The Colbert Report Season 5 Episode 108 Senator Barbara Boxer
- August 10, 2009
Senator Barbara Boxer is a guest on season 5 episode 108 of The Colbert Report. The show, hosted by Stephen Colbert, is a political satirical news program that was popular during its run from 2005-2014.
In this episode, Colbert welcomes Senator Boxer, a prominent figure in Democratic politics. Boxer served as a United States Senator from California from 1993 to 2017, and before that, she was a member of the House of Representatives for ten years. During her time in Congress, Boxer was an advocate for environmental protection, women's rights, and a strong supporter of LGBT rights.
As Colbert introduces Senator Boxer, he playfully asks her if it is okay to call her Babs, to which she quickly retorts, "Not unless you want me to call you Stevie, Stephen." The two engage in a light-hearted banter, setting the tone for their discussion.
The conversation quickly turns to the hot-button issue of healthcare reform, which was a major topic of debate during the Obama administration. Boxer discusses her view that healthcare should be considered a basic human right, and emphasizes the importance of the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare.
Colbert, who is well-known for his conservative viewpoints, challenges Boxer on her stance, asking her whether she believes it is fair for wealthy individuals to have to pay for others' healthcare. Boxer responds by stating that healthcare is not a privilege for the wealthy, and that everyone should have access to affordable healthcare.
The discussion then moves on to the issue of climate change, another topic that Boxer is passionate about. She argues that the United States should take a leading role in combating climate change, and criticizes the current administration for rolling back environmental regulations and withdrawing from the Paris climate agreement.
Throughout the interview, Colbert asks humorous questions and interjects with witty remarks, showcasing his signature comedic style. However, the conversation remains respectful and informative.
The episode concludes with a segment called "Better Know a District," in which Colbert satirically highlights a congressional district. In this episode, he features California's 33rd congressional district, which at the time was represented by Democrat Henry Waxman.
Overall, season 5 episode 108 of The Colbert Report is an engaging and informative discussion between Stephen Colbert and Senator Barbara Boxer on important political issues. The episode demonstrates the show's ability to combine humor and satire with in-depth analysis of current events.