In his first appearance since Donald Trump’s stunning re-election victory, winning both the Electoral College and popular vote, comedian Jon Stewart delivered a poignant and powerful monologue on The Daily Show. Still reeling from the outcome, Stewart attempted to find humor in the situation, joking “It turns out the election was stolen by more people voting for Donald Trump. It’s quite a caper.” But the heart of his message was a serious call to action for Democrats and those opposed to Trump’s agenda.
As Democrats engage in a rampant blame game in the wake of their defeat, with many pundits pointing fingers at the party’s progressive wing, Stewart pushed back on this narrative. “I only have one problem with the woke theory,” he quipped. “I just didn’t recall seeing any Democrats running on woke shit.” Stewart lambasted the party for abandoning its principles in the months leading up to the election, saying they “acted like Republicans” and tried to distance themselves from progressive policies and activists.
A Plea to Continue the Fight
But while acknowledging the Democrats’ missteps and the pain of the election result, Stewart’s ultimate message was one of resilience and perseverance. In an emotional conclusion to his monologue, he assured his audience that “this isn’t forever” and urged them not to view Trump’s victory as a permanent setback:
“This is not the end. We have to regroup, and we have to continue to fight and continue to work day in and day out to create a better society for our children, for this world, for this country, that we know is possible. It’s possible.”
– Jon Stewart
Stewart’s words resonated as a rallying cry for those devastated and demoralized by the election outcome. Rather than dwelling on recriminations or falling into despair, he called on progressives and Democrats to regroup, learn from their mistakes, and redouble their efforts to “create a better society” aligned with their values.
Looking Ahead to Democrats’ Path Forward
Other late night hosts also weighed in on the bitter divides emerging among Democrats. On Late Night, Seth Meyers dug into the debate over whether the party was too beholden to its left flank or not aggressive enough in championing working class issues. Meyers noted that Vice President Kamala Harris did campaign on pro-worker policies, but suggested her message may have been drowned out by the party elevating neo-conservative voices like Liz Cheney and her father Dick Cheney.
Some centrist Democrats have begun echoing right-wing talking points and scapegoating marginalized groups in the wake of their loss. Meyers minced no words in response: “To anyone suggesting Democrats could win elections by throwing trans people under the bus, let me just say: fuck off.”
As Democrats soul-search and debate the best path forward, they face a daunting political landscape. Trump’s second term looms, along with GOP control of Congress, governorships, and state legislatures across the country. Charting a course that speaks to Americans’ economic concerns while staying true to cherished principles on social justice and civil rights is a daunting needle to thread.
But as Stewart makes clear, surrendering to despair or compromising core values is not the answer. Regrouping, listening to voters, speaking to their struggles, and presenting a hopeful vision is the only way forward. “We have to continue to fight,” he implores, to build that more just, equitable, and prosperous society that is still possible – as distant as it may seem in Trump’s America. The road ahead for Democrats and progressives is arduous and uncertain – but giving up is not an option. As Stewart put it with passion and moral clarity, this is not the end.
