Biden’s ‘Garbage’ Gaffe, JD Vance’s Likability Coach, and The Linda Lindas

Summary

The Daily Show: Ears Edition – Detailed Summary

Release Date: October 31, 2024
Title: Biden’s ‘Garbage’ Gaffe, JD Vance’s Likability Coach, and The Linda Lindas
Host/Author: Comedy Central and iHeartPodcasts

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Introduction

In this episode of The Daily Show: Ears Edition, host Ronnie K navigates through a whirlwind of political antics, celebrity interviews, and cultural commentary. The episode delves into President Joe Biden’s controversial remarks, explores JD Vance’s enigmatic charm with the help of a fictional likability coach, and features an engaging interview with the critically acclaimed band, The Linda Lindas. Through sharp wit and incisive humor, the show offers listeners a comprehensive look at the latest headlines and cultural phenomena shaping today’s discourse.

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1. Biden’s ‘Garbage’ Gaffe

The episode opens with a heated discussion surrounding President Joe Biden's recent controversial statement, where he referred to Trump supporters as "garbage."

Key Discussions:

• Context of the Gaffe:
  Ronnie K highlights the gravity of Biden’s remarks, comparing it to Abraham Lincoln’s disparaging comments during the American Civil War.

  "During the American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called the people of the Confederacy garbage." ([03:02])

• Kamala Harris’s Response:
  Vice President Harris addresses the fallout, emphasizing unity and moving past divisive rhetoric.

  "America, for too long, we have been consumed with too much division, chaos, and mutual distrust. It doesn't have to be this way." ([01:42])

• Media Interpretation and Public Reaction:
  The correspondents dissect the ambiguity of Biden’s statement, debating whether he targeted Trump supporters specifically or the individual who made disparaging remarks about Puerto Rico. The discussion underscores the potential impact of such statements on public perception and election dynamics.

  "Calling them, quote, garbage. ... His demonization is unconscionable and it's un-American." ([02:38]-[03:02])

• Political Maneuvering:
  Republicans seize the opportunity to counterattack, turning Biden’s gaffe into a tool for their campaign narrative. The exchange satirizes the back-and-forth nature of political discourse.

  "This election is really coming down to Nazis versus grammar Nazis." ([04:43])

Notable Quotes:

• “Stop pointing fingers, you babies, and heal the divisions like empathetic adults.” – Ronnie K on Harris’s speech ([02:18])
• “He not knoweth what he said.” – Ronnie K parodying Biden’s remarks ([06:36])

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2. JD Vance’s Likability Coach

Shifting gears, the show introduces a satirical segment featuring JD Vance’s transformation into a charismatic public figure under the tutelage of a self-proclaimed likability coach, played by Jordan Klepper.

Key Discussions:

• Introduction of the Likability Coach:
  Jordan Klepper portrays Nathaniel Gordon, a fictional coach claiming to have refined JD Vance’s charm and public appeal.

  “If you're going in the pool, shirt on, ya fool. If you're going to the movies, shirt off. It's groovy.” ([14:36])

• Techniques and Strategies:
  The segment humorously outlines exaggerated methods used to enhance likability, including controversial grooming advice and mock interviews.

  “Sometimes the media will lob you a softball question. And that's when you charm the pants off them by insinuating that you have a dark side.” ([15:22])

• Parody of Political Image-Making:
  The interaction lampoons the often superficial nature of political image crafting, highlighting the absurd lengths to which public figures might go to appear relatable and likeable.

Notable Quotes:

• “All of America's most beloved politicians learned how to be charming from me.” – Jordan Klepper as Nathaniel Gordon ([14:19])
• “Boom. He could have just said, 'I'm a regular guy, boring.' Instead, he left you wondering, is this guy a high functioning alcoholic robot?” – Ronnie K ([15:19])

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3. The Linda Lindas

The episode culminates with an engaging interview featuring The Linda Lindas, a punk band gaining critical acclaim for their latest album, "No Obligation."

