TDS Time Machine | Third Party Politics

Summary

**Detailed Summary of "The Daily Show: Ears Edition"
Episode: TDS Time Machine | Third Party Politics
Release Date: July 12, 2025
Host: Jon Stewart
Platform: Comedy Central

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Introduction

In the episode titled "TDS Time Machine | Third Party Politics," hosted by Jon Stewart, The Daily Show: Ears Edition delves deep into the landscape of third-party politics in the United States. Amidst the often polarized two-party system, Stewart and the news team explore the roles, challenges, and potential impacts of lesser-known political parties on American democracy.

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1. The Landscape of Third Parties in America

Jon Stewart opens the discussion with a satirical take on third parties, highlighting the often-overlooked alternatives to the dominant Republican and Democratic parties. He humorously introduces various smaller parties, emphasizing their distinct missions and peculiarities.

• Reform Party: Presented as the "most recognizable and significant third party," Stewart mocks their mission of reform by stating, “[...] the Reform Party, and it's all downhill from there” (00:58).

• Green Party: The Green Party is portrayed as being shaken by leadership changes, with Stewart quipping about their spiritual leader's departure: “shaken by the departure of spiritual leader Al Green” (02:18).

• Girl Party and Socialist Party: Further satire is directed towards the Girl Party and the Socialist Party, with exaggerated descriptions that underscore the perceived absurdities surrounding third-party candidates.

Stewart underscores the historical significance of third parties in shaping presidential elections, albeit in a tongue-in-cheek manner, setting the stage for a more serious exploration of their roles.

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2. Exclusive Interview with Senator Bernie Sanders

The spotlight shifts to an in-depth interview with Senator Bernie Sanders, who discusses his new book, A Speech, a transcription of his infamous 8.5-hour filibuster.

• Wealth Inequality and Taxation: Sanders passionately addresses the growing income disparity, stating, “In the last 10 years, we have lost 50,000 factories in this country... the wealthiest people on this country are doing phenomenally well” (05:13).

• Critique of Tax Cuts: He criticizes the continuation of Bush-era tax breaks for the wealthy, labeling them as “insane” in the context of a “$1.6 trillion deficit” (07:54).

• Government’s Role: Sanders advocates for a balanced approach to government intervention, emphasizing the importance of Social Security, Medicare, and Pell Grants while calling for increased efficiency and honesty in government operations.

• Media Influence: He asserts that “right wing friends and all of their moneyed interests have a lot of power in the media” (06:29), highlighting the challenges faced by progressive policies in gaining traction.

Sanders’ interview provides a comprehensive look at his views on economic justice, the role of government, and the obstacles posed by entrenched political interests.

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3. Analysis of Bobby Jindal’s Republican Speech

Jon Stewart engages in a critical discussion about Republican Governor Bobby Jindal’s recent speech, featuring insights from political correspondent John O'Hara.

• Internal Critique of the Republican Party: O'Hara emphasizes Jindal’s departure from traditional Republican stances, stating, “[...] last night we saw the emergence of a vibrant third party, the Republican Party” (10:31), ironically highlighting inconsistencies within the party.

• Fiscal Discipline vs. Big Spending: The conversation delves into Jindal’s critique of the party’s fiscal irresponsibility, with O'Hara stating, “The Republicans are all about fiscal discipline, not like those big spending fat cats across the aisle” (11:00).

• Satirical Take on Party Dynamics: Stewart and O'Hara exchange humorous remarks about the Republican Party’s attempts to redefine itself, underscoring the internal conflicts and public perception challenges.

This segment underscores the fragmentation and self-critique within the Republican Party, suggesting a possible shift or realignment in its foundational principles.

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4. Panel Discussion on Third-Party Candidates

A lively panel featuring Hassan Minaj, Desi Lydic, and Adam Loewitz explores the viability and impact of third-party candidates in the current political climate.

• Gary Johnson – Libertarian Candidate: The panel discusses Gary Johnson’s aspirations and the hurdles he faces as a Libertarian candidate, including low polling numbers and the struggle to gain visibility. Lydic highlights, “Libertarian candidates have trouble then gaining traction” (31:09), reflecting on historical challenges faced by third-party contenders.

• Jill Stein – Green Party: Jill Stein’s platform focusing on renewable energy and student debt cancellation is examined with a mix of humor and critical analysis, particularly her unconventional policy propositions.

• Evan McMullin – Independent Candidate: The discussion touches upon McMullin’s emergence as a significant independent candidate opposing Donald Trump, emphasizing his stance against authoritarianism.

The panel underscores the increasing disillusionment with the two-party system and the growing support for alternatives that promise to address neglected issues.

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5. In-Depth Interview with Gary Johnson

Gary Johnson, the Libertarian nominee for President, shares his perspectives on liberty, government role, and the strategic challenges of running a third-party campaign.

• Liberty and Freedom: Johnson articulates his vision for a government that respects individual freedoms, stating, “We have to make government more efficient. But working people have rights” (10:37).

• Third-Party Challenges: He discusses the systemic obstacles faced by third-party candidates, such as achieving the necessary polling percentages to qualify for national debates, noting, “I’m polling at about 8% against the two of them” (34:24).

• Policy Positions: Johnson outlines key policy areas, including ending wars, drug reform, and balancing the federal budget, aiming to bridge gaps between traditional party lines.

Johnson’s interview provides insight into the Libertarian platform and the broader struggles of third-party candidates in a predominantly two-party system.

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6. Exclusive Interview with Evan McMullin

Evan McMullin, an independent presidential candidate and former CIA operative, discusses his motivations for running and his concerns about the current administration’s trajectory towards authoritarianism.

• Opposition to Trump’s Policies: McMullin emphasizes his stand against what he perceives as Donald Trump’s authoritarian tendencies, stating, “Donald Trump does not dictate what our rights are” (38:33).

