An interview between former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and “Late Show” host Stephen Colbert outside the Democratic National Convention (DNC) was interrupted by screaming protesters on Tuesday night.
Anti-Israel protesters erupted in screams from the audience after Pelosi said the selection of Vice President Kamala Harris to succeed President Joe Biden was “the next thing.” Colbert initially tried to handle the interruption calmly, promising the protesters that he would ask Pelosi about the Gaza war later in the interview.
“For those of you at home to know, there are protests going on in the stands right now,” Colbert said. “Hold on, ladies. I can hear you. There are protests going on right now.”
Colbert told the audience that after the commercial break, Pelosi will be asked about Israel and Palestine. The Islamic militant group Hamas plans to attack Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, sparking war in Gaza, and several pro-Palestinian protests were held on U.S. college campuses last spring. Thousands of anti-Israel demonstrators have gathered outside the Democratic National Convention, which runs through Thursday.
After the commercial break, Pelosi told the enthusiastic audience, “War has no place in a civilized society.”
“We need to learn more about trust and peace, and about each other, instead of resolving conflicts with war,” the former House speaker continued, but struggled to finish his thought as a protester raised his voice. (RELATED: 'Take the punch for the kids': CNN host asks Nancy Pelosi if she has a 'feud' with Biden)
“As you can see, the protests are continuing,” Colbert said, gesturing to the audience, “and some of you may not be satisfied with that answer, because they're saying that America is — wait a minute. Are you responding to what they're saying?”
“What I was saying was …” Pelosi resumed.
“Hold on a second, listen to her response,” Colbert asked the protesters.
“They're screaming, and I can't hear them, but those who have that question,” Pelosi said.
“They said the U.S. should not play any role in supplying Israel with weapons to kill the people of Gaza. Now they're saying that,” Colbert translated.
Pelosi said “Israel has the right to defend its country” but that a two-state solution must be implemented to end the war, and that the Palestinians should have “their own secure state,” as protesters continued to shout.
“Please don't interrupt our guests,” Colbert said. “And now, Secretary of State, Mr. Chairman, we're on live broadcast so we have to go home at this point. Please come back again.”
“I'm glad to be here in Chicago,” Pelosi concluded. The Democratic National Convention kicked off at Chicago's United Center on Monday and will run through Thursday.