Key Discussions:

• Band Origins and Rise to Fame:
  The band members share their journey from playing small punk shows to opening for major acts like the Rolling Stones and Green Day.

  “We started out playing benefit shows... What if we just kept going?” ([20:46])

• Creative Process Behind "No Obligation":
  The Linda Lindas discuss the collaborative effort and challenges faced during the album’s creation, highlighting their growth as musicians.

  “We wanted to do a lot more collaborative writing and make sure to do more duets.” ([24:10])

• Political and Social Activism:
  The band emphasizes their commitment to social issues, advocating for environmental consciousness and community organization among the youth.

  “We want people to, like, care. It's never too early to start caring about issues that are happening in the world.” ([26:30])

• Humorous Anecdotes:
  The conversation is peppered with lighthearted moments, such as their backstage antics and playful banter with Ronnie K about catering preferences and hotel room tidiness.

Notable Quotes:

• “It was really, really cool. The Green Day tour was so long, but it was really worth it.” – Band Member ([21:33])
• “We are not old enough, we are old enough to care... everything is connected.” – Linda Linda ([28:08])

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Conclusion

Throughout the episode, The Daily Show: Ears Edition masterfully blends political satire with genuine cultural insights. From dissecting President Biden’s contentious remarks to humorously exploring JD Vance’s public persona and celebrating the rise of The Linda Lindas, the show offers a rich tapestry of commentary that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. Notable quotes and sharp exchanges ensure that listeners are both informed and amused, making this episode a standout edition in the series.

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Notable Quotes Summary:

• “America, for too long, we have been consumed with too much division, chaos, and mutual distrust.” – Kamala Harris ([01:42])
• “This election is really coming down to Nazis versus grammar Nazis.” – Ronnie K ([04:43])
• “If you're going in the pool, shirt on, ya fool. If you're going to the movies, shirt off. It's groovy.” – Nathaniel Gordon (Jordan Klepper) ([14:36])
• “We want people to, like, care. It's never too early to start caring about issues that are happening in the world.” – Linda Linda ([28:08])

This structured summary captures the essence of the episode, providing a comprehensive overview for those who haven't listened while highlighting key moments and memorable quotes.

Transcript

[Seth Doan]

When 60 Minutes premiered in September 1968, there was nothing like it.

[Correspondent]

This is 60 Minutes. It's a kind of a magazine for television.

[Seth Doan]

Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. But that's all about to change.

[Ronnie K]

Like, none of this stuff gets looked at. That's what's incredible.

[Seth Doan]

I'm Seth Doan of CBS News. Listen to 60 Minutes. A second look. Wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ronnie K]

You'Re listening to Comedy Central from the most trusted.

[Jordan Klepper]

Journalists at Comedy Central.

[Ronnie K]

It's America's only source for news.

[Jordan Klepper]

This is the Daily show with your.

[Ronnie K]

Host, Ronnie K. Welcome to the Daily Show. I'm Norton Shang. We got so much to talk about tonight. Trump and Kamala are having a garbage fight. RFK Jr. Is your new primary care doctor. And we find out why. J.D. vance is the most charismatic man alive. So let's get into the last week of indecision. 2024. Election Day is less than a week away, so it's time for the candidates to offer their closing arguments. Donald Trump held at Manson Square Garden that attacked Puerto Ricans, blacks, Jews, women, Asians, Samoans, immigrants. And last night, Kamala Harris went in a different direction.

[Kamala Harris]

With the White House illuminated behind her and in front of 75,000 supporters, Vice President Harris delivered her closing message. America, for too long, we have been consumed with too much division, chaos, and mutual distrust. And it can be easy then to forget a simple truth. It doesn't have to be this way. It doesn't have to be this way. It is time to stop pointing fingers. We have to stop pointing fingers and start locking arms.

[Ronnie K]

Yeah, you, fingers. It's arm time. That was Kamala's closing argument. Stop all the finger pointing, you babies, and heal the divisions like empathetic adults. Now time for her to sit back and let the positive vibes emanate across the nation.

