The Daily Show: Ears Edition - Trump Puts the U.S. on the Brink of War with Iran | Karen Bass

Episode Date: January 7, 2020

The World's Fakest News Team analyzes President Trump's decision to order the killing of Iran's Qassem Soleimani, and California Rep. Karen Bass sits down with Trevor. Learn more about your ad-choice...s at https://www.iheartpodcastnetwork.comSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Starting point is 00:00:00 You're listening to Comedy Central. When 60 Minutes premiered in September 1968, there was nothing like it. This is 60 Minutes. It's a kind of a magazine for television. Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. But that's all about to change. Like none of this stuff gets looked at, that's what's incredible. I'm Seth Done of CBS News, listened to 60 Minutes, a second look on Apple podcasts starting September 17th. From Comedy Central's World News Headquarters in New York. This is the Daily Show, everybody. Thank you so much for tuning in.
Starting point is 00:01:05 We're back. 2020. We're back. You came back. We came back. Everybody's back. Let's do it. Take a see.
Starting point is 00:01:13 Let's make a show. I'm Trevor Noah. Our guest tonight is a California Congresswoman and the head of the Congressional Black Caucus, Representative Karen Bass is joining us, everybody. Also on tonight's show, chocolate is now controlled by the cartel. Secret techniques to get back into work, and Donald Trump starts 2020 with a bang. So let's catch up on today's headlines.
Starting point is 00:01:37 It's the first Monday of the New Year, which means everybody is officially back at work today. And if you're one of those people who has trouble starting up again after vacation, well here's some news you can use. Nearly half of Americans, Gred, returning to the office after vacation. With the holidays over, here are a few tips to ease yourself back into work. Number one, start with small tasks you can accomplish easily. Keep a clean desk
Starting point is 00:02:05 to stay focused. And also, don't forget to take breaks to keep your energy and creativity levels high. Also, a good idea to reconnect with coworkers over some coffee and brainstorm ideas for your favorite project. According to researchers, working on tasks that you actually care about, will help you get excited about going back to work overall. Okay, is it just me or those just tips to do what already happens at work? It's like accomplished tasks, take breaks and talk to co-workers. That's work. Who came up with that list? If you want to try get back and work, try working.
Starting point is 00:02:35 That's working. It's like those relaxation guys are like, step one, breathe in, breathe out. What else was I gonna do? Breathe in, breathe in? That's called living. And these tips don't even apply to most jobs, like brainstorm ideas for a project. What if you work at Quiznos? Huh? Huh? I was thinking we put the bread on the inside. Basically, if you have a job where you need tips for easing yourself back into work, you should be glad you have an easy job. Because no one's showing up to a cold mind like,
Starting point is 00:03:05 guys, I'm treating today as more of a me day? Yeah. We don't need scientists studying this. Like, when they're like researchers, what are these researchers telling us how to go back to work? You know what we need? We need researchers studying how Brad Pitt Benjamin buttoning. How does he look so goddamn good? How are you so sexy, Bradbit? Look at him. All right, moving on. From people who don't want to go back to work to one guy who really
Starting point is 00:03:34 does. You may remember that Venezuela is a country in chaos right now. The economy has crashed. People can't afford food and two men both claim to be the rightful leader. President Nicholas Maduro and the head of the Venezuelan Congress, Juan Gua. And over. And the the th, th, th, th, th, th, th, th, th, th, tho, tho, tho, thu, thu, thu, thu, the, the, the, the, the, the, their, their, their, thu, thu, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, to, thi, their, thi, their, their, their, their, their, their, their, their, their, their, their, their, their, thi. thi. toe, to both claimed to be the rightful leader. President Nicholas Maduro and the head of the Venezuelan Congress, Juan Guaido. And over the weekend, there was an awkward moment when Guido showed up at the office and found that Maduro had changed the locks. There was chaos outside Venezuela's opposition-controlled national assembly. Security forces blocked opposition leader Juan Guaido from presiding over a special session of Congress to elect a leader. At one point, yesterday Guido tried to climb a fence but was prevented from entering. Wai to has been recognized as Venezuela's head by more than 50 nations, including the U.S.
