Barack Obama and Stephen Colbert Reunite: From Presidential Ambitions to Alien Selfies
As Stephen Colbert prepares to bring The Late Show to a close, he recently reunited with former President Barack Obama for an expansive conversation. Taped at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, the interview spanned a wide array of topics, ranging from the future of the Democratic Party and the weight of leadership to the likelihood of extraterrestrial life.
- Presidential Standards: Obama suggested that Colbert could perform “significantly better” than some previous leaders, noting that “the bar has changed.”
- Executive Power: The former president warned against the politicization of the U.S. Military and the criminal justice system.
- Alien Theories: Obama dismissed the idea of government-hidden aliens, arguing that the government’s inability to keep secrets would have led to leaked “selfies.”
- Public Opening: The Obama Presidential Center is scheduled to open to the public on June 19.
The “New Bar” for Presidential Leadership
During the exchange, Colbert joked about his own potential political future, mentioning that many people suggest he run for president as he seeks a “new gig.” While Colbert called the idea “stupid,” Obama countered by commenting on Colbert’s appearance, noting, “Well, you certainly have the look. You have the hair.”
More pointedly, Obama addressed the current state of political leadership. When Colbert asked how “dumb” the idea of his candidacy was, Obama replied, “The bar has changed.” He expressed confidence that Colbert “could perform significantly better than some folks that we’ve seen.”
Warnings on the Abuse of State Power
While Obama avoided speaking directly about Donald Trump, he used the interview to outline the boundaries of presidential power. He emphasized that while the U.S. Can survive many challenges, the politicization of state institutions is a critical danger.
“We can’t overcome the politicization of the criminal justice system. The awesome power of the state. You can’t have a situation in which whoever is in charge of the government starts using that to go after their political enemies or reward their friends.”
Obama further stressed the importance of maintaining a non-partisan military, stating simply, “Don’t politicize our military.”
The Truth About Aliens and Government Secrets
The interview took a lighter turn when Colbert questioned Obama about the existence of aliens. Obama dismissed the notion that the government is hiding “little green men” in underground installations, citing the government’s notorious inefficiency at maintaining secrecy.
Obama argued that in the modern age, a cover-up of that magnitude would be impossible. He suggested that if alien spaceships were under U.S. Control, “some guy guarding the installation would have taken a selfie with one of the aliens and sent it to his girlfriend to impress her.”
Despite the lack of evidence, Obama admitted he hopes aliens are real, adding that he believes he would be a “great emissary for the planet” during a first contact event.
Beyond the Interview: Basketball and the Presidential Center
The visit wasn’t limited to a seated interview. Colbert received a tour of the Obama Presidential Center and engaged in a game of Oval Office basketball. In a surprising turn of athletic dominance, Colbert remains undefeated against the former president.
The Obama Presidential Center, which served as the backdrop for this reunion, is set to welcome the general public starting June 19.