[Correspondent]

President Biden makes comments about Trump supporters.

[Ronnie K]

Calling them, quote, garbage.

[Kamala Harris]

Joe Biden's garbage gaffe, a political headache for Vice President Kamala Harris.

[Correspondent]

It has completely changed the narrative from where it was 24 hours ago. He was clearly disparaging a whole group of people, more than half of this nation, I do not even think. During the American Civil War, Abraham Lincoln called the people of the Confederacy garbage.

[Ronnie K]

Wait, hang on. Joe Biden is still the president. Wait, and what? He's worse than the Civil War? What the hell is going on? I mean, calling Trump supporters garbage right before the election feels like a crazy thing to say, even if you believe that. I mean, just wait six more days, man, I. I Want to know what, what did he actually say?

[Correspondent]

Just the other day, a speaker at his rally called Puerto Rico a floating island of garbage. The only garbage I see floating out there is his supporters. His demonization is unconscionable and it's un American.

[Ronnie K]

Okay, I guess it's unclear if he's calling Trump supporters garbage or just the guy who called Puerto Rico garbage. Garbage. I don't know. Maybe more context will give us some more clarity. What did he say just before this?

[Correspondent]

Well, let me tell you something. I don't know the Puerto Rican that I know or Puerto Rico where I'm in my home state of Delaware.

[Ronnie K]

Oh, I see. This guy is too old and his brain is a floating pile of garbage. Of course, now the Dems don't want to admit that the President of the United States should not be using a computer unsupervised, so they went with this explanation.

[Kamala Harris]

The White House very quickly tried to argue that when he used the word supporters, he wasn't talking about Trump supporters writ large, but that there was an apostrophe in there that is what is included in the official transcript. They tried to argue that he was specifically referencing the comments from that comedian at the Madison Square Garden rally on Sunday.

[Ronnie K]

That's right. In the last week of the campaign, Republicans are calling for a roundup of immigrants and Democrats are like, you have to put the apostrophe in the right place. This election is really coming down to Nazis versus grammar Nazis. And if Democrats are relying on Americans to understand how apostrophes work, then this election is. Cause have you ever seen a sign outside a bar? I mean, they. They basically use an apostrophe to mean, here comes an ass. And look, Republicans, Republicans aren't accepting any of these excuses because they don't know what an apostrophe. And they think it's intentional that Biden called them garbage. And they could not be more excited, cuz Republicans have been under fire for their garbage thing. And now they're like, yes, Biden's garbage thing cancels out our garbage thing. So now we're back to neutral. I mean, just look how excited Marco Rubio was when he got to interrupt a Trump rally to tell Trump the news.

[Correspondent]

All right, well, I wasn't gonna say anything, but I have breaking news for you, Mr. President.

[Jordan Klepper]

You may not have heard this just.

[Correspondent]

Moments ago, Joe Biden stated that our supporters are garbage.

[Ronnie K]

Look how excited Rubio is. Everybody, everybody, everybody, look. I have great news. We are garbage. Celebrate good times. Come on. I mean, Rubio Delivered that new. He was announcing the war is over. And you can tell how excited Trump is because his face is that full orange alert. This put Trump in such a good mood that he briefly found religion.

[Jordan Klepper]

That's what it says.

[Correspondent]

That's what it says. But he doesn't know. You have to.

[Ronnie K]

Please forgive him. Please forgive him.

[Correspondent]

For he not knoweth what he said.

[Ronnie K]

He not knoweth what he said. Someone's been reading an Instagram quote about the Bible. I mean, Trump should speak like this more. It makes him sound kind of wise, like, thou art eating thy cats and thou art eating thy dog. Doggeths. Now, obviously, Republicans are happy to hit Democrats with this Biden gaffe, and obviously the media is excited to cover a garbage fight. And I guess that's what we're gonna talk about for the last week of the election. And that's fine, because it's not like anyone said anything that might have a bigger impact on our lives.