Starting point is 00:04:15 opposition leaders blamed President Nicholas Maduro for the move to try and oust Guido. God damn! What is going on in Venezuela? Like South American Ninja Warrior, what is that? Politicians are trying to climb over the fence just to vote. That would never happen in America. Can you imagine Mitch McConnell climbing a fence to try to get into Congress?
Starting point is 00:04:38 Although he probably wouldn't climb. He would just try and ooze through the bars. He just be like, yeah, I'm mostly scared. Mea. Seriously, I'm very impressed by Guido, because there's no vote that would be important enough for me to try and jump a fence. That had all of those sharp points on top of it. I'd be like, uh, is this a vote to replace my testicles for free? Then no, I'm going to wait outside.
Starting point is 00:05:02 I bet there was there there was there was there was there was there was I bet there was one politician inside the building who was like, I wonder which way Guido's going to vote, because right now, he seems to be on the fence. Get it? Get it? Just me? Okay. All right, and finally, if you love chocolate, first of all, congratulations on being basic, and second, prepare to pay up. The top two cocoa producers in the world, this is front page news in the Wall Street Journal, have decided to join forces and form a cocoa cartel. Ivory Coast and Ghana combined produce about two-thirds of the world's cocoa supply.
Starting point is 00:05:39 They are banding together to raise prices. So you can expect the cost of candy bars, ice cream, and cake to go up about 16%. Premium cocoa prices are due to take effect in October. This is a super interesting story because on the one hand you think of chocolate bars and you think like Willy Wonka and like everyone's having fun, nah. And the golden ticket, yes. All right, this is big.to form the Cocoa Cartel, which also happens to be my stripper name. Don't forget, tickets are still available for the show at the Man Cave next Tuesday.
Starting point is 00:06:11 The DJ doesn't come in that early, so I need you guys to hum Britney Spears while I dance. But for real, but for real, it's a cocoa cartel. That's a real thing. Sounds like a lot of fun. Because now I'm imagining like cocoa dealers opening briefcases of cocoa like this better be pure and just like, Mmm, Mr. Tobleron will be very pleased. It's also funny how when the news anchor said, most people think of chocolate, they think of Willie Wonka.
Starting point is 00:06:37 Who? Who thinks that? Because you realize Africa makes 75% of the world's cocoa, right? So if Charlie got a golden ticket in real life, they would ship him to Ghana to meet the real Willy Wonka. Yeah. That's who that would be. That would be the real Willy Wonka. That movie would be completely different if it was real life. Charlie would be like, now Charlie, look at me, Charlie. You are the captain now, okay? That fat German kid, they, they, th, th, th, th, th, th, th, th, th, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, th. So th. So th. So, th. So, th. So, th. So, th. So, th. So, th. So, they, they, they, they, th. So, th. So, th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. So, th. th. So, thi, thi, thi, thi. So, Charlie, thi. So, Charlie, thi. So, Charlie, thi. So, that's that's Charlie, thi. So, thi. So, thi. So, thi. So, thi. So, thi. So, thi. So, Walker, be like, now Charlie, look at me, Charlie. You are the captain now, okay?
Starting point is 00:07:06 That fat German kid had to die, Charlie, because you are their best. So if anyone comes, you tell them you are running everything here, all right? All right, that's it for the headlines. Let's move on to our top story. It is officially 20-20. New decade, new year, new goals. Now personally I didn't make a New Year's resolution this year. I was gonna go on an all-vegan diet but then my friend told me it's illegal to eat vegans. But there is someone who
Starting point is 00:07:36 did make a New Year's resolution. The 45th President of the United States, Donald J. Trump. President has indeed repeatedly called for ending costly foreign wars. He said so as recently as New Year's Eve, specifically referring to Iran. I want to have peace. I like peace. Okay. Clearly Trump ran beauty pages for so long. He started to answer questions like he's in one. I want world peace. I like peace. And now for my talent, I will burp the alphabet. So on December 31st, Donald Trump said his dream was for peace, specifically in the Middle East.
Starting point is 00:08:15 And then on January 2nd, he did this. This is CNN breaking news. Our breaking news tonight is huge. A rocket attack on the Baghdad airport kills Iran's most revered military leader and a senior official in Iraq's paramilitary forces. Now the Pentagon announced tonight that the attack was a U.S. airstrike. Sweet Jesus. Donald Trump ordered the killing of Iran's top general.
