Yvette Clarke, Congresswoman, Says Slavery Still Around In 1898 During 'Colbert Report' Interview

Video here.

During Stephen Colbert's "Better Know A District" segment, the comedian-cum-political commentator interviewed U.S. Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, who represents New York's 11th District. The results were both humorous and painfully awkward, as the Democratic politician took a hypothetical trip back in time with Colbert, only to claim slavery would still have existed in New York in 1898.

"If you could get in a time machine and go back to 1898, what would you say to those Brooklynites?" Colbert asked in the segment.

"I would say to them, 'Set me free,'" Clarke responded.

Gamely pressing on, Colbert inquired from what would the Congresswoman wish to be free from.

"Slavery," Clarke replied.

"Slavery. Really? I didn’t realize there was slavery in Brooklyn in 1898," Colbert said, perhaps in an ultimately unsuccessful attempt to give the native Brooklyner a do-over.

"I’m pretty sure there was," Clarke responded.

"It sounds like a horrible part of the United States that kept slavery going until 1898," Colbert commented, struggling to keep a straight face.

"Who would be enslaving you in 1898 in New York?" Colbert pressed.

According to Clarke, none other than the Dutch.