• Principled Conservatism vs. Authoritarianism: He draws a clear distinction between traditional conservative values and Trump’s approach, highlighting the importance of protecting democratic norms and liberties.

• Call for Unity: McMullin advocates for a united front among those who value liberty and equality, warning against the dangers of an authoritarian presidency: “We have a president coming into the White House who may be an authoritarian” (41:09).

McMullin’s candidacy represents a critical voice concerned with safeguarding democratic institutions and resisting the erosion of foundational rights.

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Conclusion

In "TDS Time Machine | Third Party Politics," The Daily Show: Ears Edition offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of the role and challenges of third-party candidates in American politics. Through interviews with prominent figures like Bernie Sanders, Gary Johnson, and Evan McMullin, as well as insightful panel discussions, the episode underscores the growing dissatisfaction with the two-party system and the quest for alternatives that better represent diverse political ideologies and address systemic issues. The blend of satire and serious discourse provides listeners with a nuanced understanding of the complexities and potential of third-party movements in shaping the future of U.S. democracy.

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Notable Quotes:

• Jon Stewart: “...let’s not throw the baby out with the bathwater...” (07:54)
• Bernie Sanders: “Today we have a middle class which in many respects is collapsing.” (05:13)
• Gary Johnson: “Libertarians embrace what most people actually philosophically...” (35:08)
• Evan McMullin: “Donald Trump does not dictate what our rights are. Our rights come with us when we arrive on earth here.” (38:33)

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End of Summary

Transcript

[Jon Stewart]

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[Wyatt Cenac]

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[Jon Stewart]

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[Desi Lydic]

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[Jon Stewart]

What do you mean? I swear it was just moments ago that I accepted a great offer from Carvana online. I must have time traveled to the future. It was just moments ago. We do same day pickup. Here's your check for that great offer. It is the future.

[Desi Lydic]

It's.

[Jon Stewart]

It's the present. And just the convenience of Carvana. Sorry to blow your mind. It's all good. Happens all the time. Sell your car the convenient way to Carvana. Pick up.

[Wyatt Cenac]

Times may vary and fees may apply. You know that one friend who somehow knows everything about money?

[Jon Stewart]

Yeah.

[Wyatt Cenac]

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[Jon Stewart]

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[Wyatt Cenac]

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[Jon Stewart]

And guess what?

[Wyatt Cenac]

It's totally free. So go on, download the Experian app. Trust me, having a BFF like this is a total game changer.

[Jon Stewart]

This episode is brought to you by Pluto tv. Summer of cinema is here, and Pluto TV is exploding with thousands of free movies. Feel the explosive action all summer long with movies like Gladiator, Beverly Hills Cop, Impossible, Ghost Protocol, Good Burger, Stealth, Four Brothers, and Star Trek. Bring the action with you and stream for free on all your favorite devices. Pluto tv. Stream now, Pay never. Stream now at Pluto tv. You're listening to Comedy Central. If you're one of the millions of Americans, American voters, who thinks this presidential race is about two candidates, think again. It's important to remember that our democracy consists of more than just Republicans and Democrats. So let's take an open and honest look at America's other parties, the scary, freaky ones. The most recognizable and significant third party is the Reform Party. Their mission is reform. They're hardworking Americans taking the process into their own hands.

[John O'Hara]

Mr. Secretary called the roll.

[Jon Stewart]

That was the Reform Party, and it's all downhill from there. Then there's the Green Party, shaken by the departure of. Okay, enjoy your college education. Shaken by the departure of spiritual leader Al Green. The Green Party will be represented in this coming election by Ralph Nader, who at this moment is still talking on the abandoned set of Donah. And if the Green Party is too socially conscious for you, try the girl party. The girl party consists of girls between the ages of 17 and 20. They're having a sleepover because one of them got her hands on a bottle of Kahlua. Will they vote for me to come join them? I sure hope so. I've already made the dip. Rounding out the major players is the Socialist party with David McReynold serving as its candidate this year. You enjoy the benefits of socialism every time you go to a library or ride in a carpool. So good luck with that, David. So when making your decision on where to place your valuable vote, try to remember that in the past, third parties have always played an important role in presidential elections, that of loser. Welcome back to my guest tonight, the independent United States Senator from the great state of Vermont. His new book is called the An Historic Filibuster on Corporate Greed and the Decline of Our Middle Class. Please welcome to the program Senator Bernie Sanders. Sir, thank you for joining us.

[Bernie Sanders]

My pleasure.

[Jon Stewart]

The book is called A Speech. It is actually just a relatively faithful transcription of the eight and a half hour, would you call it a mini filibuster that you delivered?

[Bernie Sanders]

It's a filibuster. Full fledged filibuster.

[Jon Stewart]

A full fledged.

[Bernie Sanders]

8 and a half hours is real time.

[Jon Stewart]

Yeah, that's real time. And they don't do those anymore. Really? No, they always say it. They profess they will, but they don't.

[Gary Johnson]

Right.

[Jon Stewart]

And you were basically using it to protest the budget deal that Democrats and Republicans reached on the tax cut or the. Not the tax cut, the budget cut.

[Bernie Sanders]

Well, what that was about was the agreement between the President, the Democratic leadership and the Republicans which continued Bush's tax breaks for the very, very wealthy, which at a time of a huge deficit didn't make a whole lot of sense to me.

[Jon Stewart]

Bernie, how can you, how can you. Now that's not encouraging. How can you punish the most productive amongst us with what I think we all know are jobs cutting and killing tax cuts? They are job producers. Sir, I'm really quite shocked that you would go on record in this manner.

[Bernie Sanders]

Well, sorry to shock you, John, but the reality is that today we have a middle class which in many respects is collapsing. Median family income is declining. In the last 10 years, we have lost 50,000 factories in this country, many of them shutting down, going to China, millions of good paying manufacturing jobs. And in the midst of all this, the wealthiest people on this country are doing phenomenally well. We have the top 1% earning more income than the bottom 50%. The top 400 individuals in this country own more wealth than the bottom 150 million Americans.

