'The Circus' Hosts Describe Crazy Interview With Steve Bannon

Alex Wagner and John Heilemann of Showtime's 'The Circus' detail their experience interviewing Steve Bannon for their season premiere as "the craziest two hours of my life."
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The Late Show with Stephen Colbert is the premier late night talk show on CBS, airing at 11:35pm EST, streaming online via CBS All Access, and delivered to the International Space Station on a USB drive taped to a weather balloon. Every night, viewers can expect: Comedy, humor, funny moments, witty interviews, celebrities, famous people, movie stars, bits, humorous celebrities doing bits, funny celebs, big group photos of every star from Hollywood, even the reclusive ones, plus also jokes.

[@kimjongfun5427]

Trump: "Unlike Michael Cohen, he ( Paul Manafort ) refused to “break” - make up stories in order to get a “deal.” Such respect for a brave man!" ....... *Ooops!!!*

[@abisz007007]

That was solid fun. Great comment oh great leader

[@danielrivera5858]

spoke too soon should have waited for second trail ooops

[@janicek9399]

tRump probably oopsed in his pants!

[@fourscoreand9884]

And yet, you've still got nothing.

[@fourscoreand9884]

+ Elisse We both know you've got nothing. Give up. Life is better honest.

[@caman225]

These guests were actually really funny and quick on their feet in a way which didn’t come off as forced. Makes me want to watch their show.

[@ebenizerb.schlestertrappdu6943]

Alex Wagner is SO beautiful! She smiles, I melt...

[@vargohoat9950]

"ITS AN ISLAND. SURROUNDED BY WATER. BIG WATER. OCEAN WATER" "HURRICANES ARE TREMENDOUSLY WET" "3000 PEOPLE DIDNT DIE, THIS IS A SMEAR BY THE DEMOCRATS" -The president of the united states, 2018.

[@katediy4563]

Philomena Weekes And some of those are big things.

[@katediy4563]

vargo hoat He can't be held accountable...he was at 7 Eleven.

[@omaof3130]

😂😂😂😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@batenkhtehe]

it's like from some kind of dystopian novel.

[@gordonanderson3111]

T rump probably asked if Gilligan and the Skipper had gotten off the island yet.

[@rysun8709]

I love Alex Wagner when her bunny teeth and cute smile

[@user98xp]

Shwing!

[@aminadavidson4040]

Stephen Colbert is refreshing today.

[@markrieck1048]

Intelligent, beautiful, and a sense of humor.

[@sheilawiggins8890]

She talks way too much. I would rather hear from John. But she won’t let him speak.

[@donb6897]

I don't think impeaching Trump would be the extraordinary measure Colbert seems to think it is. I think it would be a well reasoned and appropriate response to a president with his history.

[@tennisdude52278]

Alex Wagner is gorgeous 😍

[@guymandude999]

I was wondering if anyone else had even noticed... What a smokeshow

[@stefanmariaschneider]

I was browsing the comments to see if I was the only one 😆😍

[@mikebockey4125]

yep. her husband definitely married up. lucky bastard! lol

[@ralph17p]

You are not wrong.

[@187nellybelly]

Aye,she does make a dull pecker pucker up!

[@slaughterhouse5309]

🎶Oh, let's go Mueller Stephen walks warily down the street With the brim pulled way down low Ain't no sound but the sound of his feet, Machine guns ready to go Are you ready, hey, are you ready for this? Are you hanging on the edge of your seat? Out of the doorway the bullets rip To the sound of the beat Another one bites the dust Another one bites the dust And another one gone, and another one gone Another one bites the dust Hey, I'm gonna get you, too Another one bites the dust!

[@Canuckmom128]

Slaughter House 5 I suspect even Brian ( who I've seen in interviews, saying Trump is a disgrace and dangerous) and Roger are smiling about this. 🎤 drumf, drumf, drumf...another one FLIPS on Trump !

