The Colbert Report Season 4 Episode 2 Chris Beam, Gary Rosen

Chris Beam, the author of "I Was Part of a Clinical Trial for a Covid-19 Vaccine. Here's What I Learned" and Gary Rosen, the deputy editor of The Wall Street Journal's editorial page, are both guests on tonight's episode of The Colbert Report. Stephen Colbert is known for his sharp wit and incisive commentary on current events, politics, and culture, and tonight's show promises to be no exception.

The episode begins with Colbert's usual sardonic monologue about the news of the day, including a segment on the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic and the latest developments in the race for a vaccine. He then welcomes Chris Beam to the show to talk about his experience as a participant in a clinical trial for one of the leading Covid-19 vaccine candidates.

Beam, a journalist and editor at The New Republic, writes vividly about his experience in the clinical trial, including the physical challenges of getting multiple injections and the psychological toll of living with the uncertainty of not knowing whether he received the vaccine or a placebo. Colbert and Beam discuss the ethical implications of vaccine trials and the importance of science and public health in the midst of a global crisis. They also touch on the role of journalism in communicating the science of the pandemic to a skeptical public.

Next up is Gary Rosen, the deputy editor of The Wall Street Journal's influential editorial page. Colbert and Rosen spar over the role of the media in shaping public opinion and the responsibility of journalists to be honest and impartial. Rosen defends the Journal's conservative editorial stance and argues that the media has a duty to hold those in power accountable, while Colbert challenges him on the Journal's frequent support of President Trump and his policies.

The conversation turns more lighthearted as Colbert and Rosen discuss the Wall Street Journal's famous crossword puzzles and the joys of doing puzzles during quarantine. They also share their favorite books and debate the merits of the Pulitzer Prize-winning novel "The Overstory."

As always, the show features hilarious sketches and segments, including a segment on the latest conspiracy theories circulating online and a parody of a pharmaceutical ad for a new drug called "Calgonit." Colbert also takes some shots at Fox News and their coverage of the election, as well as the Trump administration's response to the pandemic.

Fans of The Colbert Report will not want to miss this episode, which showcases Colbert's trademark wit and intelligence, as well as his ability to engage in serious conversations about important issues with authority and humor.