[Correspondent]

The key that I think, you know, that President Trump has promised me is control of the public health agencies, which are HHS and its sub agencies, cdc, fda, NIH and a few others, and then also the usda, which is. Which, you know, is key to making America healthy.

[Ronnie K]

Great. That sounds like the healthiest man in America, everybody. You too. Could sound like less when I'm in charge of everything. To be fair, RFK Jr. Is actually pretty healthy. I mean, he's 70 years old, and that's like 850 in Kennedy years, but still, how is this guy gonna be in charge of food quality? I mean, they found a dead worm in his brain, so even his skull can't get a higher rating than a C. Of all the characters in this election, this guy is the scariest because he doesn't believe in vaccines or pasteurizing milk. He thinks antidepressants cause school shootings and that Covid was engineered to not affect Jews, and he thinks chemicals in the water make chem. And Trump is gonna put him in charge of all the health and food and medicine. I mean, surely Trump will at least put some limits on what he can do, right? Like, Donald, you're not gonna just let this guy go wild, are you?

[Correspondent]

I'm gonna let him go wild on health.

[Ronnie K]

I'm gonna let him go wild on the food.

[Correspondent]

I'm gonna let him go wild on medicines.

[Ronnie K]

Wait, how are you gonna let him go wild on medicine? Like, what, you gonna let him dip his balls in the cough syrup? Like, for more on what RFK presidency, let's go live to CDC headquarters With Jordan Klepper. Jordan. Jordan. Why is the media paying attention to Joe Biden's gaffes when RFK running the CDC sounds like a much bigger deal?

[Correspondent]

Good question, Ronnie. It's because focusing on institutions like the CDC is what we in the media call boring. No one wants to hear the overly complex details about how RFK is going to unvaccinate people by clamping down on their arms and sucking out their injections like it's a snake bite.

[Ronnie K]

Wait, wait, would that even work?

[Correspondent]

Look, you're getting lost in the weeds, Ronnie. The real scoop is that this morning, Joe Biden said he hopes Kamala becomes President of the United States. President? Are you kidding me? What is going on here? Well, I promised to get to the bottom of it in my new prime. All the President's men.

[Ronnie K]

Wait, wait, wait, Jordan. Sorry, sorry. Could we go back to. What was that thing you said about RFK undoing my vaccinations?

[Correspondent]

I don't know. I zoned out. It was something about summoning the power of the US Military to go door to door and yada yada, yada, yada. I don't know.

[Ronnie K]

Wait, military? You mean RFK will have access to, like, tanks and shit?

[Correspondent]

I don't know. I didn't ask too many follow ups because there's so much Joe Biden news coming out. Like, this afternoon, Biden said we need to respect the will of. Of the boaters, the voters. What? This guy is all in for the 1%.

[Ronnie K]

Okay, Jordan, I mean, it's obvious that he meant the voters.

[Correspondent]

Ooh, controversy. Now we're really getting into it. We'll find out more in my two part special. Vote or Die. Will Democracy sink or swim?

[Ronnie K]

Okay, okay, Jordan, Jordan, no one cares about these gaffes or your dumb specials. Okay? How about the issues that are gonna affect day to day life? RFK Jr could be in charge of, like, school lunches.

[Correspondent]

True, true. Although I wouldn't worry too much about that. RFK told me that instead of school lunch, kids will forage for bear meat in Central Park.

[Ronnie K]

Okay, that. That sounds incredibly unhealthy.

[Correspondent]

Yeah, if you find a bad bear, sure.

[Ronnie K]

Okay, wait. Okay. Did he talk about how he was gonna implement this?

[Correspondent]

I don't know. It's not my job to ask.

[Ronnie K]

It is. You're. The media is literally the one thing you're supposed to do. Okay, stop getting distracted by all this meaningless Biden shit and focus on. On the issues that matter.

[Correspondent]

Wow. Hard truths, Ronnie. Hard truths. You know, you're right. I need to Focus more on truly informing the public, and I'll do so in my new three part miniseries, a complex look at RFK's history of intervention within the medical system, undermining public trust in our institutions while paving the way for the current national anti science movement.

