The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 8 Episode 21

Ep 21. Louis Freeh

  • August 12, 2003
  •   (22)

Louis Freeh, the former director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, sits down with Jon Stewart on this episode of The Daily Show. The two discuss a variety of topics, including Freeh's recent book, "My FBI: Bringing Down the Mafia, Investigating Bill Clinton, and Fighting the War on Terror," which provides an inside look at his time leading the FBI.

Stewart kicks off the interview by asking Freeh about his experiences investigating the Clinton administration, including the infamous Monica Lewinsky scandal. Freeh explains that while the investigation was certainly contentious, he believes it was necessary to maintain the integrity of the FBI and the justice system as a whole.

The conversation then turns to Freeh's work combatting terrorism, particularly in the wake of the September 11th attacks. Freeh discusses the FBI's efforts to track down the perpetrators of the attacks and to prevent future attacks from occurring. He also shares his thoughts on the state of terrorism today and what steps should be taken to address the ongoing threat.

Stewart and Freeh also delve into the topic of privacy and government surveillance. Freeh defends the use of surveillance tools such as wiretapping and argues that they are necessary to protect national security. Stewart pushes back, arguing that these tools also have the potential to violate citizens' privacy and civil liberties.

Throughout the interview, Freeh reflects on his time as FBI director and the challenges he faced in that role. He shares his thoughts on leadership, the importance of integrity, and the need to stay focused on the FBI's mission even in the face of political pressure.

As always, Stewart injects his signature humor into the conversation, poking fun at some of Freeh's answers and offering up his own comedic perspectives on the issues at hand. But beneath the laughs, the interview is a serious and informative exploration of some of the most pressing issues facing our country today.

Overall, this episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in law enforcement, national security, and the intersection of government power and individual rights. Whether you agree or disagree with Freeh's views, his perspective is invaluable, and Stewart's insightful questions and commentary make for an engaging and thought-provoking interview.

This episode doesn't appear to be available from any streaming services. Add this show to your Watchlist to get notified when new episodes are available.
Description
  • First Aired
    August 12, 2003
  • Language
    English