The Late Show Pod Show with Stephen Colbert Sen. Jon Ossoff | Bad Jean Pool
Feb 19, 2026
Jon Ossoff, U.S. Senator and former investigative journalist, explains his phrase "the Epstein class" to call out elite corruption. He talks about his transition from exposing international graft to serving in Congress. Discussion covers Citizens United, the Fulton County raid, concerns about domestic use of intelligence, and a call to honor John Lewis with civic action.
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Corruption Of An Unaccountable Elite
- Jon Ossoff says the “Epstein class” reveals a governing elite that acts as if rules don't apply to them.
- He argues this elite shaped policy to benefit the ultra-rich at the expense of ordinary Americans.
Corruption Crosses Party Lines
- Jon Ossoff notes the Epstein revelations cross political lines and expose a shared sense of exemption from laws.
- He says that crystallizing this idea helps explain public outrage beyond partisan politics.
Authoritarian Parallels From Global Work
- Ossoff compares aspects of Trump's America to authoritarian societies he investigated internationally.
- He warns that such parallels should alarm citizens about democratic erosion.