The Daily Show Presents: A Live Election Special

Summary

The Daily Show: Ears Edition - Episode Summary: "A Live Election Special"

Introduction

In the highly anticipated live election night special of The Daily Show, host Jon Stewart, alongside The Daily Show News Team from Comedy Central and iHeartPodcasts, delves into the tumultuous landscape of the 2024 American elections. Airing on November 6, 2024, the episode provides a satirical yet insightful analysis of the night’s biggest headlines, featuring live correspondences from key battleground states, exclusive interviews, and comedic takes on unfolding events.

Campaign Headquarters Coverage

The show kicks off with correspondents stationed at pivotal campaign headquarters, offering a pulse on the ground-level sentiments.

• Trump Headquarters: Troy Iwata, reporting from Trump’s base, humorously highlights the surreal atmosphere, noting, “We have to wear them [garbage bags] to prove that we're not garbage” ([02:50]). The tension is palpable as supporters anxiously await election results, with Jon quipping, “They are fired up, everybody,” underscoring the charged environment.

• Harris Headquarters: Grace Kuhenschmitt provides an inside look at Kamala Harris's campaign stronghold. She remarks on the campaign's reliance on celebrity endorsements, lamenting, “They are starting to run out of celebrities” ([04:10]). The mood remains tense, with Stewart observing, “People are really sick of all the positive signs and just want to find out the results so they can start the insurrection” ([02:30]), blending humor with a critical view of the political climate.

Swing State Spotlight: Pennsylvania with Jordan Klepper

In a segment from Pennsylvania, Jordan Klepper offers a comedic exploration of the state’s significance.

• Jordan Klepper: Emphasizing Pennsylvania's role as a microcosm of the nation, Klepper states, “Pennsylvania is representative of our nation's voters as a whole” ([05:27]). His humorous take on local culture and voter behavior adds levity, especially when he humorously confuses historical landmarks with modern slang: “What's the white block? Cream cheese? Such rich culture” ([06:04]).

Exclusive Interview: Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs

Jon Stewart engages in a candid interview with Arizona’s Democratic Governor, Katie Hobbs, addressing both local and national election dynamics.

• Katie Hobbs: Hobbs discusses the complexities of Arizona's voting system, highlighting the challenges posed by a lengthy ballot: “The ballot was four pages... it was certainly a burden on voters” ([12:54]). She passionately defends her veto of 216 bills, attributing it to combating legislative chaos: “We have a legislature that is run by literal insurrectionists and indicted fake electors” ([13:12]).

• Hobbs also touches on Arizona’s critical referendum to enshrine abortion rights, expressing optimism about its passage: “I'm optimistic about that passing and us being able to restore our rights here in Arizona” ([13:59]).

Election Center Analysis with Michael Costa

Stewart and Michael Costa navigate the complexities of election data through satirical tools like the "juliometer" and "comelometer."

• Michael Costa: Demonstrates the fictional "juliometer," commenting, “If a few dead people start voting, we see the drip” ([19:43]). The segment parodies the overcomplication of election analytics, with Stewart reacting, “That's just so stupid” ([21:29]).

Voter Panels and Undecided Voters

The show humorously addresses the uncertainty surrounding undecided voters, featuring Ronny Chieng’s interaction with Mei La, an undecided voter.

• Ronny Chieng: Highlights the indecision among voters, stating, “They are undecided voters. They're too stupid to live independently” ([26:05]). The segment lampoons the often incongruous nature of voter panels, culminating in a comedic portrayal of panel distress when the election concludes mid-discussion.

Michigan’s Lieutenant Governor Garland Gilchrist II

Reporting from Michigan, Lieutenant Governor Garland Gilchrist II provides an optimistic perspective amidst Trump's controversial statements.

• Garland Gilchrist II: Emphasizes the strength of Michigan's voter mobilization: “We've contacted 3 million voters just in the last weekend” ([30:18]). He counters Trump's divisive rhetoric by asserting, “They don't want a president who insults them. They want an optimist” ([31:46]).

Closing Analysis and Reflections

As the night progresses, Stewart offers a sobering yet hopeful reflection on the election’s unpredictability and the nation’s resilience.

• Jon Stewart: Concludes, “We have to remember that in 2008... this is the beginning, the first election of the future, really” ([44:03]). He underscores the cyclical nature of political victories and losses, advocating for continued societal progression regardless of the night’s outcome.