[@markrieck1048]

1 down, 1 to go ...and for a touch of poetic justice, seeing Stephen Miller having to do community service as janitor of a high school.

[@NewMessage]

Bannon is totally still in Donnie's ear.. Gorka too.. they just figured out that staying in the room wasn't as smart as pulling strings from outside the theater.

[@aleyahaforlife]

White nationalists stick together.

[@aleyahaforlife]

@Damian609 We agree, but in unfortunately there are those that just can't help but to divide.

[@meme7773]

Damian609 Nice 👍

[@mahoganimedia]

Alex is gorgeous. Seems like a knowledgeable duo ... wish I had Showtime to watch their show.

[@moldypizza]

mahoganimedia If you’re a student, you can get a Spotify Student subscription for $5 a month, and it comes with free Showtime (and Hulu).

[@riggingpots3453]

Turns out she wasn't right

[@tamcon72]

This was wonderful: Not an interview, but a round table conversation among three very politically astute people. More of this sort of thing, please!

[@samuelvimes5770]

"Never met this Mumford guy! No one likes Flippers... WEAK... and SAD... NO COLLUSION... I won Wisconsin"

[@lordbupkis8409]

They call him flipper, flipper, flipper!

[@SynergyCeleste]

Mumford...great movie!

[@valfrancis5692]

Saying this in my trump voice.....😒

[@CAP198462]

Flippers do make appallingly bad shoes, and are even less use on the river Ankh.

[@StPaul-rp4iu]

Trumpy: "Let's see what happens,....Oh, got to go, I just crapped in my Depends,....Where's Sarah Yuckabee Sasquatch?"

[@AngryKittens]

"All of Puerto Rico are just crisis actors. The island is not even real, it's a movie set. I've never even heard of Puerto Rico before!" - Republicans

[@Silverfirefly1]

If anyone asks, just tell them it's across water, big water. I heard this from The President on fakenews CNN so it must be true/lies.

[@jacquesblaque7728]

"Nobody knew Puerto Rico was there, in that Big Water,"- DJ tRump Sick.

[@johnchalinder6682]

No, no, no! Puerto Rico is the fictional place that the characters in the musical, 'West Side Story' were from. It is strictly fictional; not a real place. But, to Trump, I'm sure it's just one more place with dark skinned people who didn't, like Trump, get their 'tan' from a bottle or tanning bed. And we know how much he loves to pick on anyone who isn't white, wealthy, contributing to his campaign funds, and kissing his ass 24/7.

[@hughjanus900]

It’s really really wet there

[@midlifeinprogress]

Well, I was born and raised here in Puerto Rico, and I can assure you of several things: - We are NOT crisis actors - It is VERY wet (Lol) - The electric grid SUCKS (we lose power for every 2 drops of rain, which happens often, read my previous point, lol) - The orange man was here for less than 5 hours after the hurricane, and didn't go out to see a single victim. The paper-towel-throwing fiasco happened indoors. 🙄 - When the original death count was 16, we were all crying foul, because we knew it was bullshit. The investigation where it was finally revealed it was almost 3000 was requested by us, and we are all appalled by his denial and insults. Are you seriously saying that a bunch of dead people and a natural disaster are making you look bad? No, asshole, YOU are making yourself look bad with your words, attitude and inaction. FEMA did near to nothing down here, our recovery has been possible thanks to non-profits, volunteers, and donations made by people outside the island. - Oh, and democrats have NOTHING to do with this. They haven't altered a single number or statistic. They're using FACTS. So.... FACTS are making you look bad.

[@camwhite1697]

That cover of “The Hustle”!!! I love it :)

[@acchaladka]

Cam Glad someone else noticed. If I ever have introduction music, I want that. Classic.

[@camwhite1697]

@@acchaladka I was born too late to experience it but at least now I can appreciate it :)

[@gordonanderson3111]

Yes, now we know the line is not "DO THE HOT DOG".

