Anti-Israel protesters interrupted former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s appearance on “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” Tuesday night.
Pelosi had joined Colbert for a live taping of the late-night talk show at the Auditorium Theatre in Chicago one day after appearing at the Democratic National Convention, which is being held nearly 3 miles away at the United Center.
The 84-year-old California Democrat was discussing her book “The Art of Power” when the subject turned to the Israel-Hamas war and the ongoing cease-fire negotiations.
“Free Palestine,” a protester shouted before questioning the US’ role in the Middle East conflict, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
Colbert went on to take the show to break but promised the protesters that he would ask Pelosi the same question.
“We just got word earlier today that Israel had agreed to the cease-fire agreement. We’re hoping Hamas will too. But it takes me to the point of saying to you, ‘War has no role in a civilized society,’” Pelosi said out of break.
“You have to learn more about trust and peace and learning about each other rather than to have a conflict resolved by war,” Pelosi said as another protester shouted from the audience.
Colbert mentioned the anti-Israel protesters who stood outside the venue, saying Pelosi’s answer was “unsatisfying to some people” as he was cut off during another round of shouting.
“Will you listen to her response,” Colbert pleaded.
“They said the United States should have no role in supplying Israel arms to kill the people of Gaza,” Colbert explained to Pelosi.
Pelosi admitted that “Israel has a right to defend itself and the hostages should be returned” following the Hamas terror attack on Oct. 7, 2023.
She then suggested a two-state solution would be the best option for stabilizing the region.
“You cannot have peace unless you have a two-state solution,” Pelosi added as the crowd applauded.
“Israel, a secure, Jewish, democratic state in the region. And the Palestinians having their own secure country there as well.”
“Unless we have a two-state solution, we’ll not have a resolution to this,” the 84-year-old added, before another woman was heard shouting.
“Please don’t interrupt my guests,” the talk show host said.
“Madam Speaker, we’re a live show so we have to go at this point. Please come again and we can continue the conversation,” Colbert added.
Pelosi is in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention, where, on Monday night, she awkwardly took part in a “We love Joe” chant during 81-year-old President Biden’s appearance at the United Center.
Pelosi sported a less-than-enthusiastic demeanor for the president, whom she helped remove from the party’s ticket, fearing his campaign could affect other Democrats’ election chances.
Pelosi had threatened to publicly trash Biden if he didn’t end his re-election bid — forcing the commander-in-chief into a “come to Jesus” decision to finally call it quits in July.
During her appearance at the convention, Pelosi defended herself against speculation that Biden is frustrated over her role in the mutiny against him.
“Sometimes you have to take a punch for the children,” she told CNN. “I did what I had to do.”
