This happens in every single Colbert interview that I've watched. At this point, as the interviewee, you're effectively signing up for it and if you're taken by surprise then you're silly for not having done your research.

Don't get me wrong - I agree with you. But this is not a special case and in general I feel the same way everytime someone gets interviewed by him. But then I stop feeling bad because I know that they knew what they were getting themselves into :)

Pretty much why I cant watch Colbert anymore. In the last year or so, perhaps I have changed, perhaps the show has; but it's like a quick-gratification joke circus to me now while The Daily Show seems like it's getting lazier.

He has always been like this. He will get pretty serious for specific topics, but most of the interviews are framed in a comedic way like this.

That's fine though. It still gives various people exposure, and I have looked into numerous authors, politicians, and musicians because what was seen beyond the comedy bits interested me.