WATCH: John Oliver tackles the politics of immigration reform
The Daily Show stand-in isn't impressed with the GOP's handling of immigration, but he loves what WWE wrestling is doing
John Oliver is an immigrant — a "legal" one: He has permanent residency status — so of course he has views on the comprehensive immigration reform package wending its way through Congress. And, as summer host of The Daily Show, he gets a nice platform to share his views with us. (Spoiler: He's in favor.)
On Tuesday, Oliver devoted the bulk of the show to immigration politics. He pokes a little fun at Democratic Sens. Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) and Tim Kaine (Va.), but he is mostly annoyed at (and amused by) how Republicans are dealing with the tricky politics of reforming America's immigration system.
Oliver starts by pointing out that some Republicans are in favor of immigration reform, largely because, as articulated by Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), the GOP needs to win over Latino voters or perish. Unfortunately (or, fortunately, depending on your tastes), Oliver used this occasion to once more break out his South Carolina accent.
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.
After walking through (and mocking) various ways some Senate Republicans are trying to sink the bill, Oliver says that it might very well have enough momentum to pass. Riffing off the old Schoolhouse Rock cartoon on how a bill becomes a law (watch below), Oliver maps out the various obstacles the legislation will have to overcome to make it out of the Senate. The final obstacle to landing on President Obama's desk might prove too high, though, Oliver laments: The House GOP's "1,000-foot high border fence built out of ignorance and spite."
It's pretty clear by this point that Oliver isn't impressed by the level of debate in Washington on immigration reform. But in the wildcard segment, he finds one place in America where the immigration discussion is alive and active, and surprisingly cogent: WWE pro wrestling. The WWE debate even gets personal for Oliver, and he brings in a little muscle to properly taunt his new WWE nemesis. 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.
-
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