The Colbert Report Season 4 Episode 147 Colbert Report: 2008-11-12 Bob Woodward

On the November 12th, 2008 episode of The Colbert Report, host Stephen Colbert welcomes legendary journalist and author Bob Woodward to the show.

As always, Colbert starts the show with a segment called "The Word," where he delves into a political issue and gives his humorous take on it. In this episode, the word of the day is "Macho Grande," a term Colbert creates to describe the size of President-elect Barack Obama's challenges ahead.

After "The Word," Colbert sits down with Bob Woodward, who has just published a new book about the Bush administration called "The War Within: A Secret White House History (2006-2008)." The two discuss the book, which focuses on the inner workings of the Bush administration during the Iraq War and the economic crisis.

Woodward reveals some fascinating details about the book, including how then-Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson once went down on one knee in front of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to beg for her support on the financial bailout. Woodward also talks about his access to high-level insiders, including former President George W. Bush, Vice President Dick Cheney, and Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice.

Throughout the interview, Colbert interjects with his trademark sarcasm and wit, but also shows a genuine interest in Woodward's reporting. The two also discuss the role of the media in politics, with Woodward explaining how journalists can hold powerful people accountable.

After the interview, Colbert welcomes back his usual segments, including "Tip of the Hat, Wag of the Finger," where he praises or criticizes current events, and "Better Know a District," where he interviews a member of Congress from a specific district.

Overall, this episode of The Colbert Report is a mix of humor, politics, and journalism, with Colbert and Woodward providing insightful commentary on the state of the country at the time.