Jon Stewart explains why Hank Greenberg suing the U.S. over AIG is comically despicable
"When is the last time you got good and angry" about the bank-fueled, economy-tanking 2008 financial meltdown? Jon Stewart asked to kick off Thursday night's Daily Show, a twinkle in his eye. "Want to?"
If you're not familiar with former AIG chief Hank Greenberg's lawsuit against the federal government, Stewart will give you the rundown. Not only that, he will probably convince you to despise Greenberg, grimace at the absurdity of this lawsuit, seethe about the federal bailout of the insolvent company, and make you laugh all the while.
Stewart mocked Greenberg's charge of "extortion," noting that while most extortionists demand money, the U.S. government poured $184.6 billion ($85 billion at first) into Greenberg's effectively bankrupt former insurance business. He derided Greenberg's complaint that the U.S. treated bailed-out banks better than AIG, summarizing that argument as: "Waaaaaaah! It's not fair!" Stewart pointed out that for insurance companies, "putting the screws to people in their lowest moments" is routine business. And he drove it all home with a delightful one-man show. Feel better? --Peter Weber
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.
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.
-
Jussie Smollet conviction overturned on appeal
Speed Read The Illinois Supreme Court overturned the actor's conviction on charges of staging a racist and homophobic attack against himself in 2019
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Quincy Jones, music icon, is dead at 91
Speed Read The legendary producer is perhaps best known as the architect behind Michael Jackson's 'Thriller'
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
OJ Simpson, star athlete tried for murder, dead at 76
Speed Read The former football hero and murder suspect lost his battle with cancer
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Momofuku's 'Chili Crunch' trademark uproar
Speed Read The company's attempt to own the sole rights has prompted backlash
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Kevin Hart awarded Mark Twain Prize
Speed Read He is the 25th recipient of the prestigious comedy prize
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Is Downton Abbey set to return for a final film?
Speed Read Imelda Staunton reveals that a third movie may be in the pipeline
By Adrienne Wyper, The Week UK Published
-
'Oppenheimer' sweeps Oscars with 7 wins
speed read The film won best picture, best director (Christopher Nolan) and best actor (Cillian Murphy)
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
'Rust' armorer convicted of manslaughter
speed read The film's cinematographer Halyna Hutchins was shot and killed by actor Alec Baldwin during rehearsal
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published