Notable Quotes

• Jon Stewart: “This is the sound of a crowd that does not tune into a television set and has no idea what's happening out there in the world.” ([00:53])

• Katie Hobbs: “We took quick action and Arizonans got to make sure their voices were heard today.” ([12:44])

• Garland Gilchrist II: “We believe in people who believe in our ability to win, to win the future, to win in manufacturing, to win in technology.” ([35:27])

Conclusion

Jon Stewart’s live election special masterfully blends humor with earnest political discourse, providing viewers with a multifaceted look at the 2024 elections. Through sharp satire and insightful interviews, the episode captures the essence of America’s democratic process, celebrating voter engagement while critiquing the absurdities of modern political campaigns. Whether dissecting campaign strategies or highlighting the fervor at polling stations, The Daily Show: Ears Edition delivers a comprehensive and entertaining election night coverage, ensuring that audiences are both informed and entertained throughout the electoral journey.

Transcript

[Seth Doan]

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

[Jon Stewart]

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.

[Katie Hobbs]

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.

[Jon Stewart]

You'Re listening to Comedy Central.

[Michael Costa]

From the most trusted journalists at Comedy Central and actually live, actually special Special report. The Daily show presents Indecision 2024.

[Jon Stewart]

Election Night in America.

[Michael Costa]

Nothing we can do about it now.

[Jon Stewart]

Here's your host, Jon Ste. Hey, everybody. Boom. Prisoner crowd. Yeah, that crowd is. They are fired up, everybody. Welcome to the Daily Show. My name is John Stewart. That is the sound of a crowd that does not to a television set and has no idea what's happening out there in the world. My name is Jon Stewart. It is election day, and we are coming to you live, corresponding in school all around the country. My solemn vow to you is this. We are not leaving here until this election is over. Although obviously Family Guy starts at midnight. We do not yet have a projected winner at this time. But as is my custom on election night, I keep the sound off and I just go and watch to see how we're doing with it off. Let's go over to MSNBC and see their. Oh, there. Their faces look like someone said their sponsorship deal with Warby Parker is over. And then over at Fox, let's take a quick. Oh, look at that. It looks like their dad got the court to drop the DUI charges. So what does that mean? But we've got full team coverage tonight. We've got Grace Kuhenschmitt at Harris headquarters. We've got Troy Iwata at Trump headquarters. We've got Jordan Klepper in the swing state of Pennsylvania. First we're going to go to Troy and Grace. Troy, I'm going to start with you, Troy, at Trump headquarters. But what are you wearing, Troy? It's a garbage bag. Yeah, we have to wear them to prove that we're not garbage. It doesn't make a lot of sense. A lot of stuff doesn't make sense here. Yeah. Grace, you're at Kamala Harris campaign headquarters. What is the mood there? It's tense, John, but they're still doing everything they can. They're throwing every last celebrity up on stage, although they are starting to run out of. Of celebrities. Well, who's on stage now? Yeah. So they just had on Carrot Top. Stepdad and Solange. Solange Knowles? No, just a guy named Solange. The mood here is also very tense, John. People are really sick of all the positive signs and just want to find out the results so they can start the insurrection. Wait, Trump seems to be doing well, so.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah, they don't care.

[Jon Stewart]

Win or lose, these people are going to take a shit on Nancy Pelosi's desk again. They've been eating fiber bars for 12 hours. They are ready. Thank you, Troy. Troy Iwatan. Grace Schooling Schmidt, everybody. That's, that's, that's. Oh, look at that. That Grace had a stage manager with her out there. Lies baby out there at the headquarters in. I don't know where her headquarters are, but she was there live. Now, look, I know a lot of people out there feeling anxious. I want to assure you that that is very good for our ratings. So keep up. Good work out there. Do not remove your eyes from the TV at all costs. For more swing state analysis, though, we're going to go live to Pennsylvania. Jordan Klepper is out there. Jordan, so good to see you, my man. Now, Jordan, you have been on in Pennsylvania for almost a year.

[Jordan Klepper]

Thanks, John. I moved here about a year ago and I can't tell you how much I've enjoyed getting to know these hardworking, salt of the earth, common sense folk. They're fracking awesome.

[Jon Stewart]

Well, now that the election is over, it's probably going to be hard to say goodbye to your found family out there.

[Jordan Klepper]

Sure is, John. Wait, I'm sorry, did you just say it's over, like the assignment?

[Jon Stewart]

Yeah, sure. Jordan, the election. I mean, this is. It's. Polls have closed. Obviously we're going to look at the results coming in from Pennsylvania. But how do you make sense of what we're seeing tonight out of Pennsylvania?

[Jordan Klepper]

Yeah, absolutely, John, not only is Pennsylvania a place of historical significance, it's also beautiful. The people, the energy, the foliage. It's going to be hard to say goodbye.

