Stephen Colbert interview with Nancy Pelosi interrupted by protesters
Stephen Colbert urged protesters not to interrupt his guest, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, after their live interview faced multiple disruptions.
The "Late Show" host sat down with Pelosi live in Chicago following the second night of the Democratic National Convention on Tuesday. A few minutes into a discussion about President Joe Biden dropping out of the presidential race, protesters could be heard shouting in the audience.
The demonstrators appeared to be yelling a pro-Palestinian message, and Colbert addressed them just before tossing to commercial by promising to ask a question about the Israel-Hamas war next.
When the show returned from commercial, Colbert and Pelosi continued their discussion about Biden before the late-night host turned to Israel. The former House speaker said that Israel "was attacked by a terrorist organization" but that "we don't want children killed in Gaza, and so we have to come up with a solution." She added that she hopes Hamas will accept a cease-fire agreement.
Protesters soon began shouting from the "Late Show" audience again, interrupting Pelosi as she spoke about the need for "trust and peace."
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"As you can see from the continuing protest out here, that answer is unsatisfying to some people, because they believe that the United States — hold on one second," Colbert said over the protesters' shouting. "Would you like to respond to what they're saying?"
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"They've said that the United States should not have any role in supplying Israel arms to kill the people of Gaza," Colbert said, relaying the protesters' message after Pelosi said she couldn't hear them.
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Pelosi responded that Israel "has a right to defend itself." As the protesters continued to yell, Colbert told them, "Please don't interrupt my guests." Audio on the live broadcast dropped out at several points as the demonstrators shouted, and Colbert soon ended the interview and said he hopes Pelosi will come back again.
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In the YouTube comments of the "Late Show" interview, viewers applauded Colbert for his handling of the situation.
"Thank you, Stephen, for your response to the protest," one comment read. "You acknowledged the legitimacy of the concern and still maintained decorum and respect for your guest. Well done."
"Colbert is such a professional," another comment read. "Good on him."
