Trevor Noah and Stephen Colbert critique the 19 Democrats who speed-dated Iowa, and Joe Biden
Joe Biden, the clear Democratic frontrunner, has rapidly evolved on the issue of taxpayer-funded abortion. "I haven't seen that many flips since Sea World gave their dolphins cocaine," Trevor Noah said on Monday's Daily Show. "While Joe Biden is trying to figure out his position on abortion, the rest of the Democrats are trying to figure out how to take his spot at the top of the field. Which is why this weekend, 19 Democrats descended on Iowa to make the case for why they would be a better pick than the former VP."
All 19 candidates made their pitches on Sunday, and "with only five minutes to make an impression on the world's most powerful white voters, all the Democrats took to the stage to deliver their best punch lines," Noah said, showing some jokes and grimacing. He also sampled the Democrats' walk-on music, and he was particularly unimpressed with Rep. Tim Ryan's (D-Ohio) choice.
"After a weekend of campaigning in Iowa, all we've really learned about the Democratic candidates is how bad they are at telling jokes and what their favorite songs are on Spotify — that's it," Noah said. "And unfortunately, that's what you're going to get when you have two dozen people running for president."
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.
Still, Trump "should be less worried about the illegal immigrants and a little more worried about the huge caravan of Democrats making their way toward the White House" — and Iowa last weekend, Stephen Colbert said on The Late Show. "Little known fact: A group of Democrats that large is called a Whole Foods." Colbert also looked at the ways the 19 Democrats tried to stand out; Jon Batiste panned Mayor Pete Buttigieg's jazz piano chops, and then the whole band jumped in.
Biden skipped the event because he was attending his granddaughter's graduation. "Don't worry," Colbert deadpanned, "nothing bad ever happens when the Democratic frontrunner decides not to go to a swing state." Watch below. Peter Weber
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.
-
'Without mandatory testing, bird flu will continue circulating at farms across the country'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Justin Klawans, The Week US Published
-
Thirteen missing after Red Sea tourist boat sinks
Speed Read The vessel sank near the Egyptian coastal town of Marsa Alam
By Arion McNicoll, The Week UK Published
-
Khan supporters converge on Islamabad
Speed Read Protesters clashing with Pakistani authorities are demanding the release of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
'Wicked' and 'Gladiator II' ignite holiday box office
Speed Read The combination of the two movies revitalized a struggling box office
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
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