Full interview: Stephen Colbert, December 25

"The Late Show" host Stephen Colbert reflects back on the 2016 election cycle and discusses his hopes for the new year and Donald Trump's administration. The interview aired Sunday, Dec. 25, 2016.

[katehalliday]

As a psychotherapist, I was really struck by Mr Colbert saying "I put the pen away, and the interview became a conversation". It's absolutely true, and illustrates what's lacking in so much political discourse: We are afflicted by a desire to win. In a therapy session, if I'm holding a pen, it places me in a position of having more power than my client. However, when I put down the pen and the yellow pad of paper, and we sit together face to face, I can remain in a "not knowing" stance, and real possibility opens. Among the many things that are disturbing about politics these days is this: the failure of curiosity, of willingness to listen, and of openness to change our opinions. Until we educate ourselves to really listen to people who aren't just like us, we will be stuck in this divisive and poisonous atmosphere. Stephen Colbert is brilliant because he has the intelligence, the humility, and the humanity to recognize this. Watching his show for the last couple of months has been one of the ways I've managed my grief and disappointment; I am truly grateful to him.

[juligrlee]

I loved this dialog. I love the thinking process. I couldn't help but love each one of these persons.

[lauriejean]

Such a phenomenal human being. i know they both reject it, but he and John Stewart are like the uncle/professor leaders of our generation. so grateful for their humorous voices of sanity.

[cg]

This guy can bring tears to my face. He's so damn likeable

[MybestLucky]

Great interview with an extremely thoughtful and intelligent man. Very insightful - "the buck stops here"- we'll soon see.

[nathanieljames]

Thank GOD!!! For sane, thoughtful, reflective, insightful, sincere, funny, brilliant beings like both of these men and especial SC!!! Thank GOD for men like these during a presidency like the one about to

[nerdmasala]

They don't make TV like this anymore. No sound bites, no pointless questions. Just two intelligent men talking about the world. Beautiful.

[sudinooruzi]

Dear Mr Colbert you are the reason I stay late to watch your show. Thanks for putting smile on my face .

[mikefatah]

Colbert was absolutely brilliant here! Thanks.

[GingerGingie]

Great interview, he's always so thoughtful. Happy New Year-- hopeful for a better year this time!

[spongecake]

jesus colbert is so articulate

i love it

[keifjonz]

"The team itself is an illusion". So accurate and so true.

[MsSunny]

Such a pleasant cerebral stimulation listening to this man speak! Love love love Stephen.

[markfrellips]

You two have a wonderful friendship that comes out every time you have an interview or event together!

[marcusstar]

colbert is one of the reason life can still be sane.

[gemmaskate]

I really love their relationship - such a pure friendship. You can just see how much they genuinely enjoy each other's company

[TomEllisArt]

This is one of the finest interviews I've ever seen, in addition to it being one of my favorite people in the world, Stephen Colbert. 27 minutes. Enjoy!

[chiko]

Wow. This was actually one of my most favorite interviews I've ever watched.

[Anamile]

I enjoy Face The Nation but I love Stephen Colbert and this was enlightening. He is a special person.

[dan_zehner]

Stephen Colbert is still a guy I wish I could sit down and have a beer with someday. Just such a decent human being.