Starting point is 00:08:42 What happened to peace? When most people break their resolutions, they eat ice cream instead of working out. This guy rained down fire on these motherf- he ate ice cream while doing it. Now, despite, that's a real thing. He ate ice cream while it was happening. He's like, mmm.
Starting point is 00:08:58 Now, despite all the instant experts on social media, the truth is for most Americans, Iran's tope-a general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general general toe toe toe toe toe toe toe toe toe toe toe to to to to too. their too to to to to to to to too. toe, their toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, their. toe, their, their, their, their, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, their. toe, their their their their toe, their their their toe, their toe, their toe, their toe, toe, their toe, toe, their their ani. The truth is, for most Americans, Iran's top general was far from a household name, right? The only Iranian leaders most people know are the Ayatollah and the Iron Sheik. It's a very broad range. But don't get it twisted. Don't get it twisted. For Iranians, General Soleimani was as big as it gets. was no ordinary general. The US officially classified him as a terrorist, but in Iran, he was a national hero. This morning, the entire region on edge.
Starting point is 00:09:29 Iran vowing retaliation amid fears the two nations are on the brink of an all-out war. Funeral processions, unlike anything seen in decades, are continuing this morning. President Trump and Iran are also dangerously trading very serious threats of war. A commander of Iran's revolutionary guard said his country has 35 U.S. targets in its crosshairs, ready to pull the trigger.
Starting point is 00:09:56 President Trump tweeted over the weekend, the U.S. has 52 targets identified, including cultural sites in Iran. Okay, you have to admit this is wild. Trump kills Iran's top general. And then when Iran threatens to retaliate, Trump says, you better not, or I'll destroy your culture. Yeah, what's next? He's just going to send a text like, oh, you think you're crazy?
Starting point is 00:10:17 Well, I'm loco, essay. Now, first of all, destroying cultural sites is probably a war crime. You can't do that, right? Because according to the Geneva Convention, in war, the things you destroy are supposed to be for the purpose of the war, not just to be dicks. But secondly, there is no way Trump knows anything about Iranian cultural sites, okay? In fact, if Iranians are smart, they'll use this to the advantage of just to get Trump to get rid of stuff that they don't want. They'd be like, please, Mr. Trump, don't destroy our most cherished cultural landmark, that karaoke bar next to my house that stays open till 3 a.m. Don't do it, Donald. So now, the United States and Iran are on the brink of war,
Starting point is 00:10:59 but the killing of Iran's general has a ripple effect across the entire Middle East. The death of Kassum Soleimani in Baghdad ignited a new chapter of regional tensions. American allies in the region are preparing for possible retaliation and are on high alert. So are American forces with 9,000 in the region and 3,000 extra preparing to deploy. The State Department issued an urgent warning overnight, telling all Americans in Iraq to leave the country immediately. The Pentagon announced that the U.S. has paused its efforts in the fight against ISIS
Starting point is 00:11:33 due to a need to protect U.S. troops in the region. Iraq's parliament voted to kick out the 5,000 U.S. troops in the country. President Trump fired back, telling reporters if Iraq does force U.S. troops to leave, he'll make Iraq pay for money the United States spent in Iraq to build an expensive airbase. We're not leaving unless they pay us back for it, he said. Okay guys, I don't know. But I think it's safe to say that this thing's not going to go according to plan. Because you realize now America is sending more troops to the Middle East. And also, how is Trump going to flat out refuse to leave someone else's country?
Starting point is 00:12:08 Right? He would be the worst Airbnb tenant of all time. Yeah, just writing a review like, I burned myself cooking meth in your kitchen, so I'm not leaving until you give me my money back. Now, you might be wondering, how could this well-thought-out plan to assassinate an Iranian general turnout so chaotically? Well maybe it's because this plan wasn't so well-thought-out after all. After the president saw the protests at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad and blamed Iran, AIDS presented the president with a variety of options. Top American military officials put the option of killing him on the menu they presented
Starting point is 00:12:50 to President Trump. Military leaders were stunned when President Trump decided to kill Solomani. Top brass viewing his death as the most extreme option they presented to the president. Okay, now, I know this might not be a popular opinion, but this is where I don't blame Trump. Pentagon officials gave Trump a menu of options.. But, but the option. But, but the option. But, but the option, but the option, but the option, the option, the option, the option, the option, the option, thion of the option, the option, the option, the option, the option, the option the option the option the option the option the option, the option the option the option the option the option the option the option of the option of the option of the option of the option of the option of the option of the option of the option of the option of the option the option the option the option the option the option the option the option the option the option the option the option the option th option thion of thion of thion of thion of thion of thion of thion of thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. the option. the option. the thoooooooooooo the the the the opinion, but this is where I don't blame Trump. Pentagon officials gave Trump a menu of options, but then they were shocked when he chose the most extreme one? Get the fuck out of here, man! You were shocked? Have you seen Trump's apartment? What part of his life makes you think he's ever going to pick middle-of-the-road options, huh?