[Ronnie K]

Okay, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, that's. That sounds a little boring.

[Correspondent]

Yeah, it does, doesn't it? Forget it. Check out my 12 part retrospective on that one time Biden mispronounced SCOTUS as scrotum falls in your court in American Story.

[Ronnie K]

All right. God bless the media. Jordan Klepper, everybody. When we come back, we'll find out how J.D. vance got so charming. So don't go away.

[Seth Doan]

When 60 Minutes premiered in September 1968, there was nothing like it.

[Correspondent]

This is 60 Minutes. It's a kind of a magazine for television.

[Seth Doan]

Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. But that's all about to change.

[Linda Linda]

Like, none of this stuff gets looked at.

[Ronnie K]

That's what's incredible.

[Seth Doan]

I'm Seth Doane of CBS news. Listen to 60 Minutes, a second look on Apple podcasts.

[Ronnie K]

Hey, welcome back to the Daily Show. If there's one thing we've learned from this campaign is that JD Vance is the most charismatic man alive. But how did he get that way? Well, good news. We found the man responsible.

[Correspondent]

Look, what I was basically saying is that we're effectively run in this country via the Democrats, via our corporate oligarchs, by a bunch of childless cat ladies.

[Jordan Klepper]

If there's one skill every politician needs, it's being likable.

[Correspondent]

How long?

[Kamala Harris]

How many years? Since the beginning of July.

[Ronnie K]

Okay.

[Kamala Harris]

For this year. Okay, good.

[Correspondent]

How about you, sir?

[Ronnie K]

Almost two years. Okay, good.

[Jordan Klepper]

And the truth is, most politicians aren't born with that level of charisma. They learn it from me.

[Ronnie K]

From me. You learned it.

[Jordan Klepper]

My name is Nathaniel Gordon, and I teach J.D. vance how to be likable and not off putting.

[Ronnie K]

Did you say something?

[Jordan Klepper]

No.

[Correspondent]

Okay, good.

[Jordan Klepper]

All of America's most beloved politicians learned how to be charming from me. Of course, my star pupil is JD Seen here wearing a T shirt in a pool. That was my idea. It's like I always say, if you're going in the pool, shirt on, ya fool. If you're going to the movies, shirt off. It's groovy. It's not illegal. Judy and I have worked on many likability techniques. For example, using humor, Democrats say that it is racist to believe.

[Correspondent]

Well, they say it's racist to do anything.

[Jordan Klepper]

I had a dive Mountain Dew yesterday, and one Today, I'm sure they're gonna call that racist, too, but.

[Ronnie K]

It'S good. I love you guys.

[Jordan Klepper]

Hello, Lorne Michaels. I'm just kidding. See, it's another joke. Sometimes the media will lob you a softball question. And that's when you charm the pants off them by insinuating that you have a dark side.

[Ronnie K]

Why would people in Wisconsin want to have a beer with you? Well, I guess.

[Jordan Klepper]

I guess they. They'd like. They'd want to have a beer with.

[Correspondent]

Me because I actually do like to drink beer. And I probably like to drink beer a little bit too much. But that's okay. I'm sure the media won't.

[Jordan Klepper]

Boom. He could have just said, I'm a regular guy, boring. Instead, he left you wondering, is this guy a high functioning alcoholic robot? That's interesting. Check plus mate equals check, please. The thing about being likable is it's always a work in progress. Even I, a master, need to practice to stay sharp. Hey, benches. Huh?

[Kamala Harris]

What?

[Jordan Klepper]

No, just. So, is your hair real?

[Ronnie K]

Wow.

[Jordan Klepper]

That wasn't too bad. We'll try that one out next week in Wisconsin. You know, it's really so rewarding seeing one of my pupils out in the world, using the lessons I taught him and watching the world fall in love with them.

[Ronnie K]

What makes you smile?

[Correspondent]

What makes you happy?

