Ep 98. Preview of the South Carolina Primary; Michael Fassbender

In this episode of Charlie Rose, the focus is on two completely different topics. First, Charlie Rose previews the upcoming South Carolina Primary, which is a significant event in the US presidential election race. Charlie interviews two guests to get an in-depth understanding of the primary – Steve Schmidt, a prominent Republican strategist, and Bakari Sellers, a CNN commentator and former state representative from South Carolina.

Schmidt and Sellers discuss the political landscape in South Carolina and their predictions for the primary outcome. Schmidt analyzes the problems the Republican Party is facing with its base and how the current front-runner, Donald Trump, is tapping into their discontent. Sellers explains why South Carolina is considered an essential primary in the race and how it could shape the future of the Democratic nominees. Both guests also debate the significance of endorsements, especially among African-American politicians, and what impact they are likely to have on the results.

In the second half of the show, Charlie Rose sits down with Michael Fassbender, the critically acclaimed actor famous for portraying Steve Jobs in the acclaimed biopic of the same name. The two discuss Fassbender's early beginnings and his journey to acclaim as an actor. Rose delves into how Fassbender chooses his roles and how he approaches challenging and complex characters.

Fassbender reflects on his portrayal of Steve Jobs, explaining the difficulties of capturing the tech icon's persona and the pressure that came with portraying such an influential figure. Rose and Fassbender also touch on the importance of storytelling in the film industry, with Fassbender discussing his experiences working with directors like Ridley Scott, Quentin Tarantino, and Danny Boyle.

The interview concludes on a more personal note, with Fassbender opening up about his family life, and how he maintains balance amid the pressures of fame and the entertainment industry. As they wrap up the interview, the audience gets a glimpse at the actor's life off-screen, gaining a newfound respect for Fassbender's work ethic and dedication to his craft.

Overall, this episode of Charlie Rose explores two vastly different topics and introduces viewers to insights from some of the most critical experts in these fields. With informative guests and a fascinating interview with Michael Fassbender, this episode is an excellent example of the breadth and depth of topics Charlie Rose covers in his show.