The Colbert Report Season 3 Episode 7 Richard Clarke

In season 3, episode 7 of The Colbert Report, Stephen welcomes Richard Clarke, a former counterterrorism advisor to four presidents. The episode begins with Stephen discussing the recent presidential election and the possibility of a terrorist attack. He then introduces Clarke, who has worked in national security for decades and is a sought-after commentator on terrorism and cyber security.

Clarke joins Stephen on stage and the two talk about the recent terrorist attacks in Paris and San Bernardino. They discuss the challenges of detecting and preventing so-called "lone wolf" attacks, and explore the role of social media in radicalizing individuals. Clarke emphasizes the importance of intelligence gathering and information sharing in keeping Americans safe.

The conversation turns to cyber security, and Clarke explains the ways in which hackers can gain access to sensitive government and corporate information. He discusses the importance of encryption and the need for companies to take cyber security seriously. Stephen, ever the satirist, jokes that he doesn't need cyber security because he has nothing worth stealing - except for some "top secret" Salinger fan fiction.

Clarke goes on to talk about his experience testifying before Congress and his disagreements with various administrations over national security policy. Stephen asks Clarke if he ever feels disillusioned with government, and Clarke responds that he remains optimistic and committed to finding ways to improve national security.

As the interview wraps up, Stephen asks Clarke to stick around for his "Tip of the Hat, Wag of the Finger" segment, in which Stephen gives accolades (tip of the hat) and criticism (wag of the finger) to current events and individuals in the news. The segment includes jokes about gun control, North Korea, and Taylor Swift.

The episode also includes a segment on the controversy surrounding Starbucks' holiday cups, in which Stephen jokes that the new cups are "anti-Christian," and a mock advertisement for a fictional product called "TurrDuckenDeer," a holiday meal consisting of turkey, duck, deer, and a bottle of Jack Daniels.

Overall, season 3, episode 7 of The Colbert Report is a thought-provoking and entertaining hour of television, as Stephen and Richard Clarke discuss important issues related to national security and cyber security, while also finding time to poke fun at the news of the day.