[Jordan Klepper]

Well, I smile at a lot of things, including bogus questions from the media. Man, I love this guy. You guys want to grab a beer after this? I like drinking beer. It's probably why I murdered my wife. I love you guys.

[Ronnie K]

When we come back, the Linda Linda will be joining me on the show, so don't go away.

[Seth Doan]

When 60 Minutes premiered in September 1968, there was nothing like it.

[Kamala Harris]

This is 60 Minutes.

[Correspondent]

It's a kind of a magazine for television.

[Seth Doan]

Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. But that's all about to change.

[Ronnie K]

Like, none of this stuff gets looked at. That's what's incredible.

[Seth Doan]

I'm Seth Doane of CBS news. Listen to 60 Minutes a second look wherever you get your podcasts.

[Ronnie K]

Hey, welcome back to the Daily Show. My guests tonight are critically acclaimed band whose new album is called no Obligation. Please welcome the amazing Linda Linda. Yo, thank you. Thanks for coming to the show. I've been watching you guys since the pandemic.

[Linda Linda]

Yeah.

[Ronnie K]

And you guys, musical prodigies, you guys had to take leave from school to come and do this gig today. You guys are literally too cool for school coming down here. Like, what subjects did you have to skip?

[Kamala Harris]

I had to Miss English and math. She had to miss math and French. Okay, so.

[Ronnie K]

So none of those. Let me tell as an adult, none of those matter. So. Don't worry about that. You'll be fine. Yeah, I was fine without. I don't even do English, to be honest. And you guys are already, like, industry veterans. Like, you guys have been playing for, like, together for how long now?

[Kamala Harris]

Six years.

[Ronnie K]

Six years. And, you know, one of. I think one of you, like, started when you were eight. That was me, right? Yeah, yeah. Like, yeah, she's out. She's amazing.

[Kamala Harris]

But we were really bad, though.

[Ronnie K]

Well, I mean, not even. I don't know if you guys were bad. You guys seem to be right out of the gatestorming, right? Like, six years in, and you very open for the Rolling Stones. You open for Green Day, right? Yeah, yeah. It's like an industry attention. I mean, I don't want to, like, ask a very generic question, but, like, how did this all start?

[Kamala Harris]

We started out, like, playing benefit shows. Like, just, like, small punk shows in la.

[Ronnie K]

Yeah.

[Linda Linda]

It was, like, with bands like the Dills and Alice. Vag and Frank were at our first shows. So, like, we've. I don't know. Punk culture is just, like, super, like, special to us. And that DIY spirit is super contagious.

[Ronnie K]

Right. Like, so you guys are like the hipster dad dream kids. You guys are like. We don't even care about any of these. We like the real punk rock bands.

[Kamala Harris]

Yeah. We did not think that we would be here, like, six years ago. That's weird for us.

[Ronnie K]

Right? But how did you guys. How did you guys get started? Like, what was the genesis of the band?

[Kamala Harris]

Well, okay, Mila and I are sisters, and then Ellie's is our cousin. We've known Bella since we were like. Mila was born, basically, and we.

[Ronnie K]

Which was two years ago.

[Correspondent]

Yeah.

[Ronnie K]

Basically.

[Kamala Harris]

You would think. No, we started out playing covers, like, and this girl called Kristen Control, who's in a band called the Dum Dum Girls, she wanted a bunch of kids to back her up for this show that she was doing. And so we were like. Happened to be, like, four of those kids. And then we were like, what if we just kept going? And then one thing led to another, right?

[Ronnie K]

And next thing you know, you're opening for Rolling Stones.

[Kamala Harris]

We're opening for the Rolling Stones. We already did that.

[Ronnie K]

And again, not to be, you know, not to be too generic of the questions, but, like, what was it like opening for those bands, like, backstage, you.

[Kamala Harris]

Know, it was really, really cool. The Green Day tour was so long, but it was really worth it because the bands and the crew, they were just really kind to us. And even the fans were really respectful and just, like, supportive of us. We put a bunch of fake cockroaches on their stage as well.

