Ep 129. Edward Snowden

On The Daily Show with Trevor Noah season 2019 episode 129, the focus is on the highly controversial figure, Edward Snowden. The former National Security Agency (NSA) contractor turned whistleblower is the subject of an extensive and in-depth interview with Trevor Noah. Snowden gained notoriety in 2013 when he leaked classified documents revealing mass surveillance programs by the US government. Since then, he has been living in exile in Russia.

Trevor starts the episode by introducing the topic of surveillance and privacy, setting the stage for the conversation with Snowden. He points out how governments around the world have increased their surveillance capabilities, and questions the ethical implications of this. Trevor then welcomes Snowden to the show, who appears via video link from Moscow.

Throughout the interview, Trevor asks Snowden about his motivations for leaking the classified documents, his life in Russia, and his thoughts on the current state of privacy and surveillance. Snowden is calm and composed throughout, providing candid insights into his experiences and views.

One of the key moments in the interview is when Trevor asks Snowden about the idea of "whistleblower" and whether it accurately describes him. Snowden responds by saying that he wouldn't necessarily consider himself a true whistleblower and that his actions were more about exposing the truth than blowing the whistle on anything in particular. This perspective offers a new angle on the common understanding of Snowden's actions and highlights his deeper motivations.

Another important aspect of the interview is Snowden's discussion of the surveillance state and how it has evolved since his leaks in 2013. He describes how technology has made it easier for governments to monitor their citizens and the ways in which this can be detrimental to democracy. He also touches on the impact of social media on privacy and the role that tech companies have played in facilitating government surveillance.

Despite the serious subject matter, Trevor manages to inject some humor into the conversation and brings a lighter touch to the show. At one point, he asks Snowden about how he first met his girlfriend, Lindsay Mills, which leads to a humorous interchange between the two. Trevor also comments on Snowden's legendary technical skills and jokingly suggests that he could be working as a super-hacker for the Russian government.

Overall, the episode offers a fascinating insight into one of the most controversial figures of recent years. Snowden's thoughtful and provocative commentary challenges viewers to re-examine their assumptions about privacy, surveillance, and ethics. Trevor's engaging interviewing style ensures that the episode is both informative and entertaining, making it a must-watch for fans of The Daily Show.