Starting point is 00:13:24 If you don't want Trump to pick something, why do you give him him him him him him him him him him him him him him him him him him him the option ever going to pick middle-of-the-road options? Huh? If you don't want Trump to pick something, why do you give him the option in the first place? Donald Trump will always pick the most extreme option on a menu, whether it's a military strike or KFC. He's always going to pick the most extreme thing. He'd be like, yes, I'll have the meat lovers explosion with extra just like a publicity stunt. He's like, that sounds like a you problem and no lettuce. So now, because of Trump's extreme decision, the world is in a state of panic. Because like, the truth is, no one really knows what's going to happen next. Nobody.
Starting point is 00:14:01 We could be on the brink of war, World War III, or the whole thing could just fizzle out like the beef between Nick Cannon and M&M. Yeah, a lot of people don't know, but Jared Krishner actually broke at that peace deal. Yeah. He does stuff. So we don't know what's going to happen. But the question everyone's mind is, why would Donald Trump even bring everybody to this point? Why do something so risky? Why now?
Starting point is 00:14:25 Nobody knows. If only there was a wise man, some wise man in 2011 who could have predicted why this would be happening today. Our president will start a war with Iran because he has absolutely no ability to negotiate. He's weak and he's ineffective. So the only way he figures that absolutely no ability to negotiate. He's weak and he's ineffective. So the only way he figures that he's going to get re-elected and as sure as you're sitting there is to start a war with Iran. I believe that he will attack Iran sometime prior to the election because he thinks
Starting point is 00:15:00 that's the only way he can get elected. Isn't it pathetic? He's right. It definitely is. We'll be right back. When 60 Minutes premiered in September 1968, there was nothing like it. This is 60 Minutes. It's a kind of a magazine for television.
Starting point is 00:15:18 Very few have been given access to the treasures. In September 1968, there was nothing like it. This is 60 Minutes. It's a kind of a magazine for television. Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. But that's all about to change. Like none of this stuff gets looked at. That's what's incredible. I'm Seth Done of CBS News. Listen to 60 Minutes, a second look. Starting September 17th, wherever you get your podcasts
Starting point is 00:15:48 to Welcome back to the Daily Show. As tensions rise between America and Iran, there's a lot of so-called experts trying to make sense of this chaotic moment. But if you want a clear, informed analysis, then you have to turn to more reliable journalists. The Daily Show News Team. Joining us by Satellite, please welcome Michael Costa, Roywood Jr. and Desi Lyddeck, everybody. Let's start with Desi, who's actually in Iran right now. Dessie, President Trump says he wants peace, yet his attack on General Soleimani clearly
Starting point is 00:16:24 escalates the likelihood of a conflict. How does that make sense? Trevor, it makes perfect sense. If you want to reduce tension with the country, you kill their top general and threaten their entire way of life as they know it. Boom, situation de-escalated. That doesn't make sense.
Starting point is 00:16:41 How does it deescalate things? All right, okay. It's like if some woman wanted to fight you in a bar, you have to stay calm, pour your drink on that bitch and kiss her husband on the tongue. Situation de-escalated. I don't think that's right, Desi, I mean, if someone kissed your husband. Who the fucks, this is what I'm talking about. Iran has vowed to get revenge for the killing of General Soleimani, so if they retaliate, what happens next? Well, then we de-escalate even harder, until all life itself has been de-escalated from this planet.
