The Colbert Report Season 1 Episode 14 Catherine Crier

The Colbert Report season 1 episode 14 features American television personality and journalist, Catherine Crier. The episode begins with Stephen Colbert addressing the recent controversy over accusations of plagiarism against him, stating that he did not intentionally copy anyone and that he is not a plagiarist like former CNN reporter Fareed Zakaria.

Colbert then introduces his guest, Catherine Crier, who is a former judge and legal analyst for Fox News. Colbert praises Crier for her commentary on the Casey Anthony trial, and Crier explains her belief that the prosecution did not prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt. Colbert jokingly asks Crier if she would have convicted Casey Anthony if she were a judge on the case, to which Crier responds that she cannot say as the case is still open.

The conversation then shifts to Crier's book, "Contempt: How the Right Is Wronging American Justice," in which she argues that the conservative movement is eroding the fairness and independence of the American judicial system. Colbert challenges Crier's assertion that the right-wing is taking over the judicial system, to which Crier cites examples of conservative efforts to influence judicial appointments and judicial decisions.

Colbert then turns the conversation to the recent Supreme Court decision in Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission, which allowed corporations and unions to spend unlimited amounts of money on political campaigns. Crier expresses her concern that this decision will give wealthy special interests too much influence in American politics.

The conversation then turns to Crier's admiration for former Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, who was the first woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Crier discusses O'Connor's crucial role in several landmark decisions, including Bush v. Gore, and praises O'Connor for her commitment to judicial independence.

In the final segment of the episode, Colbert and Crier participate in a game called "Pass the Buck," in which they deflect blame for various issues onto each other. The game allows for some playful banter between Colbert and Crier, with both of them poking fun at each other's political beliefs.

Overall, the episode provides a lively and engaging conversation between Stephen Colbert and Catherine Crier, with topics ranging from the Casey Anthony trial to campaign finance reform to the role of the Supreme Court. Crier brings a unique perspective to the show as a former judge and legal analyst, and her insights into the American judicial system are informative and illuminating. Fans of politics and current events will find much to enjoy in this episode of The Colbert Report.