[Jon Stewart]

Right, but what issues do you think really moved the needle for voters out there? I mean, you obviously had been living amongst them for a long time. Was there anything that you can put your finger on?

[Jordan Klepper]

Oh, God, so many things. The Liberty Bell, the Betsy Ross Museum. Gettysburg is here. Right? What's the white block? Cream cheese? Such rich culture. I may never leave. Taxi.

[Jon Stewart]

No, Jordan, we all know Pennsylvania, though, could ultimately decide this election and it has not been called yet. There's a lot of votes downstate the stuff to go. Has your experience been that Pennsylvania is representative of our nation's voters as a whole?

[Jordan Klepper]

In some ways, yes. You have two major cities bookending a rural population. It's a fascinating juxtaposition, and I feel privileged to be able to witness it firsthand. Step on it, pal.

[Jon Stewart]

You know what?

[Jordan Klepper]

This is too slow. I'm going to take Pennsylvania's vaunted public trans.

[Jon Stewart]

All right, that seemed like a carriage, but, Jordan, since Pennsylvania is a battleground state, residents there have been bombarded by texts and emails and commercials and door knocking. Do you think the get out the vote effort worked, or has it paradoxically given residents a negative feeling about elections in general?

[Jordan Klepper]

No, no, not at all. I mean, was it a lot? Sure, but it was necessary to uphold democracy. I personally didn't mind it one bit.

[Jon Stewart]

Jordan, are you suggesting public transportation in Pennsylvania is a flying cheesesteak?

[Jordan Klepper]

You are such an elitist.

[Jon Stewart]

I apologize, and I hate to ask you this, but I was hoping while you were there, and I should have told you this earlier, could you pick up some Hershey chocolates for me?

[Jordan Klepper]

I mean, how about these MMs I got from Penn Station? Jon, what the heck?

[Jon Stewart]

Welcome home, Jordan Klepper. Good to be home. So good to see you again, Jordan Klepper, everybody. Glad to be here. All right, we'll be right back with the senator from Pennsylvania, Mr. Fetterman. We'll be.

[Seth Doan]

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

[Jon Stewart]

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.

[Katie Hobbs]

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 on Apple podcasts.

[Jon Stewart]

I don't care. These people don't care. They're hopped up on the goofballs or whatever it is they got. They don't care. They're here to party. Welcome back to the Daily Show. We do have some results I want to get to. There's one in particular that is close to my heart. I want to. We're ready to call New Jersey the state of New Jersey. We are going to call it for at this time, Kamala Harris. Kamala Harris wins New Jersey. It's very interesting. She gets it looks like 53 of the vote. She gets 14 electoral votes. And Donald Trump gets Stugatz, which Stugats, by the way, is an official number in New Jersey along with Bopkis, which is also the name of a law Firm I use out there. Stugats and bopkis. Call us if you're in an accident. We'll get you stugats and bupkis. I do have something to announce very quickly. We were going to join Senator Fetterman in Pennsylvania. He is unable to join us, but because we are a professional and venerated news show, it's not like I just have to sit here with nobody to talk to or nothing to do just because somebody said 30 seconds before we were supposed to have him as a guest. Yeah, I'm not doing that. And I had some questions and we're gonna be. Hey, where do you get those sweatshirts, those hoodies? So we do have another guest, by the way, and we're delighted that she's going to be joining us. My first guest joining us from Phoenix, she is Arizona's Democratic governor, Katie Hobbs. Welcome, Katie Hobbs, to the program. Hello, Katie Hobbs. Unfortunately, because I have trouble pivoting, I am only going to ask you questions about Pennsylvania. I hope that's okay. We were going to have Federman on. How are things going out in Arizona? Are the polls just closing out there? Have they not closed yet?

[Katie Hobbs]

Polls closed at 7 and we are just seeing the first results. What we know is it's going to be a long night here probably along several days as we're counting the results of the votes.

[Jon Stewart]

Has everything gone relatively smoothly? Arizona has, you know, obviously had a reputation for some, some troubles within the electoral system, but you guys have run it really well. The cyber ninjas did a bunch of looks at your thing, found nothing. Everything runs very smoothly. Have you found tonight ran smoothly?

[Katie Hobbs]

You know, all those problems are fake news. No, overall, today was a very good day. We heard that people had great experiences. There were long lines. Part of that is because of our very long ballot that we had. But as far as we know, the problems were addressed. We took quick action and Arizonans got to make sure their voices were heard today.