Starting point is 00:17:17 Especially that bitch who kissed my husband. Was it Carol? th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. to th. to to to to th. to th. th. th. th. thus. th. th. th. th. th. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. to. to. to. th. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. t. to. to. to. to. to. th. tho. th. to Roy Wood Jr. who's at the White House right now Roy please help us understand the timing around the attack because officials are saying Soleimani was both a long-term target and he's also an imminent threat so why now Trevor you are blind and not in the cool Stevie Wonder kind of way This isn't about Iran. This is a classic diversionary tactic where a leader goes to war in order to distract the population? the population.?????????? the population. the population. the population. the population. the population. the population. the population. the population. the population. the population. the population. the population. to to to the to the to to the the to to the the the to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to their to their their their their their the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the ti.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s.s. diversionary tactic where a leader goes to war in order to distract the population from domestic strife. Because remember, there's another big problem Trump wants everyone to forget about back home. Of course, his impeachment. No, no, n-fix that movie Cats! Have you seen this shit? It was an international embarrassment, the likes from which this country may never recover. They all had human hands. All the cats had human hands,
Starting point is 00:18:13 and some of them cats were sexy. I didn't even want them to be sexy. I got a cat at the house, now I can't look him in the eyes. His paws are so soft. Roy, Roy, I don't think cats is such a disaster that Trump would start a war over it. Oh, really? Look what they did to my boy Idris Elba. He was supposed to be the next James Bond. Now he's a cat pimp. And why is he wearing a fur coat? He's already got fur, Trevor.
Starting point is 00:18:42 OK, Roy, you're obviously going through your own crisis. Let's move on to Michael Coster, who's in Iraq right now. Michael, this feels reminiscent of the Iraq war, right? Going into Iran feels like a similar move. Bad leadership, no exit strategy. What do you think about a potential war with Iran? Trevor, it's a great idea. And let me tell you about America. Americans have great ideas. Like, for example, just now my phone charger snapped off into this electrical outlet.
Starting point is 00:19:11 You, as a South African, would probably just buy another phone charger. But me as an American, I came up with a great idea. I'm going to get it out with these metal tweezers. Michael, that sounds like a really bad idea. You don't tell me what's tha. tha, tha, tha, tha, tha, tha, tha, thuu. thu. that, that, that, that, that, that, that, that, that, that, that, that, that, that, thi. that, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi. thi. thi. thi, thi. thi, thi. thi. thi. thi. thi, thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thr. thr. thr. thr-a. thr-a. tfoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo. the. tha. the. tweezers. Michael that sounds like a really bad idea. You don't tell me what's a bad I... God damn it! Anyway Trevor, the word with Iran couldn't be easier. We go in, we're greeted as liberators and we all get free oil for life. Ah shit, the Waffle House! Costa, Costa, are you sure? I mean the last time America's military got involved in that region, it was one of the greatest mistakes in modern U.S. history. Well, Chever, we're a country that learns from its mistakes.
Starting point is 00:19:51 Ah, pissing an eye-hop! Man, that's hurting, but the point is, we're not going to fall into the same trap, okay? We're just too smart for that. Oh, get a cheesecake factory. I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm sorry. Can I just get us back on track here? Yes, Desi, thank you so much. Some logic, please. Look, I think we're missing what's at the heart of this issue.
Starting point is 00:20:12 The real question is, who's the bitch you kiss my husband? You know what, there was nothing like it. This is 60 Minutes. It's a kind of a magazine for television. Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. You're rolling. But that's all about to change. Like none of this stuff gets looked at.
Starting point is 00:20:42 That's what's incredible. I'm Seth Done of CBS News. Listen to 60 Minutes, a second look on Apple podcasts, starting September 17th. My guest tonight is serving her fifth term in Congress. The California Democrat is also chair of the Congressional Black Caucus. Please welcome, Representative Karen Bass. Welcome back to the show. Thank you. Thanks for having me.
Starting point is 00:21:14 It has been a few years since you've been here, and it is safe to say a show. Thank you, thanks for having me. It has been a few years since you've been here, and it is safe to say a few things have happened since you have been here. Yes. Life has changed dramatically for congressional Democrats specifically. Yes. Let's talk about the news of the day, Iran.