[Jon Stewart]

You're welcome. How have we been. How have we been convinced? Because really, the tax bite in this country is the lowest it's been since the 1950s. The income disparity is larger than it's been since, what is it, the 1920s, I guess they would say. Yes, that's right. So why have we been convinced and why is the argument taking place on those terms? It is now seen as a fait accompli that to tax the high tax brackets, even back to Clinton rates of the 90s, which was very successful economically, that that is unacceptable. How has the debate been turned?

[Bernie Sanders]

Honestly, Jon, I think our right wing friends and all of their moneyed interests have a lot of power in the media. They have their own television network, they control 90% of talk radio. And what they have done is done an excellent job in diverting attention away from the real issues facing the American people.

[Jon Stewart]

But this is not our left wing friends or the Democrats are not fighting back with that either. The argument hasn't been that. The argument's been the Republicans think government's too big, they want to cut $60 billion and the Democrats say, how about 30?

[Desi Lydic]

You're right.

[Jon Stewart]

They have not in any way made an argument for efficiency, accountability, where the money would go, addressing problems.

[Bernie Sanders]

Well, I think that's some of what I dealt with in the speech. But the issue, it seems to me, is with a $1.6 trillion deficit, it is insane to think that the only way you're going to move toward a balanced budget is by slashing college Pell grants, by cutting Medicaid, by converting Medicare into a voucher program, by cutting programs that working class people and middle class people desperately need. And at the same time, our Republican friends say, well, we're going to do all of these terrible things to the most vulnerable people in America. But you know what? We're not going to ask billionaires to pay a nickel more in taxes. I think that that is insane.

[Jon Stewart]

It seems insane. Have the Democrats made the case? Here's what I fear now is that the public has lost confidence in the government's ability to solve even the most basic common sense problems. And I point to this, even the Zadroga bill that we just found out yesterday that just as this thing was passing, a congressman snuck in an amendment that makes any first responder have to prove they're not a terrorist to get their money. Now, in that atmosphere, how can we make the case to people that this government or our government is competent enough to even make common sense changes to tax codes, to regulation, or am I? Is that a false?

[Bernie Sanders]

I would look at it a different way. I'm not here to defend all aspects of government. God only knows there's an enormous amount of incompetence and Waste. But on the other hand. But on the other hand, what we do take for granted is you have a Social Security system today which for 75 years has paid out every nickel owed to every eligible American. How has reduced poverty among senior citizens from 50% to 10%. You got a Medicare system. It has its problems, but there are millions and millions of seniors today who are alive and healthy because of Medicare. You have Pell Grants, which are enabling young people to get a college education who otherwise would not have. So while we want to make sure the government is run efficiently and honestly, let's not throw the baby out with the bathwater and let's not accept that Republican line that we want to go back to the 1920s when a handful of very wealthy people controlled it all. We have fought for 70 years for rights of working people. You're seeing what's going on in Wisconsin. Even the right to collectively bargain for public employees is now being taken away. They want to do what? Some of them want to do away with the concept of the minimum wage. Concept of the minimum wage. So I think what we have to do as a people is say, sorry, yeah, we've got to make government more efficient. But working people have rights. Health care should be a right of all people, not just the privilege of the wealthy.

[Jon Stewart]

We were just discussing Bobby Jindal's speech with Moore on the Republican response to Barack Obama's sort of State of the Union address. We turn to senior political correspondent Wyatt Sinak. Wyatt, thank you very much for joining. Why? Governor Jindal's speech has been drawing a lot of criticism.

[John O'Hara]

John, for you to suggest that's because of Jindal's race is just inappropriate.

[Jon Stewart]

I'm not. I was not suggesting. That was.

[Desi Lydic]

Look.

[John O'Hara]

But where old people can only see skin color, I saw a new political dawn, John. For the first time in years, I'm excited about politics. For too long, this country's been in the iron grip of a deeply corrupted two party system. But last night we saw the emergence of a vibrant third party, the Republican Party.

[Jon Stewart]

Republican Party's been around. They controlled the White House and Congress for most of the last eight years. And I think they've been around for more than a century, some of them even individually, I believe.

[John O'Hara]

No, I see. You're thinking of the Republican Party, the guys who ran up the deficit with massive spending and multiple wars. Bobby Jindal hates those guys. Check it out.

[Jon Stewart]

Republicans lost your trust, and rightly so.

[John O'Hara]

Look at that. He nailed them.

[Jon Stewart]

Why? He said Republicans lost your trust, and rightly so. But Jindal is in the Republican Party.

[John O'Hara]

No, he's in the Republican Party. There's a difference. The Republicans are all about fiscal discipline, not like those big spending fat cats across the aisle. Man, did Jindal tear them a new one.

[Jon Stewart]

You elected Republicans to champion limited government.

[Desi Lydic]

Fiscal discipline and personal responsibility. Instead, Republicans went along with earmarks and.

[Trevor Noah]

Big government spending in Washington.

[Wyatt Cenac]

Ouch.

[John O'Hara]

Those Republicans have got a lot of work to do. But this is a big opportunity for Republicans, Wyatt.

[Jon Stewart]

Look, Republican Republicans, lickin Republican. It's all the same party.

[John O'Hara]

Do you even watch the news? Jon? The Republican party has a black guy, an Indian guy, and a milfy Wolf Huntress. All right? They're like the Mod Squad, except their enemies are taxes and gays.

[Jon Stewart]

Wide again. Taxes and gays. Those are the traditional enemies, right?

[John O'Hara]

I know. It's so cool. Two parties who clearly can't stand one another can still come together when it comes to national security.