[Jon Stewart]

Now, you do have a long ballot. I think in Arizona there are, I think, 10 referendums or something along those lines. The ballot was a couple of pages. Yes.

[Katie Hobbs]

Yeah, it was four pages. And look, I vetoed a record 216 bills in my first two years as governor. And the legislature did an end run and sent half of those to the ballot, which is part of why it was so long, which is certainly a burden on voters that have to wait in line for a long time to vote that ballot.

[Jon Stewart]

Now, did you just say you vetoed 216 bills?

[Katie Hobbs]

Yes. We have a legislature that is run by literal insurrectionists and indicted fake electors. And they didn't get the message that voters wanted sanity over chaos. And so they kept sending extreme measures that I had to veto. But here's the good news about our ballot. In addition to all the garbage that the legislature sent, we also had the chance to vote on a ballot measure to enshrine abortion in our state's constitution. Right now, the results of that are looking very good. So I'm optimistic about that passing and us being able to restore our rights here in Arizona.

[Jon Stewart]

I didn't catch most of that because as soon as you said you were enshrining reproductive rights, the crowd went crazy and oh my God, they're taking their clothes off. This is just. Guys, you're in New York in terms of the races that we don't hear as much about the Senate race that is out there. Do you have any insight in what's going to happen in Gallega versus Lake? And I know that she hasn't yet conceded the race for governor with you, so I can't even imagine what's going to happen with that.

[Katie Hobbs]

Yeah, no, I mean, I don't know how she's going to be both governor and senator. She still is contesting the results of 2022. But look, I have confidence in Arizona voters that they are once again going to put sanity over chaos, just like they did in 2022. I won that race by half a percent, and that half a percent meant that I could veto those 216 bills, that I could repeal our state's 1864 abortion ban, which Kerry Lake has said was great. She was is Trump's chief election denier in Arizona, and I can't imagine her in charge right now with our democracy on the line. And I think that voters are going to end her chaos once and for all and choose sanity over chaos again.

[Jon Stewart]

That's. That's fantastic. Now, you mentioned that you've got a good feeling about that referendum. Is there anything you can tell us about the presidential race? Are you hearing good turnout in Democratic strongholds? Are you hearing anything that might give an audience here? And it is five in the morning in New York. I don't know if you knew that. Is there anything that you could give that might tell them there's a reason to stay up?

[Katie Hobbs]

Well, we're not going to get another round of results until 11:00 tonight, Arizona time, so we won't know tonight. And what we do know is that it's going to be close. And that is the prediction. I'VE made all along. And I think that prediction will hold.

[Jon Stewart]

Right. Well, Governor Hobbs, we thank you so much for taking the time. Do you have anything you want to add about Pennsylvania? We're happy to hear it. Nothing.

[Katie Hobbs]

I'm sorry that I'm sorry Senator Fetterman couldn't make it. Happy to fill his slot. And Pennsylvania is going to be close, too.

[Jon Stewart]

Thank you so much, Governor Katie Hobbs of Arizona. We're going to take a quick break and we'll be right back after this. Thank you so much. Govern.

[Seth Doan]

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

[Jon Stewart]

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.

[Katie Hobbs]

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.

[Jon Stewart]

Welcome back to the Daily show. You know, if I may say, and I speak to the audience, there may be nothing more gratifying to a host of the program than in the commercial break hearing maybe the first three notes of Ozzy Osbourne and having the entire audience in unison. No preparation, no training. Go.

[Katie Hobbs]

Aye.

[Jon Stewart]

Aye. Aye. Really. And isn't that what makes us all Americans? We do have one other quick result to just announce in the race to be my best friend between Senator Fetterman and Governor Katie Hobbs, Governor Katie Hobbs wins by a jillion. And we're glasses buddies, me and the governor. Obviously, we're going to be doing election results and analysis all night long because we're a real show. So let's see what's in store for us at the Daily Show Election Center. And Michael Costa. Michael Costa.

[Desi Lydic]

Thank you, John.

[Jon Stewart]

Great to see you, John.

[Michael Costa]

I've got my jacket off and my which tells you I'm doing real work today. I'm not half assin it like usual. And we've got all sorts of high tech tools to visualize tonight's results in real time.

[Jon Stewart]

Yeah, they put a lot of effort and work into that Election center, kind of the neural center of our coverage. You got something like the New York Times needle that tells us who's winning.

[Michael Costa]

Oh, Jon.

[Jon Stewart]

All right. All right.

[Michael Costa]

There are so many things more to keep track of that are better than who's winning, like voter fraud, which we track through our patented juliometer. All right. Now if a few dead people start voting, we see the drip.

