Jonathan Alter, the best-selling author of four books on American presidents and a political analyst for NBC News, recently appeared on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert to discuss his new book, American Reckoning. The book focuses on Donald Trump‘s hush money trial, and Alter shared his experiences as a political journalist and presidential historian during this tumultuous time in American history.
From the very beginning of the interview, it is clear that Alter has a deep interest in politics. He attributes this interest to his upbringing, mentioning that his parents were involved in the civil rights movement and that he grew up playing with Lincoln Logs instead of Legos. Alter describes himself as an idealist without illusions, someone who is optimistic about the country and its institutions.
However, his perception of American democracy began to shift during the Trump era. He realized that he had more illusions about the country than he realized and that a significant portion of the population did not take democracy as seriously as he did. This revelation led him to cover Trump’s hush money trial with a sense of urgency. He felt the need to bear witness, to play a part in holding the president accountable.
As one of the few reporters with access to the trial, Alter was able to provide a unique perspective. He talks about sitting just a few feet away from the jury when they delivered the guilty verdict. It was a moment of real accountability, one that Trump hadn’t experienced since his father’s death three decades ago. Alter also highlights the captivating moments of Stormy Daniels dissing Trump to his face during the trial, depicting it as his idea of “entertainment.”
In the interview, Alter also shares some behind-the-scenes tidbits. He reveals that he brought binoculars to the trial, allowing him to discreetly observe the jurors. He even recalls a humorous interaction with a guard who mistook his binocular usage for illegal behavior. Alter’s ability to witness the trial up close and personal, combined with his wit and charm, likely made his book American Reckoning an insightful and captivating read for his audience.
Jonathan Alter‘s appearance on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert gave viewers a glimpse into the world of political journalism and the compelling moments of Trump’s hush money trial. With his unique perspective and passion for American democracy, Alter’s coverage of the trial, as detailed in his book, offers readers an inside look at one of the most significant legal battles of the 21st century.
Overall, Alter’s interview showcases his commitment to bearing witness, his love for the country, and his dedication to informing the public about important political events. Through his work, he strives to engage readers and challenge their perspectives on American democracy.