[Jon Stewart]

All right, thank you, Wyatt. Wyatt Cenac, everybody. We'll be right back. Rated T for Teen.

[Desi Lydic]

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[Jon Stewart]

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[Desi Lydic]

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[Jon Stewart]

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Hit the new Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 and show the world.

[Desi Lydic]

That the shred's not dead. Get Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 and 4 available now.

[Wyatt Cenac]

Living with schizophrenia isn't easy, especially when you're not getting relief from some of your symptoms. It can be hard when you're still dealing with symptoms like hearing voices or seeing things that aren't there and negative symptoms like feeling unmotivated or avoiding social situations. If this sounds familiar, it might be time to talk to your healthcare provider and explore a different kind of schizophrenia treatment. Discover your [e-mail].

[Jon Stewart]

This episode is brought to you by Avid Reader Press. Legendary investor Ray Dalio's new book, How Countries Go the Big Cycle, explains the mechanics behind big debt crises. Larry Summer says Dalio's brilliant, iconoclastic approach is an invaluable resource. And Hank Paulson says it provides a solution to what is the biggest and most certain threat to our prosperity. Read it to understand the greatest economic issue of our time. Available now wherever books are sold. My guest tonight is with the Illinois Policy Institute. His new book is called A New American Tea Party the Counter Revolution Against Bailouts. Handouts, reckless spending and more taxes. Please welcome to the program John o'. Hara. Sir, thank you for joining us. The biggest call, a new American Tea Party. I'm going to ask you a question. I want an honest answer off the bat. Sir, and I expect an honest answer. Are you, sir, an elderly racist? Are you going to overthrow this very government?

[Gary Johnson]

No, John. And folks laugh and it's a good question because as you very well know, the media has a way of creating some interesting narratives.

[Jon Stewart]

They enjoy conflict, I think they enjoy the sensationalized aspects of things. So they'll seize on it. But when I met you, I understand. How old are you?

[Gary Johnson]

I'm 25.

[Jon Stewart]

You know, kids today, you should be out smoking pot in a foreigner T shirt, quite frankly. How did this come to pass that you wrote this book?

[Gary Johnson]

Well, I got involved back last year, February of last year, after that famous Santelli on air rant about, you know, he got up on the Chicago Board of Trade and started talking about the moral hazard of bailing out irresponsible corporations and a lot of folks. And he called for a Tea Party and a lot of folks said, hey, you know what if we really got one of these together and a couple friends and I got on the phone and said we were going to be in D.C. about a week later.

[Jon Stewart]

Now is it, have you found that it has been infiltrated? You set this up, you start working with your friends and now do you find when you go to a meeting, there's maybe a heavyset guy, older gentleman in the back who's like, I'm with the gop, come and talk to me. Because it feels like either they're trying to co opt it or it's natural brethren.

[Gary Johnson]

I think that in many ways, you know, the GOP might be nine times out of ten the natural vehicle for some of these ideas. But the neat thing is, and we have this empirical evidence from a handful of polls in the last month, this movement is made up of Republicans, Democrats and independents. They're very all independently minded. There's a lot of anger towards Republicans and Democrats. It's really an incumbent.

[Jon Stewart]

See, I probably read the data a little bit. It feels like when they talk about it, it's mostly very conservative leaning people.

[Gary Johnson]

Depending on which poll, about 58% or so are Republican, the rest Independent and Democrats, which is a far cry from the media narrative. That's 99% Democrats or somehow 99% Republicans are somehow GOP run. And when you say conservative, conservative economically, I mean the concerns.

[Jon Stewart]

Have you found the social views to Be conservative.

[Gary Johnson]

I think it's very. I think it's.

[Jon Stewart]

No.

[Gary Johnson]

In terms of what really drives.

[Jon Stewart]

Did you get into this to get laid? Is that it, My brother? Here's where I believe there may be some conflict. Now, I've read the book. Progressives and the left are generally. Do not come off favorably in it. What if we looked at it, it seems like the big concern for the Tea Parties is the protection of liberty. Mm. Would that be accurate?

[Gary Johnson]

I think that's a big part of it is liberty, but another big part of it is really is the role of government. And I think a lot of people feel in the Tea Party movement, and this is actually reflected in the broader public, that the government is taking on too much and doing too much.

[Jon Stewart]

Right. Here's my point. I believe in the government. Do you believe the government is the sole enemy of liberty? I guess I would say no.

[Gary Johnson]

In many ways, the government can be the protector of liberty, but there's a role for it. Look, this is another big misconception about the Tea Party. It's somehow anti government. People believe that there's a role for government. It's just what that role should be. And I think it's a very healthy debate that we're having.

[Jon Stewart]

This is, I think, my point. I believe the government can play a role. I think we've been given a false choice between tyranny and anarchy. Do you understand what I'm saying? Why not try competent government intervention as a. Just to throw it out there to see. Because everybody's comfortable with them running the military. Right? Let's bring the same urgency to them running other things. People have been very satisfied with Medicare over, you know, 60 years is a long time to last for a program. Well.

[Gary Johnson]

And so. Well, Social Security is bankrupt. It's essentially a Ponzi scheme.

[Jon Stewart]

But it's been. I mean, for a program to last 70, 80 years to the great satisfaction of its citizens, there's no question it needs reform. Right, but why throw out the baby? What would you have government do?

[Gary Johnson]

Oh, I. I would have government do a lot of things. It does. And in fact, it's not about. It's not about. It's not anti government. It's that there's a core role for government. For example, let's take the Obamacare debate.

[Jon Stewart]

Okay?

[Gary Johnson]

No question our health care system needs reform. The question is, is. Is.

[Jon Stewart]

But even more power to the government isn't Obamacare? By the very nature of you using the phrase derogatory, rather than saying, let's talk about this new health Care reform. Sure.

[Gary Johnson]

Well, that's how it's popular to discuss, though. Well, let's talk about.

