
By Richard Windsor, The Week UK Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
South Korea passes law banning sale and production of dog meat
Speed Read Rare bipartisan support 'highlights changing attitudes' as young people shun centuries-old tradition
By The Week UK Published
-
Out of touch: Daryl Hall obtains restraining order against bandmate John Oates
Speed Read Lawsuit reveals unharmonious relationship between most commercially successful duo in pop history
By Jamie Timson, The Week UK Published