Watch The Daily Show's bemusement at being used to attack ObamaCare
If everything Jon Stewart complained about disappeared, he says, why did Dick Cheney stick around so long?
ObamaCare's rollout has been deemed "the worst product launch since Crystal Meth Pepsi," Jon Stewart said on Thursday night's Daily Show. And among the "fierce adversaries" of the law's glitchy website, Stewart noted dryly, is — at least according to cable news — Jon Stewart.
The Daily Show research team didn't have to work hard to find TV news anchors and pundits offering variations on the same theme: If ObamaCare has lost even Jon Stewart, it's in big trouble. Stewart was probably a little flattered by all the attention he got, but that wasn't the point he made on his show.
Stewart walked us down the memory lane of all the other times "even Jon Stewart" has criticized something in the Obama administration, then back even further to all the times he criticized George W. Bush and his White House. "Look, making fun of stuff is nothing new for us," he lectured his new fans on Fox and CNN, "so don't act like us making jokes about a certain program or president is evidence that that politician or issue has reached some sort of tipping point of action."
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
If his jokes had that kind of power, Stewart said, Fox News would be off the air, and Bush and his vice president, Dick Cheney, wouldn't have lasted two terms. Jim Cramer is still on the air, he added, and Arby's is still selling sandwiches. To close out the segment, Stewart brought on his salty-tongued Greek chorus gospel choir. He made his point — the people holding him up as relevant are very selective — while the choir mocked him. There's a nice dig at Salon. It's pretty funny.
Earlier in the show, Stewart gave his take on Tuesday's congressional grilling of Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius. Initially, he expressed shock that Sebelius actually apologized and took responsibility for HeathCare.gov's terrible rollout, and that House members from both parties asked "surprisingly relevant questions."
His pleasant surprise didn't last long. Stewart spent the rest of the segment mocking House members for constantly citing The Wizard of Oz, asking silly questions, and blatantly grandstanding for future campaign commercials. His extended mockery of Rep. Billy Long (R-Mo.) might make a good commercial for Long's next opponent. After all, if Billy Long has lost even Jon Stewart.... Watch:
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Peter has worked as a news and culture writer and editor at The Week since the site's launch in 2008. He covers politics, world affairs, religion and cultural currents. His journalism career began as a copy editor at a financial newswire and has included editorial positions at The New York Times Magazine, Facts on File, and Oregon State University.
-
Why more and more adults are reaching for soft toys
Under The Radar Does the popularity of the Squishmallow show Gen Z are 'scared to grow up'?
By Chas Newkey-Burden, The Week UK Published
-
Magazine solutions - December 27, 2024 / January 3, 2025
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - December 27, 2024 / January 3, 2025
By The Week US Published
-
Magazine printables - December 27, 2024 / January 3, 2025
Puzzles and Quizzes Issue - December 27, 2024 / January 3, 2025
By The Week US Published
-
US election: who the billionaires are backing
The Explainer More have endorsed Kamala Harris than Donald Trump, but among the 'ultra-rich' the split is more even
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
US election: where things stand with one week to go
The Explainer Harris' lead in the polls has been narrowing in Trump's favour, but her campaign remains 'cautiously optimistic'
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Is Trump okay?
Today's Big Question Former president's mental fitness and alleged cognitive decline firmly back in the spotlight after 'bizarre' town hall event
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
The life and times of Kamala Harris
The Explainer The vice-president is narrowly leading the race to become the next US president. How did she get to where she is now?
By The Week UK Published
-
Will 'weirdly civil' VP debate move dial in US election?
Today's Big Question 'Diametrically opposed' candidates showed 'a lot of commonality' on some issues, but offered competing visions for America's future and democracy
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
1 of 6 'Trump Train' drivers liable in Biden bus blockade
Speed Read Only one of the accused was found liable in the case concerning the deliberate slowing of a 2020 Biden campaign bus
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
How could J.D. Vance impact the special relationship?
Today's Big Question Trump's hawkish pick for VP said UK is the first 'truly Islamist country' with a nuclear weapon
By Harriet Marsden, The Week UK Published
-
Biden, Trump urge calm after assassination attempt
Speed Reads A 20-year-old gunman grazed Trump's ear and fatally shot a rally attendee on Saturday
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published