[@cablecar10]

RIP Gabe the dog... He's borkstreaming in dog heaven now

[@guapoviejo9135]

Cam: And why hasn't trump yet been on the cover of "Hustler" magazine? There is only one possible answer. Anybody know what it is?

[@moonblink]

I've never seen The Circus. This woman is gorgeous and well spoken.

[@KingOfMadCows]

Did they ask Bannon if it hurt when Mace Windu reflected his Force lightning back at him?

[@HeadCannonPrime]

LOL, perfect.

[@Silverfirefly1]

Reminds me of that time my metal lighter was very hot, and a fly landed on it.

[@javieralejandroosoriomonte5861]

I really like the way Americans take Politics so nicely serious. You're classy. Cheers!

[@JuliusWillis]

"And you get a car, you get a car!" That's just what this plea deal news feels like to me. So awesome!! 👍

[@riggingpots3453]

Five years later do you still believe the media when they say we finally have the smoking gun on trump? Or do you think for yourself now

[@fredthompson1674]

Wagner, Alex Wagner is the cutest thing I've ever seen in my entire life.

[@lazyperfectionist1]

I find myself wondering how many times Trump has contacted the NRA to ask what caliber he needs to shoot a hurricane.

[@deepdoodle1]

“lazyperfectionist1”: Too funny Bro’.

[@downrodeo2112]

Dude.... hahahahahaha brinald crumph lol hahahah

[@payman1023]

LOL!

[@philturner8281]

Trump is a destructive🔫 human hurricane all by himself. A category 5 whirlwind on steriods. 🌩☇☔

[@sdfkjgh]

I can't remember whom, but someone once described trump perfectly: A hurricane with severe daddy issues and no prior hurricane experience.

[@ifareaged]

she is dead gorgeous....loving the show thus far

[@wheelie63]

already liked Heilemann.......first i've seen of Alex Wagner...............she's GREAT..........want to see the CIRCUS now..................wb

[@conniewilkins8331]

I loved seeing The Circus just now and it was as informative as always. I will be on KZbin more now

[@thearmchairjournalist566]

Alex - let John get a word in, you are equals in your show aren’t you?!

[@jamesyoung76]

Alex Wagner! 😊

[@goodboybuddy1]

Man, she is so cute! and smart! Thanks.

[@Alvicbar]

Alex is dreamy... WOW

[@skepticalpickle5258]

The orange man-baby is going down.

[@moonlit6311]

I love The Circus!!! It's amazing! I wish it was on YT or on basic cable (at least.)

[@ralphmoralph7834]

Love those two!

[@tinydancer8536]

Welcome back Colbert interviewing. PHEW

[@k_a_y_l_e_e]

Wow. Steven Bannon's voice is much higher than I imagined.

[@nirbhaysharma1214]

Toon Blast really struck gold with these Ryan Reynold ads

[@NewMessage]

'Puerto Rican truther.." Ugh... we're about to be flooded by 'Puerto Rico was an inside job!' memes.

[@carolinemaybe]

New Message too late. Lou Dobbs best you. He all but said that. Sigh.

[@timperry6948]

The government was conspiring with the hurricane?

[@HeadCannonPrime]

The deep state is controlling the weather obj.

[@payman1023]

Yeah, apparently God is a Democrat!

[@mjgoodson]

The Circus needs a podcast.

[@boa9535]

Love the audience response!

[@riggingpots3453]

Five years later do you still believe the media's circus lies or after almost a decade of bs do you think for yourself

[@chrismason947]

They're all pleading out. Expect a veritable shit storm of Trumpian tweets. Either that or some monstrous diversion of a nature not yet seen. It will be interesting to see what the details of the plea deal are.

[@mickymcbryan4814]

John Heilmann doesn't seem like a very good interviewer. Engaging with Bannon like that is breaking some very fundemental rules. It's hardly even an interview. It's more like a debate. Btw, I'm saying this as someone who stronly disagrees with Bannon on pretty much everything.

