Politics Central: interview

Showing posts with label interview. Show all posts

Wednesday, February 18, 2026

Lawrence: Banned from Colbert, James Talarico says Trump is afraid of losing Texas

The video discusses how CBS lawyers prevented Texas State Representative James Talarico from appearing on Stephen Colbert's "The Late Show" (0:01-0:19). This decision was based on a misinterpretation of the FCC's equal time rule, which requires equal airtime for all candidates in an election if one is featured (1:43). The host explains that this rule applies only to broadcast television and radio, not to cable or streaming, and has an exception for news and talk show interviews (1:46-2:12).

CBS lawyers claimed Talarico's appearance could trigger the equal time rule for other candidates, including Jasmine Crockett (3:08-3:23). However, FCC Commissioner Anna Gomez stated that CBS is protected under the First Amendment to determine its interviews, making the decision to yield to political pressure "disappointing" (4:01-4:14).

The host attributes this decision to the "cowardly corporate lawyers" of CBS, who previously paid Donald Trump $16 million to settle a frivolous lawsuit against "60 Minutes" (4:45-5:09). Similarly, ABC and Disney lawyers paid Trump $15 million in another baseless lawsuit (5:27-5:55). The host criticizes these lawyers for their lack of courage and principle in yielding to Trump's pressure (5:56-6:25).

Despite being "banned" from the broadcast, Stephen Colbert interviewed James Talarico on "The Late Show's" YouTube channel, where it gained more views than any other episode this year, even surpassing Taylor Swift's appearance (7:44-7:58). Talarico believes that Donald Trump is "worried that we're about to flip Texas" (9:12-9:16), leading to attempts to control media appearances (9:33-9:42).

Pulled Colbert-Talarico interview: CBS responds to backlash

The video discusses the controversy surrounding CBS pulling an interview with Texas State Representative James Talarico from Stephen Colbert's "Late Show".

Key points of the video:

Colbert's Statement (0:00-0:42): Stephen Colbert stated that CBS lawyers directly told him that he could not air the interview and couldn't even mention it on broadcast.

FCC's Equal Time Rule (0:42-2:07): The controversy stems from recent threats from the Republican-led FCC regarding the "equal time provision." This old regulation requires broadcast networks to give equal airtime to all legally qualified candidates for public office if one is featured. While there have been exemptions for news coverage and, since 2006, for late-night and daytime talk shows, FCC Chairman Brendan Carr cautioned that these shows would not be automatically considered bona fide news programs exempt from the rule, especially if motivated by "partisan purposes."

Colbert's Reaction (2:08-2:29): Colbert directly addressed Brendan Carr, calling the situation an attempt by the Trump administration to silence critics.

CBS's Response (2:30-3:02): CBS issued a statement claiming The Late Show was not prohibited from broadcasting the interview but was provided legal guidance that it could trigger the equal time rule for two other candidates. CBS offered options for fulfilling equal time, but The Late Show decided to post the interview on its YouTube channel with on-air promotion instead.

Talarico's Interview Content (3:03-4:11): In the pulled interview, Talarico accused Republicans and the Trump administration of perpetuating their own version of cancel culture, citing instances where they went after shows like The View and Jimmy Kimmel. The video also briefly mentions a past settlement between CBS's previous owners (Paramount) and Trump regarding a "60 Minutes" report.

Panel Discussion and Implications (4:12-9:58): A panel discusses whether CBS lawyers overreacted and the legitimacy of FCC's concerns. They suggest that CBS's actions might be a preemptive move for the upcoming election season to avoid issues with Donald Trump. The panel also highlights the "Streisand effect," where the pulling of the interview likely gave Talarico and Colbert more exposure than if it had aired normally. They express concern that this incident could have a chilling effect on other late-night and talk shows critical of Trump, pointing out the apparent selective regulation against left-leaning shows while talk radio (which tends to tilt rightward) remains unaffected.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026

Rep. James Talarico On Confronting Christian Nationalism, And Strange Days In The Texas Legislature

In this interview, Texas State Representative James Talarico discusses his campaign for the United States Senate and various political issues (0:09).

Key topics include:

Corporate Media and First Amendment Rights (1:51): Talarico criticizes corporate media executives for compromising the First Amendment to gain favor with politicians.

Texas Political Landscape (2:41): Despite Donald Trump winning Texas by a significant margin, Talarico believes Democrats have a chance this year due to growing backlash against extremism and corruption, highlighting a grassroots movement with thousands of volunteers and shattered fundraising records.

Christianity and Politics (4:11): As a Presbyterian seminarian, Talarico challenges the co-option of Christianity by the political right. He emphasizes that Christian principles, based on the teachings of Jesus, prioritize loving one's neighbor and helping the vulnerable over political affiliations or issues like abortion and gay marriage (5:05). He argues against Christian nationalism, stating it's a "worship of power in the name of Christ" and a betrayal of Jesus (8:04).

Separation of Church and State (6:25): Talarico explains his fight for the separation of church and state, citing his opposition to a bill requiring the Ten Commandments in schools. He believes this separation is vital for both the state and the church, as the church loses its prophetic voice when it becomes too involved with political power (7:11).

Campaign Misinformation (9:58): Talarico addresses a false quote attributed to him regarding a political opponent, clarifying that while he critiqued their campaigning, he never made racist remarks. He stresses the importance of lowering the political temperature and focusing on winning elections.

"Culture Wars" as a Diversion (12:10): Talarico discusses a bizarre legislative incident involving an internet hoax about "furries" in Texas schools. He uses this example to illustrate how "culture wars" are often a "smoke screen" to distract from more critical issues like economic policies that benefit the wealthy at the expense of ordinary citizens (13:44).

Thursday, February 12, 2026

'I believe you just lied under oath': Dem Rep. asks Bondi about Trump's mentions in Epstein files

The video captures a heated exchange between Rep. Ted Lieu and Attorney General Pam Bondi concerning the handling of the Epstein files and the lack of prosecution against individuals involved (0:00). Key points from the discussion include: Redaction of Victim Photos: Lieu points out that photos of Epstein's victims were redacted to protect them, in accordance with congressional law (0:12). Protection of Epstein's Clients: Lieu accuses Bondi of protecting Epstein's clients, specifically mentioning former Prince Andrew, and questions why the investigation was shut down (1:04). Lack of Accountability: Lieu criticizes various Attorney Generals, including Merrick Garland and Bill Barr, for failing to pursue the Epstein case adequately and highlights Bondi's current inaction (2:00). Donald Trump's Involvement: The discussion escalates as Lieu brings up Donald Trump's presence in the Epstein files, asking if underage girls were present at any parties Trump attended with Epstein (2:30). Allegations of Lying Under Oath: Lieu directly accuses Bondi of lying under oath when she states there is no evidence of Trump committing a crime. He presents a witness statement from someone who claims to have heard Trump in a compromising conversation with Epstein and met a girl who alleged rape by both Trump and Epstein (3:45). Call for Interviewing Witnesses: Lieu urges the Department of Justice to interview this witness immediately, emphasizing the severity of the allegations (4:30). Demand for Resignation: Lieu concludes by calling for Bondi's resignation, expressing shame over the lack of accountability for the men involved in Epstein's sex trafficking operation (4:54).