[Jon Stewart]

Let's talk about. You're upset with the way they popularly discuss Tea Party movement. Why don't we use the same rules?

[Gary Johnson]

Well, it's. It's not. I don't think that's a slam. It's a moniker that it's been given because it was his.

[Jon Stewart]

John, John, John.

[Gary Johnson]

Let's call it health.

[Jon Stewart]

Let's call it the healthy. Why don't I call it the Teabagger? I don't think it's a slam. It's not a slam. It's just something I say. Well, what, What, John?

[Gary Johnson]

One is an obscure sexual fetish, the other one is a guy's name.

[Jon Stewart]

Okay, don't say obscure.

[Gary Johnson]

But look, there.

[Jon Stewart]

There's, there's.

[Gary Johnson]

There's no question. There's a role of government. It's what that role should be. And, and going to the healthcare debate, a lot of people feel that. Most people feel that there is a role for government to help the poor and disadvantaged among us get quality access to health care. The question is, is this bill the way to do it? And a lot of people feel that it wasn't okay.

[Jon Stewart]

And listen, that sounds pretty reasonable. I think part of the problem is the language of the discussion is that it's tyranny. What I hear a lot is it's government tyranny. And I think it's confusing tyranny with losing an election. My point of view was not. But I don't mean that disrespectfully. My point of view was not represented over the last eight years. Bush went to war in Iraq. I didn't want that. I didn't think it was tyranny. I just thought it was a mistake. And I was hoping that in the next election we could change it. That's all.

[Gary Johnson]

Well, and of course, you had that fringe element at anti Bush rallies.

[Jon Stewart]

Absolutely.

[Gary Johnson]

Calling him.

[Jon Stewart]

Would you say, though, that the tyranny thing, the undemocratic nature, I mean, it's sprinkled throughout your book as well.

[Gary Johnson]

The idea. In what particular sense?

[Jon Stewart]

That his policies are undemocratic, that they go against the will of the people.

[Gary Johnson]

Take the health care bill. The majority of Americans are opposed to that. And I think they had a. Most polls were opposed to this particular bill.

[Jon Stewart]

The majority of Americans were opposed to us staying in Iraq. Him leaving us there wasn't undemocratic. You elect a commander in chief for four years.

[Gary Johnson]

Oh, sure, of course. You elect public officials and you give them the responsibility of these things. But I think in many ways, they've sort of. Many incumbents have stepped over and look, Republicans and Democrats do it alike. I think people felt, particularly with this bill, that it was done in a way. It was very quick.

[Evan McMullin]

It was.

[Gary Johnson]

You know, we're not. We'll find out. Nancy Pelosi, did it take 14 months? Well, the final. The final. The final version. Nancy Pelosi said, we'll find out what's in it after it's passed. You know, it was the longest throat.

[Jon Stewart]

Shove in the history of throat shoves. Well, listen, but here. Here's. Here's the thing. It's a dialogue that needs to happen without all those pejoratives and without all those things. And I really do appreciate doing it. And you seem like a very genuine cat, a very nice guy, and I appreciate you coming out to do it. And it is. Listen, I think it's an interesting read in it. Read it, learn about it for yourselves and separate it. But I really appreciate you coming by, and I'm sorry we ran out of time and that I've been sweating the entire time I've been talking to you. No, not a problem.

[Gary Johnson]

It was a great dance.

[Jon Stewart]

All right, well, thank you very much. It's great to see you, John. A New American Tea Party. It's on the bookshelves now. John o', Hara.

[Trevor Noah]

As much as voters complain about neither of these choices being appealing come November 8, a decision has to be made. So for more on more insight on America's difficult choice, we turn to our election analysts, Hassan Minaj, Desi Lydic and Adam Loewitz, everybody, thank you so much for joining.

[Jon Stewart]

Guys.

[Trevor Noah]

Uh, Hasan, let's start with you. How does a dissatisfied voter decide between Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump?

[Gary Johnson]

Well, it's easy, Trevor. You don't. Why choose between Coke and Pepsi when you can have Diet Shasta? I'm talking about Libertarian nominee Gary Johnson.

[Trevor Noah]

Uh, I'm sorry, Hasan who?

[Gary Johnson]

Trevor Johnson is an experienced entrepreneur. He's former governor of New Mexico, and he's so legit that he calls himself Honest Johnson.

[Trevor Noah]

Honest Johnson sounds like the worst porn name ever.

[Gary Johnson]

Okay, well, I think we need some more honesty in the bedroom.

[Trevor Noah]

Oh, you know what, Hassan? I have heard about this candidate. I mean, this is the same guy who's really open about smoking weed all the time, right? I don't know if Americans want their president to be high in the Situation Room.

[Gary Johnson]

Hey, look, if America had a president who smoked weed, maybe we wouldn't be so Quick to go into war all the time. Like, imagine if George Bush would have been high, would we have gone into Iraq?

[Trevor Noah]

I think you still would have gone in, just a lot slower.

[Wyatt Cenac]

But Gary Johnson is against gun control.

[Gary Johnson]

Yeah, that's what being a libertarian means. No government anywhere. They won't raise my taxes, regulate my businesses, or tell me I can't marry a Sasquatch.

[Trevor Noah]

Oh, okay, you know that. That last. Did you say Sasqu? This is ridiculous. Desi, surely you don't agree with this madness.

[Wyatt Cenac]

No. First of all, good luck finding a Sasquatch that's single, okay? And secondly, I don't want a president who I share a weed dealer with. There's a perfectly good candidate out there who happens to be a woman, and I am with her.

[Trevor Noah]

Of course. Hillary Clinton.

[Wyatt Cenac]

No, Dr. Jill Stein. Hillary doesn't own her. You see, Trevor, the Green Party nominee is pledging to move America to 100% renewable energy and cancel all student debt. She's the perfect progressive candidate. If Hillary and Bernie had sex and someone watched it, that person would be Dr. Jill Stein.

