The Colbert Report Season 5 Episode 16 John Podesta

In the season 5 episode 16 of The Colbert Report titled "John Podesta," Stephen Colbert reaches out to John Podesta, a well-known American political consultant and former White House Chief of Staff, to discuss various issues surrounding the current political climate.

The show begins with Stephen sarcastically praising Podesta's accomplishments, claiming that he was responsible for everything that is wrong in the American politics. He mentions John's involvement in establishing the Center for American Progress, a liberal think-tank, and his work with the Obama administration as a counselor to President Obama. Colbert also highlights Podest's reputation as a "master of dark arts" in political campaigning.

Colbert then uses his trademark humor to ask John his views on various issues, ranging from the 2012 presidential election, climate change, and gun control. John admits to being a part of the Obama administration during the Benghazi attack, which Colbert uses to suggest that John was aware of Obama's master plan to let the attack occur. Their conversation becomes lively as they go back and forth, making jokes about each other's political affiliations.

In between the lighthearted banter, John also talks about his work with the Center for American Progress, explaining how the organization works to provide policy solutions for various issues facing the nation. He goes into detail about their areas of focus, such as health care, energy, and national security, and explains how they use research and data to make evidence-based policy recommendations.

The conversation takes a serious turn as they dive into climate change and the potential consequences of inaction. John calls for stronger federal regulations around emissions reduction, citing the Supreme Court ruling in Massachusetts v. EPA, which establishes the EPA's authority to regulate carbon emissions under the Clean Air Act. They also discuss how the fossil fuel industry is resisting change, using their power and influence to prevent meaningful action.

The episode closes on a lighter note as Stephen asks John about his cooking skills. John admits that he is not a great cook, but he enjoys trying new things. Stephen then proceeds to present him with a "Mystery Kitchen Challenge," where John has to guess what ingredients were used to make a dish. John manages to guess some ingredients correctly, but he misses a few as well, much to Stephen's amusement.

Overall, the episode is a mix of humor, serious discussion, and a touch of lightheartedness. It showcases Stephen Colbert's ability to engage with guests from different political backgrounds and delve into complex issues with a mix of wit and intellect. It also highlights John Podesta's knowledge and experience regarding policy and politics, making for an engaging and informative conversation.