[@VianneyCreates]

I came to hear about other topics, certainly not to give any kind of ratings/views to Bannon. I just love me some Alex Wagner!

[@terryfookwitt]

In the 'MeToo' era, is it acceptable to thrash one out to Alex Wagner?!

[@mmb2211]

Did you catch that swag right in the beginning???? He`s got the moves! :D

[@ageofatheism6638]

"Mumford and sons" ..... a great band ..... and the soon to be headline in most news outlets soon.

[@teeemm4594]

Every statement that Proven Liar makes ends up making him look stupid. Paul Manafort is such a great guy, blah, blah, blah. I love it!

[@NewMessage]

John missed his calling as a comedy writer...

[@missbee3618]

i love john!

[@fretbuzz59]

chris bleau What half truths did he tell?

[@Czeckie]

i find it cringy and low-effort, on the other hand alex radiates wit and intelligence

[@fretbuzz59]

chris bleau First off, c'mon, man. If you want someone to read what you write, make it readable. Paragraphs! It's hilarious that you try to support your criticism of Heileman's "half truths" by citing propagandist and nutjob Steve Bannon. Despite Bannon's rhetoric, there's hardly a coup occurring in the WH. Our system has numerous safeguards in place, though they're not really geared for an intellectual and emotional halfwit like Trump. And since he's basically doing what the GOP wants, Congress won't take action against him. The people surrounding Trump aren't staging a coup, they're ENABLING him and all the damage he's doing, but "their group" is the GOP. They would probably stop him from lobbing a missile at Canada. But short of that, their agenda is the Republican agenda. As for the Puerto Rico death toll, you have no idea what you're talking about. The media didn't suddenly decide to use a new number. They used an updated number once it became available. That's how research and reporting work. Figures are updated as new information becomes available. (There have been several studies investigating this, which are ongoing.) As for Trump, he really has no right to question anything; he's an incompetent, lying fool who's only concerned with his own image, not the truth.

[@fretbuzz59]

chris bleau No, it's not the NYT. But if you're going to comment it's your obligation to make it READABLE. If your thought process is so disorganized that you don't know where to insert new paragraphs, or if you're too lazy to do so, then don't fucking comment. GWB's flunkies? Trump's administration is comprised of people HE has chosen. They aren't "sabotaging" him. I'll say it again: he's mostly carrying out the GOP agenda, which is why the party doesn't stand up to him. The yuuge story is his corruption and utter unfitness for the office he holds. That you're more concerned about his staff supervising him than the need for him to be supervised is absurd. He's a menace. There have been several major studies on the PR death toll, most notably the ones from Geo Washington University and Harvard, which both came up with similar numbers. We're not guesstimating--but Trump is making things up, as he always does. Florence on the mainland and Maria on PR are entirely different situations. "the half-truths JH puts over on the uninformed majority" That's HI-larious from a guy who defends Trump and cites Bannon, two corrupt lying lunatics. You didn't counter anything I said, except to repeat your initial nonsense. You can come back; I won't be here.

[@hastonian]

Never seen her before so I claim love at first sight

[@danieljgore1]

‘Wow... they went to the heat of the meat...’

[@brixgamez]

My nerd self is somehow picturing Alex with coloured hair and Mandalorian armour...

[@SAMZIRRA]

The band is playing the Hustle. Lol

[@icke-berlin]

Thanks, man!

[@LadyAneh]

The reason to impeach and remove Trump before the next election is because anyone then would be going up against Pence, and Pence is about as exciting as steamed lettuce.

[@HeadCannonPrime]

But trump motivates democrats and moderates AGAINST him like nobody else. Too many milktoast moderates wouldn't bother voting against pence. It takes literal satan spawned evil to get midwest moderates off their asses these days.