[Jon Stewart]

Are you kidding me?

[Gary Johnson]

A candidate who's skeptical about vaccination?

[Wyatt Cenac]

Oh, is someone afraid of polio?

[Jon Stewart]

I am.

[Trevor Noah]

Okay, look, maybe. Maybe Hassan is right about the vaccines, and Desi is right that Hasan's being a little bitch about it. Um, but that's not the only thing, desi. Dr. Stein is also very suspicious of WI fi.

[Jon Stewart]

There's a video making the rounds now.

[Trevor Noah]

It's being reported out in which you.

[Gary Johnson]

Appear to say that broadband Internet access in schools, WI fi. Is somehow having an adverse health effect on children's brains.

[Jon Stewart]

Many countries, including the European Regulatory Agency, have seen fit to protect vulnerable people from that sort of radiation.

[Bernie Sanders]

I am not saying that the science.

[Jon Stewart]

Is done on this, rather that the science has just begun.

[Trevor Noah]

So, Desi, your reply to that?

[Wyatt Cenac]

Well, I don't know what's so strange about that, Trevor. Dr. Jill Stein is just saying she wants to do more research on WI fi.

[Trevor Noah]

And how am I supposed to research WI fi without WI Fi?

[Wyatt Cenac]

Aw, someone doesn't have an unlimited data plan.

[Trevor Noah]

I don't, actually.

[Jon Stewart]

Hello?

[Evan McMullin]

Can I please say something?

[Trevor Noah]

Please, Adam. Go ahead. Go ahead.

[Jon Stewart]

Yeah. Are we really having this conversation?

[Evan McMullin]

Honest Johnson or Dr.

[Jon Stewart]

Dial Up? You know, like, everyone knows who America needs. Evan McMullen.

[Trevor Noah]

Sorry, who?

[Jon Stewart]

Who? Just roll the clip. Former CIA operative Evan McMullen launching an independent bid for the White House. McMullen is being funded and helped by.

[Evan McMullin]

GOP members unhappy with Trump.

[Jon Stewart]

That's a real choice there, Trevor.

[Trevor Noah]

Evan McMullen Adam, are you supporting McMullen? Because you guys look exactly the same.

[Jon Stewart]

Wow. Wow.

[Gary Johnson]

So all bald people look alike to you, huh?

[Trevor Noah]

Yeah, actually, to be honest, they do.

[Desi Lydic]

I think so too.

[Gary Johnson]

It's crazy, right?

[Jon Stewart]

I once got mistaken for Ving Rhames. What? I know. Well.

[Trevor Noah]

Well, thank you so much to our panel.

[Desi Lydic]

We.

[Trevor Noah]

We came into this discussion talking about two candidates. We came out realizing that there were actually five people who could become President of the United States.

[Jon Stewart]

Whoa, hold on, hold on.

[Gary Johnson]

Uh, hold on. Trevor, I said you can vote for Gary Johnson, but there is no way he can win this election. Voting Gary Johnson is as useless as me getting TSA PreCheck. I'm still getting that random search.

[Wyatt Cenac]

Yeah, yeah, I think Jill Stein is great, but the truth is, America is a two party system, so voting for Jill Stein is like throwing pennies in a wishing well. It's fun to say what you wish for, but that doesn't mean it's gonna come true.

[Jon Stewart]

Yeah, I don't even remember my guy's name.

[Trevor Noah]

Evan. Evan McMullen.

[Evan McMullin]

Who?

[Trevor Noah]

The guy you were talking about earlier.

[Desi Lydic]

You mean Ving Rhames?

[Trevor Noah]

All right, you know what? We're have to cut it there. Thank you so much for wasting everyone's time. Give it up for the correspondents One more time, everybody. We'll be right back.

[Jon Stewart]

This episode is brought to you by Greenlight. Get this. Adults with financial literacy skills have 82% more wealth than those who don't. From swimming lessons to piano classes, Us parents invest in so many things to enrich our kids lives. But are we investing in their future financial success? With Greenlight, you can teach your kids financial literacy skills like earning, saving and investing. And this investment costs less than that. After school treat savings start prioritizing their financial education and future today with a risk free [e-mail] Spotify greenlight.com Spotify this episode is brought to you by LifeLock. Between two factor authentication, strong passwords and a VPN, you try to be in control of how your info is protected. But many other places also have it and they might not be as careful. That's why Lifelock monitors hundreds of millions of data points a second second for threats. If your identity is stolen, they'll fix it, guaranteed or your money back. Save up to 40% your first year. Visit lifelock.com podcast for 40% off terms apply. This episode is brought to you by Progressive Insurance. Do you ever find yourself playing the budgeting game? Well, with the name your price tool from Progressive, you can find options that Fit your budget and potentially lower your bills. Try [e-mail] Progressive Casualty Insurance Company and affiliates Price and coverage match limited by state law. Not available in all states. My guest tonight, he is the former governor of New Mexico. He is now the Libertarian candidate for President of the United States. Please welcome to the program. Governor Gary Johnson. Hello.

[Gary Johnson]

Thank you.

[Jon Stewart]

Nice to see you. Good to be here. Now you. So you are now the Libertarian nominee.

[Desi Lydic]

I'm the Libertarian nominee. I'm going to be one of three candidates on the ballot in all 50 states. Obama, Romney being the other two.

[Jon Stewart]

So this is big dog stuff. This is. How did they approach you? Did they. You were running in the Republican primary or trying to get on the.

[Desi Lydic]

Yeah, kind of a mutual thing. I mean, they asked me if I would consider running and for the most part, I think I'm delivering a message of liberty and freedom very much along the same lines as Ron Paul. I don't think Ron Paul's going to be successful getting the nomination. I wish him luck.

[Jon Stewart]

The Republican nomination.