[Linda Linda]

Or they have this big bloom that goes by the audience. And we taped a big banner that said the Linda. Linda's rule on it. You know, like, just stuff like that. No, but one of the best parts of being on this tour, other than, like, seeing the bands play and, like, being in the crowd for that, is that we had catering. And so we would go and we would. We would play 20 minutes, we'd watch Rancid play, and then I'd rush to catering and pile my plate as high.

[Correspondent]

As I could go.

[Linda Linda]

It was great. I ate so much on that.

[Kamala Harris]

People really want to know, was the Rolling Stone catering better? Was the Green Day catering?

[Linda Linda]

I honestly don't.

[Correspondent]

Like.

[Linda Linda]

I just ate all of it.

[Correspondent]

Yeah.

[Kamala Harris]

Yeah, I think. I think Rolling Stones catering was better. Really? I don't know.

[Linda Linda]

I think it was all good.

[Ronnie K]

No, you can tell them that they catering sucks. Like, who's catering? And that's actually the. When I first started doing show business as well, I was surprised by the catering. Even here. I was like, man, this food, it's just free food. It's like, no. And you can just eat as much as you want. No one's gonna judge you. And I just ate all the food at the Daily show all the time. Like, I still eat all the food. And so, I mean, all this success is getting to your heads yet? Have you guys smashed hotel rooms? What's going on?

[Kamala Harris]

I mean, they leave them a mess. We leave them a mess. Yes, you guys do.

[Ronnie K]

So, yes, you do destroy hotel rooms.

[Kamala Harris]

No destroying. They're messy while we're in there, but they're not messy when we leave. Yeah, we try hotel trash cans. They're so tiny. How are you supposed to fit all your trash?

[Ronnie K]

They are tiny, and there's no plastic lining.

[Kamala Harris]

And I'm like, minimal trash.

[Ronnie K]

Okay.

[Kamala Harris]

Honestly, this is just, like, a consequence of, like, how unenvironmentally conscious people are with, like, their trash.

[Ronnie K]

Really? Okay, this sounds like a bunch of excuses for being packaging. Yeah. Open for Rolling Stones. But I guess your parents still, like, clean your room, right? Like, yeah. So you just recently released your new album, no Obligation. Yeah, this. Oh, wait, number two. So can you. This is number two Album. Number two.

[Kamala Harris]

Album Number two.

[Ronnie K]

Can you mind just. What was the creative process like creating this?

[Kamala Harris]

It Took a long time.

[Linda Linda]

It was like, over breaks from school.

[Kamala Harris]

You know, so like, over, like, spring break or, like, long weekends and stuff like that. We would do, like, a little bit at a time kind of throughout, like, almost a year and a half, I want to say. Yeah. And we really liked it because it was our second time, so it was like. The first time we were like. We were like, oh, my God, what if we break something in the studio? And the second time we were like.

[Ronnie K]

We'Re gonna break everything in the studio. This is our studio now. Yeah.

[Kamala Harris]

I think what was different about recording this one versus the last one was we really wanted to do a lot more collaborative writing. And we made sure to do more duets. Cause we all sing in our band involved. We kind of like split it up evenly so that we all sing about the same amount for each set or each.

[Ronnie K]

Whatever was it. Do you find this. What, did this come easier than the first one in terms of. Did the creativity just kind of flow?

[Kamala Harris]

I think we had more options because we felt more comfortable playing our instruments and we could make more informed decisions, I guess. We also had Weird Al guest on one of our songs. He played accordion.

[Correspondent]

I know.

[Ronnie K]

That's crazy.

[Kamala Harris]

So, like, the first album, we probably would have asked him to be like, no. The second album, he was like, sure, yeah, why not?

[Ronnie K]

Yeah, you got the cool features now you got coming in. You know, if you want, I'll lend my voice to it. I can do the intro. I'll just be like, everybody welcome.

[Kamala Harris]

What do you play?