[@bridgettepruitt5452]

I personally think Pence would be worse than Trump. Trump has no idea how to be president. Pence does, and I believe Pence is the anonymous author of NYT Op Ed. If you think about it who would stand to benefit the most besides Pence?

[@jupiterkansas]

Hey now, steamed lettuce might be a little too hot for Pence. How about room temperature lettuce?

[@hks2377]

“steamed lettuce”😂 Perfect description!

[@LadyAneh]

bkLEGION3000 If you can’t be convinced that voting is important and who is president matters by now, there is no hope. What we need is an exciting, charismatic, well known, progressive candidate that can get people out to vote. People need to stop voting for “not that person”, because look where that’s got us. I voted for Hillary only because she was the candidate that had any chance against Trump. We need to vote on issues that a majority of people approve of like single-payer healthcare (polling currently at 51% for and only 43% against). If someone of the Beto or Bernie mold could step up, we wouldn’t need to hate vote.

[@bilbobaggins4540]

As a Briton is surprised me how hardly biased this was, in my country TV tries to keep at least the pretends of neutrality but this was a hit piece and now I think I understand better why American politician are so broken

[@羊义]

Is it just me , or Does anyone feel like Steve looks like Santa with his white mustache on?

[@vladbcom]

Damn Alex is quite a cutie

[@chrischoir3594]

You guys have to get over the loss

[@schmitzfrance]

Alex Wagner : Hot, Hot, Hot!!!!

[@Sam_on_YouTube]

I disagree with the idea that impeachment is off the table. Look at the charges against him and take appropriate action. For the numbers in the Senate, keep in mind that if 16 or however many Republicans they end up needing vote to impeach him, it isn't like they would leave Trump in office to retaliate. Trump would be out and they would have just made Pence the new President.

[@bridgettepruitt5452]

I think Mueller would accept Trump's resignation. Once all the evidence against him, and his family are revealed, and Trump realizing they are headed to jail on both federal, and state charges. State charges are not subject to pardon so they are still in jeopardy. I believe if Trump resigns the presidency like Nixon did that would satisfy Mueller. Excising the cancer affecting our democracy, and the world. I believe the special investigation report is taking so long is because there is so much dirt that has been uncovered, and needs to be cleaned up. The skeleton bones keep falling out of the closet. Mueller is trying to protect USA from Trump, and from Russia. We want blood, Mueller wants justice.

[@brianallen9810]

"Pecker"......that name still makes me laugh. It's like a joke name from Monty Python. I'm surprised Trump doesn't have someone working for him named Bigus Dickus.

[@joeyramirez6355]

High-Polish, Alex! We remember when she looked like the lost substitute teacher, reading the wrong student roll call on MSNBC. Talk of creep-scandals here reminds everyone of Mark The Hat Halperin's absence. Shine that bright light, Alex and John! Man, I wish I could afford Showtime...😔

[@blucky07]

how is Alex Wagner still so hot?! sheesh

[@uyd]

Paul Manafort is flipping like a pancake!!!

[@TheArtemis07]

Stephen, you’re such a good-looking guy. Stop dying your hair and embrace the grey! Then, your head and facial hair will match. Love you, sir! ❤️

[@margotgray3330]

What are we going to do for entertainment when he's impeached and his family end up in jail? Thank you for bringing back The Circus......have missed it.

[@emercycrite]

That intro music was fan-tas-tic.

[@bertagriese8282]

On the contrary to Morning Joe dudes this beautiful lady actually gets to speak!

[@dvents4363]

At this point I have had too much to drink but I feel like I was called as the next contestant.

[@vivikawallace6642]

not impeach? if he is lawless yes impeach!

[@MarcF.Nielssen]

THE ART OF THE PLEA DEAL

[@jonathanmcghee2901]

So we're just not going to acknowledge how good Alex Wagner looks?!?

[@josephgonzalez2666]

Heilemann! He's that dude.

