Assad’s Exit, A McDonald’s Arrest, and Ben Wikler’s Democratic Blueprint - The Daily Show: Ears Edition

Summary

The Daily Show: Ears Edition
Episode: Assad’s Exit, A McDonald’s Arrest, and Ben Wickler’s Democratic Blueprint
Release Date: December 10, 2024
Host: Jon Stewart
Guest: Ben Wickler, Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party

Introduction

In this episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, Jon Stewart welcomes Ben Wickler, the Chair of the Wisconsin Democratic Party, to discuss pressing political developments both internationally and within the United States. The conversation navigates through the fall of Syrian dictator Bashar Assad, a bizarre arrest at a McDonald's, and Wickler’s strategic vision for the Democratic National Committee (DNC).

The Fall of Assad and Its Aftermath

[02:19] Jon Stewart:
"We can often get cynical about the state of things in the world... But then at our lowest, we get images like these from this weekend. A moment in time of pure, unalloyed joy..."

Jon Stewart opens the discussion by describing the dramatic overthrow of Syria's Assad regime. He paints a vivid picture of Syrian citizens celebrating the end of Assad's 50-year rule, highlighting the toppling of statues as symbols of fallen dictatorship. Stewart humorously contrasts the destruction of Assad's monuments with everyday moments, such as people looting his palace furniture.

[06:07] Ben Wickler:
"Assad fleeing with his family to Russia, where he had been granted asylum on humanitarian grounds."

Wickler provides clarity on Assad's exit, explaining that Assad fled to Russia, subsequently involving himself in the conflict in Ukraine. Stewart humorously speculates about the ensuing chaos in Assad’s absent palace, emphasizing the swift and unexpected nature of the regime's collapse.

[09:39] Ben Wickler:
"The leader of the Islamist rebel group."

The conversation takes a serious turn as Wickler introduces Abu Mohammed Al Jelani, a former Al-Qaeda member who now leads the rebel group that overthrew Assad. Despite a $10 million bounty on his head and alleged ties to ISIS, Jelani presents himself as a reformed and benevolent leader striving for a democratic Syria.

Notable Quote:
[10:37] Ben Wickler:
"There must be a legal framework that protects and ensures the rights of all, not a system that serves only one sect."

Ben Wickler’s Democratic Blueprint

Transitioning to domestic politics, Jon Stewart engages Wickler in a discussion about his role in revitalizing the Wisconsin Democratic Party and his aspirations to lead the DNC.

[17:03] Ben Wickler:
"Republicans took over Wisconsin in 2010 and immediately smashed unions, suppressed voting rights, gerrymandered the living daylights out of legislative maps to make sure they'd never lose power..."

Wickler outlines the challenges faced by Democrats in Wisconsin, particularly focusing on rampant gerrymandering and suppression tactics employed by Republicans to maintain political dominance. He highlights significant victories, such as flipping two state Supreme Court seats and reelecting Governor Evers, which led to the redrawing of fair legislative maps.

[19:28] Jon Stewart:
"Defensiveness."

In a candid moment, Stewart probes whether Wickler has encountered resistance within the DNC establishment. Wickler emphasizes the importance of grassroots organizing and authentic engagement with voters, contrasting his populist approach with what he perceives as a more corporatist vibe in traditional DNC strategies.

[20:46] Ben Wickler:
"What we want is a government that is structurally required to pay attention to what people want and is held accountable for what happens, whether or not they actually deliver it."

Wickler advocates for a Democratic strategy centered on accountability and direct support for working-class voters, stressing the need to move beyond mere analytics and data-driven campaigns to genuine, impactful governance.

Notable Quote:
[25:10] Jon Stewart:
"Is someone writing this down? Stop with the analytics. Just, oh, I'm sorry..."

Challenges Facing the Democratic Party

The dialogue delves into the systemic and messaging challenges that the Democratic Party faces in contemporary politics.

[23:09] Ben Wickler:
"These voters have a lot going on in their lives... if you're experiencing hardship, you're gonna vote for change. You're gonna vote for something else."

Wickler addresses the disconnect between Democratic messaging and the lived experiences of working-class voters, emphasizing that policies must resonate on a personal level to drive electoral success.

[26:08] Ben Wickler:
"If we're not winning working-class voters again across race and ethnicity... we're gonna lose. And we are the party that actually believes everyone should be able to join a union and fight for better working conditions and wages."

He underscores the necessity of rebuilding connections with voters who feel marginalized by the current economic and political landscape, advocating for policies that address their immediate concerns.

[29:00] Jon Stewart:
"Or vote to overthrow any status quo."

Stewart and Wickler discuss the implications of political cynicism fostered by Republican strategies, highlighting the importance of the Democratic Party presenting a clear and competent alternative.

Strategic Vision for the Future

Ben Wickler outlines his vision for the DNC, emphasizing grassroots engagement and authentic communication.

[32:43] Ben Wickler:
"There are thousands of people who work in politics... You actually have to fight in a way that makes a difference in people's lives so that they remember who was on their side when something went wrong."

Wickler advocates for a bottom-up approach, prioritizing community-driven initiatives and transparent governance to rebuild trust and ensure responsive leadership.