[Ronnie K]

I play, like, barely play the whistle, but I mean, I can give you the intro if you want something. Really?

[Kamala Harris]

Oh, something like, free.

[Ronnie K]

Welcome to the Linda Linda's or whatever. I give you a very sarcastic. If that's up your alley. And you guys, like, are very politically active as well. Like, I mean, can you give us a little bit. Can you give us old timers here some insight into, like, what are kids concerned about right now?

[Kamala Harris]

I mean, like, despite what you may think, we are not Asians. How.

[Ronnie K]

How Asian? Okay. How. No, I was asking the question. I wasn' Asians. Oh, you are. Okay, good.

[Kamala Harris]

That's right.

[Ronnie K]

Okay. That's just confirming.

[Kamala Harris]

Yeah, yeah. No, we're, as a band, we're, like, half Asian and half Latina.

[Ronnie K]

Right? Yeah. And so the best combination.

[Kamala Harris]

It's like, so much good food. So much good food.

[Ronnie K]

Honestly, all the other rice eaters unite. Rice.

[Kamala Harris]

No, I was gonna say we're not. I feel like we're not, like, representation of, like, kids as a whole, you know, so well, yeah, you guys are ultra cool kids.

[Ronnie K]

Yeah.

[Kamala Harris]

Like, our opinions are just like. It's like, you know, we don't get to vote. And so we are genuinely concerned for what is to come in the future. And it's really.

[Ronnie K]

Yeah.

[Kamala Harris]

It's difficult seeing people in power that don't care about what people care about, like, protecting our rights and protecting the kids and our future.

[Ronnie K]

Like, what would be your. What would be the issues that you guys care about? What will kids worry about right now? Because I'm so out of touch. I used to be young, and then one day I woke up and suddenly TikTok became Snapchat was like. And then we turned what we were.

[Kamala Harris]

Worried about, I know. Having even just generations from us to what kindergarteners are doing right now. It's the amount of screen time, and it's just really scary to see how.

[Ronnie K]

Wait, hang on. Are you. Are you telling me that you guys are worried about the amount of screen time?

[Kamala Harris]

I mean, like, we're worried about, like.

[Ronnie K]

That's good. I'm so glad to hear that.

[Kamala Harris]

We want people to, like, care. Oh, my God. I think, you know, it's never too early to, like, start caring about issues that are happening in the world.

[Ronnie K]

Yeah.

[Linda Linda]

Like, even though we're not old enough, we are old enough to care. We are old enough to think about the world around us. We are old enough to. We're old enough to think about, you know, what, the companies that we put our money into fund. And, you know, a lot of the times it feels like issues are so far away, you know, or so big. But really, everything is connected. You know, like how the US Funds a war in the Middle east and that causes so much violence and destruction there, but that also, you know, contributes to climate change, which affects you wherever you live. And so you just gotta do what you can, you know, organize in your local communities, you know, talk to. Talk to your friends. And, you know, even if the things that you're doing feel small or feel like they won't do anything, they are valuable and they do matter.

[Correspondent]

Thank.

[Ronnie K]

Thank you. Thank you so much for saying thank Buddha. The kids are going to be okay. I'm so glad you guys exist. I'm so glad you guys make music. I'm so glad you guys care about your world. I'm so glad you kids are you. And New Obligation is available now. Explore more shows from the Daily show.

[Jordan Klepper]

Podcast universe by searching the Daily Show. Wherever you get your podcast, podcasts, watch the Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central. And stream full episodes anytime on Paramount plus.

[Seth Doan]

Paramount podcasts. When 60 Minutes premiered in September 1968, there was nothing like it.

[Correspondent]

This is 60 Minutes. It's a kind of a magazine for television.

[Seth Doan]

Very few have been given access to the treasures in our archives. But that's all about to change.

[Ronnie K]

Like, none of this stuff gets looked at. That's what's incredible.

[Seth Doan]

I'm Seth Doane of CBS news. Listen to 60 Minutes a second look wherever you get your podcasts.