[Desi Lydic]

Republican nomination. So that message goes away when his candidacy comes to an end. And who's to say it comes to an end? I mean, I still.

[Jon Stewart]

Was there any thought that he would then go to the. Did they ever talk to him or is there a talk of the two of you? Is there any of that kind of.

[Desi Lydic]

No, none of that going on. Ron Paul asked for my endorsement in 2008. I readily gave that endorsement. And when I dropped out of the Republican Party, I asked everyone that was going to vote for me to vote for Ron Paul. But like I say, I think that's going to come to an end.

[Jon Stewart]

Libertarian. Very interesting because Democrats and Republicans both seem to agree with half of it. Yeah, but the opposite halves.

[Desi Lydic]

No, I guess it's like one of.

[Jon Stewart]

Those friendship necklaces that has like the. Have. And each one has a half and if they put it together. Oh my God, a libertarian. So.

[Desi Lydic]

So. Well, I think so the notion that most people in this country are fiscally responsible, socially tolerant. I'm in that group. I think most Americans are in that group. Libertarian candidates going to come at Obama from the left and going to come at Romney from the right. Kind of that.

[Jon Stewart]

So nobody sees this coming. That's what I'm saying. Why is it that the Libertarian candidates have trouble then gaining traction? Because even you were saying in presidential politics, no one's gotten more than 1%, but there is very popular policy within those party platforms.

[Desi Lydic]

No, I totally agree. I totally agree that there are more libertarians, people that declare themselves libertarians than vote Libertarian. Right now, though, you have an unprecedented amount of people in this country saying they would consider voting for a third party candidate. We'll see if that takes place. But more important than anything is the message. I mean, the notion that let's end the war, let's end the war in Afghanistan, let's bring the troops home, let's not bomb Iran, let's end the drug wars, let's balance the federal budget. These are important issues that, you know, half, half are embraced by the Democrats, half will be embraced by the Republicans.

[Jon Stewart]

What holds it back? Here's what I think holds it back. People say, like everybody is for, I'm for making my own choices. And then people screw up. And because you are, let's face it, you're a marathoner, you've climbed mountains, you're a governor. Not all of us can do that. Some of us like Doritos or.

[Desi Lydic]

I do too, by the way.

[Jon Stewart]

But I, what I'm, what I suggesting is Libertarian is that a good party for people that are perhaps not as able. You know, one of the things that always struck me is do libertarians put too much trust in us? Are we impressive?

[Desi Lydic]

Have the two parties gotten so out of touch? Have they gotten so out of touch and paper, rock, scissors. I mean, if we elect a Republican or a Democrat, is there really going to be a difference four years from now? I don't know if there's really going to be a difference.

[Jon Stewart]

Well, I would say there was in the, you know, the difference between, let's say, George Bush and whoever the Democrat was or the difference between Obama and who the Republican is, I think.

[Desi Lydic]

Well, and then you're.

[Jon Stewart]

There's a good distance. There is that distance, though, along the lines of what people might want. But I don't necessarily believe that both parties are identical. They have, each has their own perhaps strength and weakness.

[Desi Lydic]

Well, absolutely. And like I say, historically, I think people have embraced the Democrat party because they're good on civil liberties. I'm going to make the case that I'm better on civil liberties than Obama. Historically, I think Republicans are about dollars and cents, the checkbook. Historically, Republicans are good in that category. But I'm going to make the case that I'm better than Romney when it comes to dollars and cents. Now that's the case that I'm going to try and make.

[Jon Stewart]

How do you make that case? Can you get on? How do you get onto the debate? How can you become like Ross Perot did and get included in the national debate?

[Desi Lydic]

So the notion here is to actually win the race. I mean, that's the pie in the sky notion to do that. I've got a poll at 15% to get on the national debate stage with Obama and Romney. Right now I'm polling at about 8% against the two of them.

[Jon Stewart]

Okay, hold on.

[Desi Lydic]

I think more important than.

[Jon Stewart]

I'm just working this out.

[Desi Lydic]

Well, the biggest ingredient in my being at 8% is the fact that I'm the third name being listed. Not so much me, but the opportunity exists that people recognize there are going to only be three candidates on the ballot in all 15 states.

[Jon Stewart]

You've got to get to 15%. Whose rule is that?

[Desi Lydic]

That's the Presidential debate commission that established that as a result of Ross Perot.

[Jon Stewart]

Oh, really?

[Desi Lydic]

Yeah, yeah.

[Jon Stewart]

Because they went like, we don't want another crackpot. We don't want another crackpot in here. Guys coming in here going, exactly. Here's what you gotta do.

[Desi Lydic]

So let's set a 15% threshold. And anyway, lots of opportunity to change the world a little bit.

[Jon Stewart]

Do you have you found when you're talking to people, they're more open to it, where you go out and you go, you know, there's also RC Cola also very tasty. Like, when you talk to people, they. Right. Do they say like, oh, my God, I never tasted libertarianism. Let me. Oh, oh.

[Desi Lydic]

That'S the opportunity. The notion that perhaps libertarians embrace what most people actually philosophically. You know, it's one thing to philosophically be in tune with the Libertarian Party. It's another thing to actually point out the problems that face the country. I think a homeless person could do those two. Those same things. But I think you have to have a resume to actually do this. And I'm posing myself as having that resume also having served two terms as governor of New Mexico in a state that's 2 to 1 democrat and taken on issues that I think were really important and politics be damned.

[Jon Stewart]

I'm glad that you gave those impressive credentials, because at first I thought what you were saying was, hey, man, I'm better than a homeless guy. I wasn't sure at first where you were going with this. It sounded like you were saying, look, a homeless guy could do what I'm doing right now.

[Desi Lydic]

But I'm just saying homeless guy could point out the problems. Homeless guy could maybe even point out the solutions. But I don't.

