Obama Picks a Friendly Face
Barack Obama is set to open his presidential center in June, and for the first televised interview from the new building, he picked Stephen Colbert. That is not exactly a surprise. Colbert has spent years acting less like a comedian and more like a permanent guest on the Democratic Party’s payroll, so this pairing has all the suspense of a rerun. The former president wants a soft landing for a big media moment, and Colbert is clearly happy to provide the pillow. If you were hoping for a tough, wide-open conversation, this is not that kind of show.
Colbert’s Partisan Track Record
Colbert’s bond with Obama goes back a long way. Obama has appeared multiple times on Colbert’s shows, including The Colbert Report and The Late Show. In 2020, Colbert told Obama he needed to “drink [Obama] in” because he missed seeing a real president, which tells you everything you need to know about the man’s idea of comedy. He also once said, “I miss you” to a clip of Obama during Donald Trump’s first term. At this point, it is fair to ask whether Colbert hosted a talk show or ran a fan club with a studio audience.
Why This Interview Matters
The timing is interesting too. CBS and Paramount have already canceled The Late Show, and Colbert is heading for the exit. Obama’s choice gives the outgoing host one more chance to perform his favorite role, the polished television Democrat who mistakes applause for journalism. Conservative critics were quick to notice. Outkick’s Ian Miller said Colbert has long traded comedy for partisan activism, and that sounds about right. When a late-night host spends more time campaigning than joking, the “comedy” part becomes a technicality.
The Bigger Media Problem
This interview is also a reminder of how predictable elite media has become. Big-name Democrats get warm coverage, soft questions, and a nice glow from friendly hosts who would rather flatter power than challenge it. Obama gets a comfortable platform, Colbert gets one last high-profile booking, and viewers get a polished public-relations event dressed up as entertainment. The whole thing may be called an interview, but it looks more like a reunion tour for the same old Washington media club.
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