The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Alex Wagner (Extended)
Oct 27, 2025
Alex Wagner, MSNBC senior political analyst and contributor to Pod Save America, dives into the human stories behind America’s biggest news in her new podcast, Runaway Country. She discusses her fascination with art heists and Halloween, while also reflecting on the emotional toll of covering Trump’s second term. Wagner critiques the luxury of White House renovations and emphasizes grassroots energy within the Democratic Party, highlighting the importance of civic engagement and activism.
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Stay Emotionally Engaged
- Don't become emotionally numb to political chaos; stay engaged and attentive.
- Journalists and citizens must keep their 'front lights on' to hold power accountable.
Coordinated Threat To Institutions
- The current administration is executing an organized playbook to reshape institutions.
- That coordinated effort risks longer-lasting damage than earlier disruptions.
Wide-Eyed On Day One
- Alex Wagner displayed her old White House press credentials and recalled being wide-eyed on her first day.
- She contrasted that early innocence with today's political erosion of norms.