The Smoking Chair

When you click on our advertisements and purchase products or services through our links we earn a small commission.

News & Opinion

News and opinion articles and videos.

Tim Alberta discusses his new book exploring American evangelicals and political extremism

December 8, 2023

White evangelical voters helped Donald Trump win the White House in 2016 and stuck by him in 2020. Political journalist Tim Alberta sought to find out why, as that support is largely inconsistent with basic Christian values. His new book, “The Kingdom, The Power and the Glory,” offers a view of how GOP politics are transforming and fracturing the church. Alberta discussed more with Geoff Bennett.

Trump Talks “One Day” Dictatorship & Taylor Swift Named Time’s Person of the Year | The Daily Show

December 7, 2023

Charlamagne Tha God discusses Trump’s town hall with Sean Hannity and calls for Joe Biden to step aside for the 2024 election. Plus, Ronny Chieng and Michael Kosta debate on Taylor Swift’s latest honor, Time’s Person of the Year.

Vivek Ramaswamy tried to wear Trump’s shoes. Chris Christie knocked them off.

December 7, 2023

Chris Christie came to the defense of Nikki Haley after Vivek Ramaswamy accused her of not knowing the names of three provinces along the Russia-Ukraine border. “This is a smart, accomplished woman. You should stop insulting her,” Christie said.

From Trump coup to prison? See Liz Cheney's full MSNBC interview with Ari Melber

From Trump coup to prison? See Liz Cheney‘s full interview with Ari Melber

December 7, 2023

Liz Cheney, Former Congresswoman and Vice Chair of the January 6 Committee, joins MSNBC’s Ari Melber for a wide-ranging interview on Donald Trump’s presidential campaign and ongoing trials, lessons from the Jan. 6 probe and former Speaker Kevin McCarthy’s retirement.

We can survive bad policy, we cannot survive a president who torches the Constitution: Liz Cheney

December 7, 2023

Former Congresswoman and ‘Oath and Honor’ author Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.) joins ‘Squawk Box’ to discuss the state of the 2024 presidential election, the prospect of a Trump reelection, impact on democracy, and more.

Christie goes after DeSantis and Ramaswamy: Sick and tired of their behavior

December 7, 2023

CNN’s Dana Bash talks to 2024 presidential candidate Chris Christie about his Republican debate performance where he defended rival Nikki Haley from attacks by Vivek Ramaswamy and claimed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis was afraid to attack former President Donald Trump.

Liz Cheney on standing up to Trump as a Republican: Solitary with the truth is a place I’d rather be

December 7, 2023

Haley, DeSantis, Ramaswamy, and Christie spar at 4th GOP debate

December 7, 2023

CNN’s panel of reporters and experts break down the 4th GOP presidential debate.

2023 Wasn’t All Bad, Just Ask Lewis Black | The Daily Show

December 7, 2023

2024 is going to suck, so before that nightmare begins, take a moment with Lewis Black to appreciate everything good that happened in 2023.

Chris Christie DESTROYING Trump at the 4th GOP Debate

December 7, 2023

Chris Christie was on a mission to tell the GOP base the truth about Trump’s corruption and unfitness for office. Here is every moment of Christie taking down Trump from the 4th GOP presidential debate.

The Dailyshowography of Vivek Ramaswamy: Enter the RamaVerse | The Daily Show

December 6, 2023

You’ve probably seen presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy on your TikTok feeds or on TV talking about banning TikTok, and asked yourself, “Who is this skinny kid with a funny last name?” Buckle up, because there are A LOT of answers to that question, and they can all be found in this Dailyshowography of Vivek Ramaswamy.

Taylor Swift Named TIME Person of the Year, Trump Would Only Be a Dictator on “Day One”

December 6, 2023

Jimmy addresses the latest news, like Biden admitting he might’ve not run for re-election in 2024 if Trump wasn’t running, Trump participating in a Fox News town hall and Kraft announcing a plant-based mac and cheese.

Trump Tells Hannity He’ll Be a “Dictator” if He Wins, but Only on “Day One“: A Closer Look

December 6, 2023

Seth takes a closer look at Trump telling Sean Hannity that if he wins the 2024 election he will act like a dictator only on day one of his presidency while also claiming that Biden is cognitively impaired in a Fox News town hall.

Trump Won’t Deny Becoming a Dictator, Mike Lindell’s My Christmas Spectacular & Bye Kevin McCarthy

December 6, 2023

Jimmy remembers the incredible Norman Lear who passed away at 101 years old, Taylor Swift was named Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, tonight marked the fourth Republican primary debate, Trump had his own event on Fox News where he managed to swing and miss at the softest of balls, people need to stop asking Joe Biden if he is still planning to run for President, bitter former Speaker Kevin McCarthy says he will resign from Congress at the end of the month, Trump’s buddy Kim Jong Un has a problem on his hands, we have a suggestion for parents looking for new ways to place their Elf on the Shelf, and MyPillow Mike Lindell has a new Christmas special!

Republicans Set to Hold Fourth Presidential Debate

December 6, 2023

Seth Meyers does his monologue for Tuesday, December 5, before checking in with his monologue writers and holding a surprise inspection to review the quality of their jokes.

Republicans Blurring Faces in Insurrection Footage, “Orange Jesus” Trump & Guillermo’s Xmas List

December 6, 2023

Time Magazine’s Person of the Year will be announced today with Taylor Swift, Barbie and Putin as finalists, Liz Cheney’s tell-all “Oath & Honor” came out today, new Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced that they would be releasing thousands of hours of footage of the attack on the Capitol, 23andMe had a security breach and hackers got access to nearly 7 million accounts, a family in New Jersey had the clever idea to trick their Nana into thinking Grand Theft Auto was actually the news, the new number one song in the United States is the sixty five year old song “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” by Brenda Lee, Guillermo gives a PowerPoint presentation announcing what he would like for Christmas, we give a reminder and suggestion for parents moving the Elf on the Shelf every night, and Jimmy and Guillermo dress up like elves and sit down with kids to find out whether they’ve been naughty or nice.

Trump Skips Republican Debate, Grand Theft Auto Trailer Breaks Records | The Tonight Show

December 6, 2023

Jimmy addresses the latest news, like Brenda Lee’s “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” topping the Billboard Hot 100 after 65 years, Biden travelling to Boston to attend campaign fundraisers and Airbnb offering a stay at Santa’s cabin in Finland.

Addressing Crime in America: A Comprehensive Approach

December 2, 2023

Explore the multifaceted issue of crime in America and discover proactive solutions to address its root causes. This article delves into the top 10 contributors, proposing strategic measures such as universal basic income, increased mental health services, and the integration of advanced technologies to foster safer streets for all.

The Intersection of Poverty and Despair: A Catalyst for Criminal Behavior

December 2, 2023

Explore the intricate relationship between poverty and despair as catalysts for criminal behavior. This article delves into the societal dynamics, economic struggles, and mental health impacts, shedding light on the complex intersection that often drives individuals towards unlawful activities. Discover how addressing root causes through education, economic empowerment, and mental health support can pave the way for breaking the cycle of despair and poverty-driven crime.

Universal Basic Income and the Debate on Removing Basic Income During Incarceration

December 2, 2023

Explore the intriguing intersection of Universal Basic Income (UBI) and criminal justice, as we delve into the concept of removing basic income for incarcerated individuals. Discover how this controversial approach aims to serve as a negative punishment, deterring potential criminals, while also addressing ethical concerns and potential consequences. Uncover the complexities surrounding the relationship between UBI and the criminal justice system in the pursuit of a fair and effective societal framework.