[34:14] Ben Wickler:
"We have to show that we're fighting for people, that it works, that we can deliver."

He stresses the importance of demonstrating tangible results and maintaining an authentic connection with voters to counteract political disillusionment.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with a lighthearted exchange between Stewart and Wickler, reinforcing the importance of passionate and effective political leadership. Stewart humorously announces Wickler as a nominee for DNC chair, highlighting the energy and dedication Wickler brings to the Democratic cause.

[35:33] Jon Stewart:
"Ben Wickler is a nominee for president of the... Democratic National Committee... this is official."

Wickler reiterates the critical role of leadership in mobilizing millions of people to achieve electoral victories, emphasizing collective effort and grassroots involvement.

[35:33] Ben Wickler:
"Listen, it matters who leads the Democratic National Committee... I'm running to get people involved. I want people to join and fight and win."

Notable Quotes Summary

Ben Wickler on Democratic Strategy:
“What we want is a government that is structurally required to pay attention to what people want and is held accountable for what happens, whether or not they actually deliver it.” [19:28]
Ben Wickler on Voter Engagement:
“These voters have a lot going on in their lives... if you're experiencing hardship, you're gonna vote for change. You're gonna vote for something else.” [23:09]
Jon Stewart on Political Messaging:
“Stop with the analytics. Just, oh, I'm sorry...” [25:10]

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition masterfully blends international and domestic political analysis with humor and sharp commentary. Jon Stewart and Ben Wickler engage in a thoughtful dialogue about the intricacies of political strategy, the importance of authentic voter engagement, and the challenges facing the Democratic Party. Through insightful discussions and memorable quotes, listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of the current political landscape and the pathway forward envisioned by one of its emerging leaders.

Listen to The Daily Show: Ears Edition weeknights on Comedy Central at 11/10c or stream it on Paramount+.

Transcript

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Jon Stewart (0:29)

Hey, everybody, Jon Stewart here. I am here to tell you about my new podcast, the weekly show coming out every Thursday. We're going to be talking about the election, earnings calls. What are they talking about on these earnings calls? We're going to be talking about ingredient to bread ratio on sandwiches. I know you have a lot of options as far as podcasts go, but how many of them come out on Thursday? Listen to the weekly show with Jon Stewart. Wherever you get your podcast.

Ben Wickler (1:00)

You'Re listening.

Jon Stewart (1:00)

To Comedy Central from the most trusted journalists at Comedy Central. It's America's only source for news.

Geico Advertiser (1:13)

This is the Daily show with your host, Jon Stewart.

Jon Stewart (1:40)

Boom. Welcome to the Daily Show. My name is John Stewart. Man, do we have a good show for you tonight. The chairman, not the alderman, not the assistant, the chairman of the Wisconsin Democratic Party. Only at the Daily show does that get a big round of applause. Really? Wisconsin Democratic Party Ben Wickler is going to be joining us to discuss the future of the national Democratic Party. Specifically, is there going to be one?

Ben Wickler (2:19)

I don't know.

Jon Stewart (2:20)

But first, ladies and gentlemen, we can often get cynical about the state of things in the world, fall in a cycle of despair, as though the horrors and deprivations of our modern world can never be overturned or undone. But then at our lowest, we get images like these from this weekend. A moment in time of pure, unalloyed joy, the delirious, almost uncomprehending excitement for a people celebrating a suddenly bright and hopeful new future. Yes, even the people of Syria are celebrating the New York Mets signing Ron Soto, chanting, you heard them. You heard them in the streets chanting. I can only assume we're going to the series. I, I, I kid. Of course, those images were jubilant Syrians celebrating the end of the 50 year rule of the murderous, despotic Assad family, a result that would have seemed incomprehensible even two weeks ago. And you know it's the real deal because they sealed it with the universal symbol of fallen dictatorships, the traditional toppling of the statues. They pulled them down with rope, they toppled the horse. One, they knocked over the one where Assad signaled field goal. They even paraded Assad's head through the streets like a decapitated Charlie Brown in the Macy's Day parade. And if I may, a quick word to the many remaining despots in the Middle East. It is my deepest hope that when you see this footage, you realize once and for all that you are really skimping on statue structural integrity. Because when you are overthrown, and you will be. They're just going through these statues like it's tissue paper. I mean, this one here. Look at this one here. The guy just pushes it over with one hand. It's all boom. It's just one guy. This statue is a symbol of my eternal power and iron fist. That. Oh, no, don't touch it. It's just clay and pressed wood shavings. Father always told me, if it's worth putting up a symbol of autocracy, it's worth doing it right. And while the dictators could have made it fun for people by filling the statues with candy or something, Assad's former subjects are still finding a way to have fun with the toppled totems. It's like their new public transport system. Some kind of. Some kind of Syrian version of a Club Med banana boat. By the way, I. I don't speak Arabic, but I'm pretty sure that what they were chanting there is mustache rides 5 cents. Oh, I know that fella there is feeling the sweet taint of freedom. But while Statu Assad is being teabagged in the streets, actual Assad has left the building.