“The Sound of a Crowd That Doesn’t Know”: Jon Stewart Jokes About Election Coverage as Trump Takes Commanding Lead
(Photo by Matt Wilson)
On election night, “The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart brought his trademark humor to live coverage, even as former President Donald Trump took a strong lead over Vice President Kamala Harris. Stewart opened the show with a jab at his own audience’s enthusiasm, joking, “That is the sound of a crowd that does not have access to a television set and does not know what’s happening in the world.”
The audience’s cheers, seemingly undeterred by the political reality unfolding, became a running theme for the evening. Stewart continued with his comedic commentary by poking fun at MSNBC’s coverage of the night, referencing the network’s pundits who appeared visibly shaken by the results. “They look like someone’s sponsorship deal with Warby Parker is over,” Stewart joked, riffing on the somber expressions he observed on screen.
His comments underscored the tense mood among media outlets as election results came in, with The New York Times estimating Trump’s chances of victory at a striking 89 percent. After a commercial break, Stewart doubled down on the lighthearted atmosphere in his studio, quipping that his audience didn’t seem to care much about who would win, reports Variety.
“They’re just here to party,” he remarked, emphasizing that the crowd’s upbeat mood was a welcome contrast to the anxiety dominating other election night broadcasts. However, the night didn’t go entirely smoothly for Stewart, as he revealed that Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) had canceled a scheduled appearance on the show with only 30 seconds to spare. Stewart informed viewers of the last-minute change, saying, “He is unable to join us.”
The comedian then leaned into the moment by pretending to be stuck without a plan, staring at his papers in silence. “But because we are a professional and venerated news show, it’s not like I just have to sit here — ” he deadpanned before looking down at his desk, prolonging the comedic pause.
After the silent moment, Stewart playfully broke the awkwardness. “With nobody to talk to and nothing to do,” he continued, before adding with a sarcastic edge, “Just because somebody said — thirty seconds before we were supposed to have him as a guest — ‘Yeah, I’m not making it.’” Stewart’s reaction to Fetterman’s no-show drew laughs from the audience, highlighting his ability to turn even an unexpected hiccup into a comedic moment.
Throughout the night, Stewart’s humor offered a unique take on the election, contrasting with the somber and serious tone seen on many news outlets. His playful take on his audience’s energy, the visibly disheartened pundits, and his ability to laugh off a canceled guest appearance all served to inject levity into a tense evening. While much of the political world focused on the shrinking path for a Harris victory, Stewart’s irreverent approach to the unfolding drama provided a refreshing break from the election night anxieties gripping other networks.
Stewart’s election night coverage, complete with quick wit and self-deprecating humor, underscored his knack for blending comedy with current events. As the results poured in, and Trump’s path to victory solidified, Stewart’s blend of humor and commentary offered his audience a way to engage with the night’s events without succumbing to the tension. His quips and improvisational humor transformed what could have been an anxious viewing experience into one filled with laughter and levity.
