Yesterday, CBS late-night host Stephen Colbert said his network pulled the plug on his interview with Texas Senate candidate James Talarico. CBS later said they didn't prevent the interview from airing but provided "legal guidance" on FCC equal-time rules, including giving time to Talarico's Democratic opponent, Rep. Jasmine Crockett.
And that's what makes this development interesting.
Crockett was on MS NOW with Jen Psaki to talk about it.
Crockett: We actually received a phone call a little bit earlier today—they explained that they actually told CBS that they could go ahead and move forward with the interview of James Talarico. They just needed to offer me equal time… I've been on Colbert multiple times.. pic.twitter.com/ssDukVf1Xi
— Acyn (@Acyn) February 18, 2026
"They name-checked you," Psaki said, "they said that the show was provided legal guidance that the broadcast could trigger the FCC equal-time rule for two other candidates, including Rep. Jasmine Crockett."
"What do you make of that explanation?" Psaki asked.
"We actually received a phone call...a little bit earlier today and in that call they explained that they actually told CBS that they could go ahead and move forward with the interview of James Talarico. They just needed to offer me equal time," Crockett replied. "I did not get a request from the Colbert show to go on. As you know, I've been on Colbert multiple times and frankly, if we would have gotten an offer, that would've been great, but we're in the middle of early voting, so I'm kind of focused on being in Texas at this moment."
Now some are wondering if Democrats aren't trying to undermine Crockett's Senate campaign, as Talarico's campaign raised $2 million in the last 24 hours over the CBS-Colbert non-controversy.
Stephen Colbert's LIES have boosted James Talarico's campaign — raising more than $2 Million over the last 24 hours, as early voting for the primaries begin.
— Townhall.com (@townhallcom) February 18, 2026
Why would Democrats purposefully try and sabotage Crockett's run for senate? ...HMMMM 🧐 pic.twitter.com/TXx2gccOYc
"This show's getting more attention now than it ever has before," said host Dana Perino.
"Yeah, Dana, it's a shame it's not sweeps right now because you can imagine the ratings that would be coming out of this," Mark Meredith replied. "Stephen Colbert is a short-timer at CBS, but his decision to interview Democratic Senate candidate James Talarico over the network concerns may have a long-term impact on both Texas and this year's midterm races."
Democrats have vowed to spend $30 million to flip that Senate seat. As we reported yesterday, even The New York Times has every Republican ahead of both Crocket and Talarico in the general election, so that money may all be for naught.
The primary will take place on March 3.
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