Barack Obama
Appearances: 2Shows: 1Latest: May 13, 2026
Latest appearance: May 13, 2026 on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert →
Barack Obama is a public figure known for serving as the 44th President of the United States. He is recognized for his work in politics, authorship, and community organizing.
All appearances
The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (2)
Barack Obama reflects on the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, explains why he avoids cable news and social-media doomscrolling, and competes with Stephen Colbert at Wordle. In the Colbert Questionert, he shares personal favorites and says a good life endures in the memories of loved ones.
Interview
“We Pulled It Off Without Firing A Missile” - President Obama On The 2015 Iran Nuclear Deal
Barack Obama defends the 2015 Iran nuclear deal as diplomacy that removed most of Iran’s enriched uranium without firing a missile. He says military force should be a last resort because innocent people die, argues the agreement met its stated nuclear objective and warns that war often creates more problems than it solves.
Interview
Does Former President Obama Doomscroll The ‘Gram?
Barack Obama says he avoids cable news and social-media doomscrolling, preferring newspapers and longer-form information that leaves room for reflection. He argues that outrage-driven media feeds impulsive reactions at the expense of democratic deliberation, then jokes about family-shared animal videos and using AI to settle sports arguments despite its mistakes.
Game/Bit
Wordle Battle: President Obama Goes Head-To-Head With Stephen Colbert
Barack Obama and Stephen Colbert race through the day’s Wordle, with Obama solving it in two guesses and Colbert needing three. Their playful argument shifts from luck to Obama teasing that his ability simply happens to be superior.
Game/Bit
President Barack Obama Takes The Colbert Questionert
Barack Obama answers Stephen Colbert’s Questionert, choosing a cheeseburger as the best sandwich, mosquitoes as the scariest animal and Casino Royale as his favorite action movie. He recalls seeing Elton John in 1973, says a good life survives in loved ones’ memories and names Michelle as his favorite smell.
Barack Obama tours the new Obama Presidential Center, explains its place in a larger democratic story and discusses limits on presidential power and the Democratic Party’s direction. He also considers alien contact before losing a wastepaper-basketball rematch to Stephen Colbert.
Interview
What Powers Should The President Not Have? Former President Obama Weighs In
Barack Obama previews the Obama Presidential Center and explains how its South Side location connects his family and political life to Chicago. He says the museum should place his presidency within the country’s broader democratic struggle, then argues that presidents should not politicize prosecutions or the military, pardon donors or maintain business side hustles while in office.
Interview
"Yes We Can" Signs, A Nobel Prize, And Other Cool Items On Display At The Obama Presidential Center
Barack Obama tours the Obama Presidential Center museum and says its artifacts should inspire visitors to see themselves as the force behind political and community change. He shows Stephen Colbert his Nobel Prize, campaign sneakers and early Airbnb cereal boxes, jokes about the tan-suit controversy and introduces young leaders whose work the center’s foundation supports.
Interview
"I Would Be A Good Emissary For The Planet" - President Obama Is Ready For Contact With Alien Life
Barack Obama discusses the Democratic Party’s future, saying ideological labels matter less than shared goals and the ability to explain policies such as affordable housing in plain language. He denies the government is hiding aliens, volunteers to serve as Earth’s first-contact emissary and says the presidential center should inspire young people to improve their communities.
Sketch
Stephen Colbert Addresses The Nation From President Obama's Oval Office
Stephen Colbert delivers a mock presidential address from the replica Oval Office at the Obama Presidential Center, tries the desk phone and imitates Barack Obama ordering seven almonds. The real Obama then interrupts and proves his identity by objecting when Colbert calls him Barack.
Game/Bit
President Obama vs. Stephen Colbert: Wastepaper Basketball Oval Office (Replica) Rematch
Barack Obama and Stephen Colbert stage a wastepaper basketball rematch in the replica Oval Office at the presidential center. Colbert defeats the former president for a second time and presents a runner-up trophy, while Obama predicts another rematch and agrees to give the trophy a place of honor.