[@lorrie2878]

Does anyone else feel dirty and greasy just watching Steve Bannon?

[@ulisesrodriguez9469]

You’re Not crazy John. Bannon is the John Wilkes booth of our time.

[@cheeseandmore]

These two are good.

[@kathynj6479]

Steve Bannon is channeling a 12 year old boy who is desperately trying to show he is independent by saying shocking things. That's appropriate for 12 year olds, but Steve should grow up already.

[@CaptainSultan]

Love the: White House assistant: “Florence is approaching and will make a lot of damage” Trump: “let her sign a NDA”

[@meb1879]

I appreciate the fact that he shook hands with the female guest and hugged the male.

[@aishx]

Biggest cheer for a plea deal ever

[@luc2o]

That doesn't mean Manafort is cooperating, he is pleading guilty to get pardoned faster

[@HeadCannonPrime]

Depends on the plea deal. It's up to the prosecutor, knowing he can get a pardon, to ask for the information up front before accepting the plea. Most deals, you agree to some of the crimes for a reduced sentence, AND you have to turn states evidence on others involved. Unless you change your entire plea to guilty of all charges, which is generally insane because prosecutors stack so many charges you would be in jail forever just on minimum sentences.

[@riggingpots3453]

I cant believe how gullable people are..its pretty fascinating

[@julianmoretti7847]

I'm confused... do they have to pay royalties if the play (c) music, or if they play it themselves, it does not count?

[@NennieC123]

We don’t have phone books anymore 😢

[@johngoff4021]

What song did Jon Batiste play at the end??

[@Tsuka-bn8hq]

Paul is a great guy. A brave man. I hate flippers. It should be illegal. Now he CANNOT distance himself from Manafort, he’s knee deep in that friendship.

[@cobraimploder]

Heilemann is bloody savage!

[@fredthompson1674]

Wow! Alex Morgan is the cutest thing I've ever seen in my entire life.

[@fredthompson1674]

Wagner, Alex Wagner is the cutest thing I've ever seen in my entire life. 😁

[@johnchalinder6682]

A huge LOL for getting "Hurricane Florence" to sign an NDA! Now all he has to worry about is his 'Pecker' squealing on him in open court.

[@Research0digo]

@ 5:35 NDA = Non Disclosure Agreement Just sign those with the Latin abbreviation for Signed Under Duress.

[@zari114]

‘Muricah!! You have the president you deserve.

[@prasathsrinivasan7238]

Americans please make your president resign to make the world a better place

[@carolinemaybe]

Yes. Lou Dobbs said he was right. He’s always got Lou.

[@samcastilleja4346]

O...M..G.. Alex Wagner is so F**king gorgeous!!!

[@monicalinville9579]

One way they could have prepared for relief to Puerto Rico before the storms hit would have been to suspend the Jones Act so that cargo ships full of relief supplies would have been able to get in to our ports.

[@downrodeo2112]

Why do they laugh if this is so serious?Why the smiles if this is sincere ?

[@swiftmars8791]

Lindsey Graham defended his hurricane comment.

[@marianav6213]

I want her haircut, also think she is great at what she does

[@themonkeymanofStockbridge]

wow... she's pretty

[@superiorbeing95]

Steve (2 SHIRTS) Bannon is fuckin nutz!

[@thatthingthatisaid65]

I would have trampled all, just to affix that mic to her. KaTwok kaTwok (sound of shoe slapping my head)

[@b991228]

Paul Ryan came as close to minimizing Trumps idiocy as anyone could possibly do.

[@censusgary]

“Lincoln wrote the Emancipation Proclamation and gave the Gettysburg Address, and Donald Trump can’t even pronounce the word “anonymous.” Yes.

[@CynAnne1]

And the WH this morning...has gone apesh*t. "Sad!" 🤣🇺🇸👌

[@jennylee9278]

I couldn't do it, I had to shut it down when Bannon came on.