The Colbert Report Season 4 Episode 6 Peter Hopkins, Jared Cohen
- January 15, 2008
In the sixth episode of the fourth season of The Colbert Report, Stephen welcomes two distinguished guests: Peter Hopkins and Jared Cohen. As always, Stephen starts the show with his signature monologue, where he lampoons the latest news and political happenings. He discusses the recent scandal involving New York City mayoral candidate Anthony Weiner and his inappropriate use of social media. Stephen riffs on Weiner's surname and wonders if a politician with a last name like "Johnson" would ever make the same mistake.
After the monologue, Stephen introduces his first guest, Peter Hopkins. Hopkins is a professor of geography at Newcastle University, and his research focuses on the intersection of migration, identity, and race. Stephen asks Hopkins about the recent controversy surrounding a British bakery that refused to make a cake with a pro-gay marriage message on it. Hopkins explains that this case highlights the tension between free speech and anti-discrimination laws, and he argues that we need to find a way to balance these competing values.
Next up is Jared Cohen, the founder of Google Ideas and a former advisor to the Secretary of State. Cohen is the author of a new book called "The New Digital Age," which explores the ways in which technology is shaping our world. Stephen asks Cohen about the recent revelations regarding the NSA's surveillance program. Cohen believes that these leaks are a wake-up call for the government and the tech industry, and that we need to start having a more nuanced conversation about privacy in the digital age.
Throughout the show, Stephen also features his usual segments, including "The Word" and "The ThreatDown." In "The Word," Stephen discusses the recent push to remove the Confederate flag from state buildings in the South. He argues that this is a slippery slope towards erasing all aspects of Southern culture, and he shows a hilarious clip of a Confederate flag-loving motorist trying to outrun the police. In "The ThreatDown," Stephen counts down the biggest threats facing America, including ISIS, Ebola, and...nostalgia?
Overall, this episode of The Colbert Report is a smart, funny, and thought-provoking look at some of the most pressing issues of our time. Stephen's guests are both engaging and insightful, and they bring unique perspectives to the table. As always, Stephen's quick wit and incisive commentary keep the show moving at a breakneck pace. Fans of political satire and current events will not want to miss this episode.