Starting point is 00:21:38 Yes. This is one of those stories where many people are speculating as to what Trump's true intentions were. Right. A lot of people are also saying that this could be America getting into another war where president just does it on his own with no congressional approval as it is supposed to happen. What do you make of that, especially seeing as the Trump administration says no, this is technically linked to 9-11 and everything that has happened before, it's not a new war? The problem problem th, th, th, th, th, th, th, th, th, thii, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, th........ th, th, th, th, th, th, th, th, thi........ thi. thi. thi. thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi's theeeei. thi. thi. thi. thi. thi. th war. Who knows? The problem is, is that the president has lied
Starting point is 00:22:06 more than 10,000 times since he's been in office. So how can we believe anything that has said from the administration? One minute, you say there was an imminent threat, but you can't tell anybody what the threat was. You know, they bring members of Congress in for a toppapapapapapapap top top top top top top top top top top top top top the the the thetell us all the goods, they don't even have it planned. So we really don't know what went on and that's what makes it so scary. Right.
Starting point is 00:22:30 When you look at the situation as it stands now, it looks like America may be in a position where there could be another war brewing, more troops are now headed to the Middle East. Democrats have drafted a bill trying to limit the powers that a president has in going to war. Do you think the same law would have been drafted? It were the Democratic president? Yes, actually, President Obama asked us to draft a law because the last time a president was given permission to go to war, it was with Iraq.
Starting point is 00:22:58 So that permission is years old. President Obama asked us to do it, but we didn't do it. Huh. Why do you think that was? Well, I think that there was a lot of differences. Remember, the Republicans were in control, but in January of last year, the Democrats took over. So I do believe that when we go back in session tomorrow, that before the week is over, we will actually vote on a new resolution, the war powers act is what it's the the the'll vote on it again, and we will definitely try to limit this president. You know, he didn't even know who Soleimani was a few months ago. He thought he was Kurdish, you know, and remember now, he was the one that was involved
Starting point is 00:23:36 in helping us get rid of ISIS out of Iraq. Well, I think, but I think in Trump's defense, though, I think, first of all, the clip that's going around was from 2015 before he was president, and he didn't, yes, he didn't know who Soleimani was, he said, Clinton and Kurds. I don't think so. You genuinely don't? I really don't. Because you know he doesn't read. But then let me ask you, I can't dispute that. But then let me thus then, let me then, let me, let me, let me, let me, let me, let me, tho, tho, th. I, th. th. th. th. th. th. I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I, I'm, I'm, I'm, I'm, I don't, I'm, I don't, I don't, I don't, I'm. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. th. thin. th. th. th. th. thin. th. thin, I, I, th. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. to. thin. th. th. th., who do you think is more to blame?
Starting point is 00:24:05 The president who made this decision or the generals who presented him with the decision that was so crazy that even they were shocked by it. Well, I agree with you. They should have never presented that. But there are people in his administration, like the Secretary of State, who have been wanting to war with Iran for a long time. So I think this was just tha tha tha tha thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, the, the, the, the, the, thi, the, the, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, the, the, the the the the the the the the the the the the thean, the the the the the the the the time. So I think this was just the excuse. You know, I've been to that base, the Green Zone. I've been to that embassy. And the idea that that was overrun was huge.
Starting point is 00:24:33 It means that the Iraqi military kind of said, have had it guys when they had all the protests, and we're burning the embassy down. It is an interesting time for the US for the US, the US, the US, the US, the US, the US, the US, the US, the US, the US, the US, the US, and the US, and the US, and the US, and the the the the the thi, too, too, too, the too, too, and the too, the the the the the the the the the, and the, and the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the embassy, the embassy, the, the, the, the, the, the, to, to to to to to to to to too, too, too, too, too, too, too, too, too, too, the too, the too, the too, the too, too, theyan, theymea, they.. theymea, they. the the the the the the the the US in the world, the way America approaches the world and the way the world is approaching America. It's also interesting for the US because impeachment is still a hot topic despite the new year. Many people would argue that Democrats and Nancy Pelosi specifically withholding the articles of impeachment from the Senate shows that this was a partisan move. Why not not send the articles of impeachment through? Why not have the process continue, considering
Starting point is 00:25:07 that the Democrats said that this process has to take place as quickly as possible? Right, well I'm sure that the trace that thrown thrown. the trau. to the, the the woe, the thrown, theyriwo-ss. toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, toe, thi, tho, tho, tho, tho, tho, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, tho, the, the, the, the, the, the, the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the imagine the foreman of a jury going into the courtroom and telling the judge, hey judge, I'm meeting with the defendant. We're on the same page. Right. That's what Mitch McConnell did. And so what the speaker wants to see is a legitimate trial, a process. But is there a legitimacy to this trial? Because it isn't is the it isn't is the the the the the the the thi i is thi i is their is their is their, thu. thu. thu, thu, thu, thu, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, thr-a, thr-a, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, thi, thi, thi, the, the, the, is, is, is, is, is, is, is, is, is, is, is, is, is, is, is, is a the the thr.. thr. thr. I's, too. I's, tooooooooooooooooooo.e. Wea. I'm. I'm not. I'm the te. I'm the the te. t this trial because it isn't the same thing as a criminal trial. I mean that's that's the quirk of American law is that it's not a criminal trial.
