WASHINGTON — In a surprising twist, Texas Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico reported a remarkable fundraising surge, amassing $2.5 million within just 24 hours after his scheduled appearance on CBS’s “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” was unexpectedly pulled from the air.
Talarico’s campaign team celebrated this financial windfall, declaring it the most successful fundraising day since the campaign’s inception. The controversy surrounding the episode’s cancellation appears to have galvanized supporters, underscoring the candidate’s commitment to defending free speech.
“This campaign is driven by the people, for the people,” Talarico stated, expressing gratitude for the widespread support from across Texas and the nation. He highlighted the broader implications of the incident, calling it “the most dangerous kind of cancel culture,” emphasizing that threats to First Amendment rights are threats to all.
Stephen Colbert, the 61-year-old host known for his satirical critiques of the Trump administration and staunch Democratic views, revealed that CBS lawyers had advised against featuring Talarico, citing potential legal complications. Colbert humorously noted that he was even advised against mentioning the absence of the interview on air.
In response, CBS offered a different narrative, firmly denying any outright prohibition. The network explained that “The Late Show” received legal advice regarding the FCC’s equal-time rule, which could necessitate providing airtime to other candidates. CBS suggested that the show had options to comply with this rule, which ultimately influenced their decision-making process.
CBS flatly denied their lame-duck late-night host’s version of events Tuesday, insisting: “‘The Late Show’ was not prohibited by CBS from broadcasting the interview with Rep. James Talarico. The show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule … and presented options for how the equal time for other candidates could be fulfilled.”
“‘The Late Show’ decided to present the interview through its YouTube channel with on-air promotion on the broadcast rather than potentially providing the equal-time options.”
Talarico is facing Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-Texas) in a hotly contested primary March 3. Under the equal-time rule, Colbert would have been obligated to have Crockett on the show, as well as, potentially, Republican primary candidates.
Colbert bashed his bosses during Tuesday night’s episode, insisting that “without ever talking to me, the corporation put out this press release.”
He then claimed that CBS’ legal team approved “every word of Monday night’s script,” but following his monologue, he was “backstage to get more notes from these lawyers – something that had never ever happened before.”
“For the record, I’m not even mad. I really don’t want an adversarial relationship with the network,” Colbert added. “I’m grateful to have worked at CBS for the last 11 years.”
“I’m just so surprised that this giant global corporation would not stand up to these bullies.”
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has denied any involvement in the controversy.
Colbert’s final show is slated for May 21. The show’s cancelation was announced amid speculation that CBS parent company Paramount Skydance is treating the Trump administration with kid gloves as it attempts to buy Warner Bros. Discovery.
Meanwhile, some Democratic operatives are nervous that if Crockett wins the primary, it could cost the party a rare pickup opportunity should Lone Star State AG Ken Paxton knock off incumbent Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) in the GOP contest.
The latest RealClearPolitics aggregate of polls shows Crockett and Talarico in a flat-footed tie at 41% apiece, a result that would force a runoff May 26.
