Jon Stewart ruthlessly mocks the sexist old men of the Senate, and their defenders at Fox News
Last week, Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) made some news by disclosing in a new book that older male Senate colleagues have commented on her weight in the halls of Congress, with one cautioning her not to "get porky" and another saying, "I like my girls chubby." See, said Jon Stewart on Tuesday night's Daily Show, even when it comes to rank sexism, "the Senate is gridlocked!"
Jokes aside, Stewart's point is a serious one: The Senate is stocked with old men who grope and make sexist comments to their female colleagues. And judging by the lack of surprise from women who've spent time covering Congress, there are probably more than a few of these guys. "Now, I'm not saying these comments would be appropriate in any context," Stewart said, "but there's a certain irony to being judged on one's physical appearance by a group of men who, if you squint, look, on a good day, like a bowl of dried fruit." He then made a slightly ruder comparison.
At this point, Stewart shifted the discussion slightly, turning to a conversation at Fox News where the female hosts defended or even appreciated catcalling, and guest Arthur Aidala showed off his "move" — slow-clapping. Senior Congressional Correspondent Jessica Williams brought it all together, telling "that Telly Savalas-looking" guy Aidala and other men who make unsolicited comments about women to "get some impulse control," because "believe it or not, getting the horny clap of approval from any guy does not improve my day, it actually kind of creeps me out." --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.
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
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.
-
Myanmar: the Spring Revolution and the downfall of the generals
Talking Point An armed protest movement has swept across the country since the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi was overthrown in 2021
By The Week Staff Published
-
Rwanda's killing fields: 30th anniversary of genocide
In Depth This month, world remembers one of the worst atrocities of the 20th century
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: April 21, 2024
The Week's daily crossword
By The Week Staff 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
-
The Beatles are getting 4 intersecting biopics
Speed Read Director Sam Mendes is making four separate movies, each told from the perspective of one band member
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Taylor Swift to Miley Cyrus: female artists dominate 2024 Grammys
Speed Read SZA, Phoebe Bridgers and Lainey Wilson were also among the winners at LA gala
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published