Starting point is 00:25:48 They can say that they're unbiased. They're not really a jury. It's an interesting process where Senate, you know, Mitch McConnell has the most power in this process. So do you do you think if they brought some witnesses forward, that some of those senators might develop the courage needed to do what they know is right. You know what they could do? What if they got together and decided to have a secret ballot?
Starting point is 00:26:18 If they did a secret ballot, I think Trump would be out of there in 24 hours. I mean, the reason why the Republican, the reason why the senators who know better are going to defend him is because they're afraid he's gonna tweet. They're afraid he's gonna go and have a rally in their district. So you think if the Senate has voted in secret to impeach Trump, to charge him, then you think lot of people would vote against him to kick him out if they could do it on a secret ballot. But they're all afraid, and I think that's shameful.
Starting point is 00:26:52 Let's move now to your work. Let's move now to your work within the congressional black caucus. Yes. America is in a really interesting place where you have more candidates than ever, and yet at the the the the the the the the the th. And, and yet, and yet, and yet, and yet, and yet, and yet, and yet, and yet, and yet, and yet, and yet, and, and, and, and, and, and, the same, the the the the the the the the the the the thi, thi, the the thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, if thi, if thi, if thi, if thi, if thi, if thi, if thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, thi, the thi, the the the thi, the thi, the thi, the thee, the thean, the the thean, the thean, the thean, thean, thi.. thi, thi, thi, interesting place. Gearing up for the 2020 election, Democrats on an interesting place where you have more candidates than ever and yet at the same time less representation than ever as we look at it now. Some are saying that the party doesn't represent its constituents. Others are saying that this is just a byproduct of the way the race was run. Where do you think the Democratic Party stands? Is it too many ideas under one tent, or do you think people can coalesce behind one idea?
Starting point is 00:27:27 Oh, I think people are so concerned about getting this guy out of office. I mean, I would like for it to be before November, but if not, it absolutely has to be by November, and I believe that we will coales, I really do. And I think the thing about Democrats is, we are very diverse. You look at my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. Look at it sometimes. They all look the same. They do. But don't you think, but don't you think that makes it easier
Starting point is 00:27:55 for them to work as a unit. Because if you look at the Republican Party, yes, they do look the same, but they also have the same ideas. So they go, this is what we're, we. We'll vote for Trump. We'll, you know, as they said in 2016, hold our noses and make the decision. Democrats have, as many have called, either a purity test or ideologies that are different. Okazio Cortez even said recently,
Starting point is 00:28:14 she would not be in the same party as Joe Biden if it weren't a two-party system. Do you think those divisions can be thia the and I believe that my colleague will be right there too because if we have a choice it might not be your favorite choice as to who wins the nomination but look at what's at risk. The Supreme Court, the federal judges, all of the agencies that he appointed cabinet secretaries to so they would go in and destroy the agencies. There's too much at risk. So the Congressional Black Caucus, we're bringing leaders together from around the country in a few weeks to talk about 2020 is the do or die year. If we get it wrong, we are going to screw up this place for the next two generations.