[Jon Stewart]

But the guy in my corner is doing it all day and all night. Turns out it's Eleanor Roosevelt's fault. Well, Governor, I wish you well, you had Good success. Meeting with the people and starting to generate some enthusiasm.

[Desi Lydic]

Well, yes, that's what it's all about. I have seen nothing but increased crowds, increased appetite for what it is that I have to say. I wouldn't be doing this if that weren't the case.

[Jon Stewart]

This show, couple people watching it. Yes. I was gonna say this show's not gonna help that much, but it's a start is what I'm saying. Call Brian Lamb, Governor Gary Johnson, ladies and gentlemen, Libertarian candidate.

[Trevor Noah]

My first guest is a former CIA operative, the former House Republican chief policy director, and 2016 independent presidential candidate. Please welcome Evan McMullen.

[Jon Stewart]

Welcome.

[Trevor Noah]

Thank you for being here. Let's jump straight into it real quick. For those who don't know you. I mean, you were a name and a face that I wasn't familiar with during this race, and then when it got really deep into the election, all of a sudden you came out of nowhere and you said, I'm running. I'm a conservative, and I'm running to oppose Donald Trump.

[Evan McMullin]

That's right.

[Trevor Noah]

Why did that happen?

[Evan McMullin]

Well, it happened because somebody from the conservative side needed to stand up and oppose Donald Trump's bigotry and his threat to our system, his threat to our democracy. It couldn't only be Hillary Clinton standing up for the most fundamental ideals upon which this nation was founded. Number one, that all men and women are created equal. And number two, that we have liberty, we have rights that come from the fact that we're humans, not from the government and not from any leader. Donald Trump does not dictate what our rights are. Our rights come with us when we arrive on earth here. And the government's role is to protect them.

[Jon Stewart]

Now, we. It's.

[Trevor Noah]

It's interesting. It's interesting that you. That you use the word dictate because we. No, we made a joke on the show about Trump is an African dictator, but you worked as a CIA operative, which I'm assuming means spy, you know, which makes you look like Jason Bourne kicked you out of a window somewhere. Like you have. No, you've got that look like the guy who.

[Jon Stewart]

That's fair, though. That's fair.

[Trevor Noah]

You look like you blend into a crowd and you fight with Jason Bourne. Um, but.

[Jon Stewart]

But you've.

[Trevor Noah]

You've worked all over the world.

[Evan McMullin]

Yeah.

[Trevor Noah]

For the CIA. And what really interested me is I read your op ed in the. In the New York Times where you wrote about the fact that you've seen leaders like Trump all over the world.

[Jon Stewart]

Mm.

[Trevor Noah]

What does that mean?

[Evan McMullin]

Well, yes, I mean, I Served all over the world, especially in South Asia and the Middle east and Africa. And there I saw authoritarians, and I saw how they operate, what they do. The most important thing to understand about an authoritarian is that an authoritarian is uncomfortable with any threat to his or her power. And that could be the law, for example, the Constitution in our case. That could be other leaders, it could be other branches of government. It could be cultural norms, democratic norms. It could even be the expectation of consistency or common decency. All of those things threaten, in the mind of an authoritarian, their power. What they want, is for everything they say right now, their latest whim, to be supremely important. And so if they undermine or destroy all of those restraints or other sources of power, that inflates their power or grows their power at our expense. And so I see that in Donald Trump. I saw that during the campaign. I certainly see that now post election. So who knows what will come next?

[Jon Stewart]

This.

[Trevor Noah]

This is where I'm confused. So I, I go, evan, you are a conservative. You are running for president. I go, help me and my viewers understand the difference between a principled conservative and Donald Trump. So I go, so with regards to, let's say, a ban on Muslims, what is your view on that?

[Evan McMullin]

Well, it's absolutely counterproductive and runs counter to everything we should believe in in this country are foundational principles. I've opposed that publicly over and over again.

[Trevor Noah]

So with regards to, let's say, climate change, because, I mean, the official stance now of, you know, Donald Trump and his administration is that this is, they said, a load of bunk, I believe, and it does not exist. Is that a conservative standpoint or is that a Donald Trump thing?

[Evan McMullin]

Well, a lot of Republicans hold that view. I don't. I think the climate is changing. I think we are contributing to that, and I think we need to take action in response to it. Now, we can debate how to do that. Yes, but, but, but, yes, but you know what? I think there's. There's something, I mean, that's an important issue. Don't get me wrong. Yeah, but, but we've got to fight for liberty and equality in this country, and we can debate these kinds of things, which are important. Don't get me wrong. We have so many important challenges in this country, but there's a real opportunity for those of us on the right and the left who are still standing for the truth that all men and women are created equal, regardless of the color of their skin or their faith or their gender. Those of us who are still standing for that and standing for liberty, for our basic freedoms. We need to stand together right now because we have a president coming into the White House who may be an authoritarian. Now, let's see what happens when he actually gets there. But every data point we've seen so far essentially suggests that he will be an authoritarian. Let's unite. We will have these political debates on these other issues. They're important, don't get me wrong. But this is a, this is a different kind of moment here. I fear.

[Trevor Noah]

You know, you know what it sounds like you're saying, like when you watch Independence Day in those movies and the people are like, I know we have our differences, but the aliens are coming.

[Jon Stewart]

And right now we can all agree that the aliens are gonna come kill us all. I hope it's not that bad.

[Trevor Noah]

That's pretty much what it sounds like. But you know what? I would love to have you back on the show. I'm sure we won't agree on everything, but I'm glad you came on and I appreciate your voice. Thank you very much.

[Jon Stewart]

Likewise. Explore more shows from the Daily show podcast universe by searching the Daily Show. Wherever you get your podcasts, watch the Daily show weeknights at 1110 Central on Comedy Central and stream full episodes anytime on Paramount.

[John O'Hara]

This has been a Comedy Central podcast.