The show was primarily about the election defeats in Baden-Württemberg and Rhineland-Palatinate. Markus Lanz Barley wanted to know at what point the situation would become “threatening” for the SPD – and added sharply: “We’re not talking about the FDP here!” Barley first referred to the result in Rhineland-Palatinate. “But we’re at 26 percent. So it’s not like we’re at 5.5 percent,” she said. But she made it clear that she “didn’t want to downplay the situation at all.” “This is very serious,” said Katarina Barley.

Nevertheless, Barley was visibly bothered by the way her party was spoken about. She was outraged by “these doomsday scenarios” that were repeatedly associated with the SPD. “It will spiral at some point,” she said worriedly. From their point of view, the constant mood of doom and gloom is doing additional damage to the party.

Lanz to Barley: “That’s silly!”

Lanz did not let this classification stand. “But you can’t sugarcoat what’s happening anymore,” countered the moderator. As Barley continued to defend the SPD, Lanz lost patience. “That is yes silly!” replied the moderatorwhen she put the situation into perspective again.

Towards the end of the exchange, Barley appeared noticeably affected and said openly: “I admit, this has never happened to me before. I admit, I’m a bit touched too.” Lanz reacted with surprise and at the same time analytically. “I understand that, you’re having a hard time defending your own party right now,” he stated.