Jon Stewart gets lazy, roasts Joe Biden (plus Shakespeare and Michael Che)


Vice President Joe Biden is the Democrats' answer to Republican complaints that the left is too politically correct. Jon Stewart started out Thursday night's Daily Show by approvingly noting Biden's passionate defense of women in domestic violence situations. But "it is important to remember," he added: "As Joe Biden giveth, Joe Biden taketh away." Just this week, Biden used both the phrases "the Orient" to refer to Asia and "Shylocks" to refer to greedy bankers — a Shakespearean reference that prompted Stewart to shake his fists at the Bard in anger.
"It's like Biden hasn't been out of the house since 1962," Stewart said, before suggesting other outdated stereotypes for the vice president to trot out. To discuss how Biden's gaffes might help presumptive 2016 presidential rival Hillary Clinton, Stewart brought out "senior casual racism correspondent" Michael Che. But the bit is just a set-up for The Daily Show's farewell to Che, the newest correspondent and latest émigré (to Saturday Night Live, where he will co-anchor "Weekend Update"). It's actually less of a moving tribute and more of a ritualized, very elaborate hazing. And really, doesn't that make for much better TV? --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.
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.
-
The Miami Showband massacre, 50 years on
The Explainer Unanswered questions remain over Troubles terror attack that killed three members of one of Ireland's most popular music acts
-
Tea app hack: user data stolen from women's dating safety app
In The Spotlight Data leak has led to fears users could be targeted by men angered by the app's premise
-
The Assassin: action-packed caper is 'terrific fun'
The Week Recommends Keeley Hawes stars as a former hitwoman drawn out of retirement for 'one last job'
-
CBS cancels Colbert's 'Late Show'
Speed Read 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert' is ending next year
-
Shakespeare not an absent spouse, study proposes
speed read A letter fragment suggests that the Shakespeares lived together all along, says scholar Matthew Steggle
-
New Mexico to investigate death of Gene Hackman, wife
speed read The Oscar-winning actor and his wife Betsy Arakawa were found dead in their home with no signs of foul play
-
Giant schnauzer wins top prize at Westminster show
Speed Read Monty won best in show at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club dog show
-
Beyoncé, Kendrick Lamar take top Grammys
Speed Read Beyoncé took home album of the year for 'Cowboy Carter' and Kendrick Lamar's diss track 'Not Like Us' won five awards
-
The Louvre is giving 'Mona Lisa' her own room
Speed Read The world's most-visited art museum is getting a major renovation
-
Honda and Nissan in merger talks
Speed Read The companies are currently Japan's second and third-biggest automakers, respectively
-
Taylor Swift wraps up record-shattering Eras tour
Speed Read The pop star finally ended her long-running tour in Vancouver, Canada