Starting point is 00:28:57 And you talk about our standing in the world. the world. I tell tell tell tell tell tell tell tell tell tell tell tell tell tell tell tell th th th th th th th th th th thi thi thi thi thi the thi the the the the thi, their the the the thoes, the, the, the the thoes, their their their their the the, the, the, the Congress, the Congress, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the the, the ca, the ca, the ca, the c. the c. the c. I, the c. I will the the the c. I'm the the taqqqqqqqqqqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqaqa, ta, ta, ta, ta, ta, on foreign affairs, I go around the world. How can I say anything about corruption in another country? How can I tell an African leader, oh don't appoint your son? He's got his son, he's got his daughter, he's got his whole family there. He goes and plays golf. He's made a truckload of money since he's been president. When you look at black voters, as the Congressional Black Caucus. How do you address some the the unique the unique the unique the unique the unique the unique the unique the unique the unique the unique the unique the unique the unique thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi thi to say to say to say to say to say to say to say to say to say to say to say to say to say th. th. th. th. th is th is to say to say to say to say to say to say to say to say to say to say to say to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to to thi is thi is the is the is the is the is the the the the the to the to to the the to the th as the congressional black caucus, how do you address some of the unique concerns that many black voters in America have where they say, many say, hey, I haven't seen my life change that much. I don't see the effectiveness of my vote.
Starting point is 00:29:34 I don't understand why I need to come out and vote. I don't even know if I'm just being used as a porn. It feels like black voters in get recognized when it's voting time, and then for the rest of the term, they're just on the back burner. How would that change, or do you think there are certain ways you could address the black voting? I absolutely think, and I think it's our responsibility. It is my responsibility. I mean, one of the reasons why threes why why why why why why why why why why why why why why why the reasons why the reasons why the reasons why the reasons why the reasons why the reasons why the reasons why the reasons why the reasons why the reason why we the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the, they are they're they're they're they're they're they're they're they're they're they're they're they're they's, they's, they're they's, they's, they's, they're the the the the the the the the differences that the Black Caucus has made.
Starting point is 00:30:06 A lot of times, I think one of our weaknesses as the Black Caucus is, we really haven't spent the time telling people these are the things that we got done. We got 40 million dollars for historically black caucuses, I mean black colleges. We've been able to make sure that people understand this is why you vote. You vote number one because you don't want bad things to happen, but number two because
Starting point is 00:30:30 you can actually get things done. Criminal justice reform. About 20,000 people have been released from prison because of the work that we did, and it was led by the Black Caucus, even though Trump tries to take credit for it, but we have a lot of legislation that we've been able to accomplish, but it's our job to make sure that people know that. You're working, You're working now on a really interesting project,
Starting point is 00:30:57 and that is working on America's relationship with Africa. Yes. And specifically Africa's image. Yes. Why is that important and what are you trying to do? Oh, it's so important to me to change the way our country views the continent of Africa. And I actually think that we kind of look at Africa like we do inner city America. You know, all the problems, you know, needing help all the time. And I joke and say that people in the United States think Africa is a country the size
Starting point is 00:31:25 of Texas. I mean, so it's important to me to educate people that Africa is a continent with 50 plus countries. You can fit the United States in there three times. And we need to view Africa as a partner, an opportunity. The rest of the world does. We need to do business with the continent of Africa, and Africa, and Africa, and Africa, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, and, the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the, the the the, the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the the, the, the, thean, toda, today, to, too, to, to, to, to, to, the the to, the the the the just look at Africa from the point of view of foreign aid. As a matter of fact, I like the slogan that's used in Africa, trade, not aid. So we're going to be taking a delegation over to the opening of the African Union in February.
Starting point is 00:31:56 And then in August, Speaker Pelosi led a delegation with the Congressional Black Caucus to Ghana because, you know, last year was the 400th anniversary from our arrival on the country. It's an exciting time. It is. Especially for you and your job. I'm excited to see what happens. Thank you so to see you again. Hogan-Sea, Ears Edition. Watch the Daily Show weeknights at 11, 10 Central on Comedy Central and the Comedy Central App. Watch full episodes and videos at the Daily Show. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram, and subscribe to the Daily
Starting point is 00:32:39 Show on YouTube for exclusive content and more. This has been a Comedy Central podcast. When 60 Minutes premiered in September 1968, there was nothing like it. This is 60 Minutes. It's a kind of a magazine for television. Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. But that's all about to change. Like none of this stuff gets looked at. That's what's incredible.
Starting point is 00:33:11 I'm Seth Done of CBS News. Listen to 60 Minutes, a second look on Apple podcasts starting September 17.

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