The Colbert Report Season 5 Episode 64 Tamara Draut

The Colbert Report season 5 episode 64, "Tamara Draut," features Tamara Draut, the Vice President of Policy and Research at Demos, a progressive think tank. The episode aired on December 9, 2009, and begins with host Stephen Colbert introducing Draut and stating that she fights for the middle class.

Draut and Colbert then begin discussing the economic crisis and how it has affected the middle class. Colbert brings up the idea of trickle-down economics and asks Draut if it has worked. Draut responds by saying that it has not, and that the middle class has been left behind. She explains that wages have not kept up with the cost of living, and that the average American family has lost $2,000 in income since the 1970s.

The conversation then shifts to healthcare reform, and Draut argues that access to affordable healthcare is essential for the middle class. She explains that many families are just one illness away from bankruptcy, and that healthcare should not be a privilege for the wealthy, but a right for all Americans. Colbert challenges her, asking if the government should pay for everyone's healthcare. Draut responds by saying that there are different models for healthcare reform, and that the government has a role in ensuring access to healthcare for all.

The discussion then turns to education, and Draut argues that access to higher education is essential for the middle class. She explains that student debt has skyrocketed, and that many young people are burdened with enormous debt before they even start their careers. Colbert asks Draut if everyone should go to college, and she responds by saying that college is not for everyone, but that everyone should have the opportunity to pursue higher education if they choose to do so.

The episode then features a segment titled "The Word" in which Colbert discusses the difference between the elites and the middle class. He argues that the elites have no idea what it's like to live paycheck to paycheck, and that they are out of touch with the struggles of the middle class. He says that the elites are obsessed with their own status, while the middle class just wants to pay their bills and provide for their families.

The episode concludes with Draut and Colbert agreeing that the middle class is the backbone of America, and that it is essential to ensure that the middle class is strong and vibrant. They argue that policies that support the middle class, such as access to healthcare and education, are not only good for individuals, but for the economy as a whole.

Overall, The Colbert Report season 5 episode 64, "Tamara Draut," is a thoughtful and informative discussion about the challenges facing the middle class in America. Draut and Colbert provide insightful commentary on issues such as healthcare, education, and the economy, and their conversation is both engaging and entertaining. This episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the state of the middle class in America.