[Jon Stewart]

All right.

[Michael Costa]

I see busloads of non citizens voting In Philadelphia. Well, now it's really coming down.

[Desi Lydic]

I see.

[Jon Stewart]

Oh, no.

[Michael Costa]

Chinese bamboo ballots all through the brew wall.

[Desi Lydic]

Ah.

[Michael Costa]

Now, John, if this drips down into his penis.

[Jon Stewart]

Okay, I don't need to think about that, Michael. Well, how are we at least tracking the results for Vice President Harris?

[Michael Costa]

Okay, well, for that, we have the comelometer.

[Jon Stewart]

What does that do?

[Michael Costa]

Well, nothing. It's just fun to say.

[Jon Stewart]

Yes.

[Michael Costa]

If she's doing well, we could add some more laws, like, oh, big result in Wisconsin, according to the. It's so fun, Jon. Let's say it together on three. Ready? One, two, three. You didn't say it. That's. Okay, More for me.

[Jon Stewart]

Let's just get to the map so we can.

[Michael Costa]

Oh, yeah, okay.

[Jon Stewart]

The map.

[Michael Costa]

The crown jewel in the vote center.

[Jon Stewart]

All right, so what? That's what's happening on the map, John.

[Michael Costa]

I'm so glad you asked. This is great tech, John. Brand new for this election cycle. The way it works is I can select, let's say, Arkansas and Montana, and then I press this button here. And look, I can make him kiss.

[Jon Stewart]

That's. Michael, that's just so stupid.

[Michael Costa]

Why? Because it's gay.

[Jon Stewart]

What?

[Michael Costa]

John. John, you're embarrassing yourself.

[Jon Stewart]

John. Thank you, Michael Costa, everybody. I mean, doesn't even make any sen. I have to tell you, though, it really did look like they were kissing. Obviously. Look, it's been a long road to the election. To get a better sense of our national mood, we turn to Desi Lydic with analysis. With analysis of all the results that we've seen so far tonight. Desi.

[Katie Hobbs]

Aw, thanks, John.

[Jon Stewart]

We don't. Ok, but we don't have all the results in so.

[Katie Hobbs]

Well, so far we have the F and the C and the K and the all y'all. So I'm gonna go out on a limb and project A, U and F.

[Jon Stewart]

There's still information to come in.

[Katie Hobbs]

No, it's too close to call. Kamala's up in Iowa. I don't want to hear another pollster or James Carville from some subterranean basement in his LSU Tigers hat going, I.

[Jon Stewart]

Don'T see how she can lose.

[Katie Hobbs]

Now, let me just finish my gumbo and.

[Jon Stewart]

We'Re gonna check back in on you, Desi.

[Katie Hobbs]

Well, you better make it quick because I'm gonna get started on my project 2025.

[Jon Stewart]

Desi lyric, everybody. We'll be right back after this. Don'.

[Seth Doan]

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

[Jon Stewart]

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.

[Katie Hobbs]

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.

[Jon Stewart]

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to election night 2024. It's the Daily Show. Results are rolling in slowly because it's very hard for me to see CNN in the corner of the thing, but we do have a Maryland Senate race result to report. Angela. Also, Brooks, the Democrat has defeated Larry Hogan. I did not like seeing that. That is going to. That is going to stick with me as it goes. But we are obviously digging through the results to find some that you like because you were nice enough to come here and I'm just going to come here and just shit all over you. No, I'm not going to do that. So, Maryland Senate. Oh, look at that. Look at, look at all my little glass half fools out there. Now, as many of you have seen, one of the great things about this election season has been the assemblage of all these voter panels. We've done one more tonight. We're going to check in now. Ronny Chiang has assembled a voter poll. He's with them now. Ronnie, what have you got for us tonight?

[Ronny Chieng]

Yes, John, during this election, nobody has gotten more attention than the people right next to me. I'm talking about undecided swing state voters. They could be the key factor in who wins this race for president.

[Jon Stewart]

Well, Ronnie, there's no question. I mean, we have followed these undecided voters the entire campaign. So who did they ultimately choose?

[Ronny Chieng]

No one yet. They're still undecided.

[Jon Stewart]

Ronnie, the polls have closed. They're. They, they can't vote here. Just tell them the.

[Ronny Chieng]

Yeah, look, okay, listen, John, these people have nowhere else to go, okay?

[Jon Stewart]

Yeah.

[Ronny Chieng]

They're undecided voters. They're too stupid to live independently. Hey, you guys are great, by the way. You are so important to the process. What matters to you most? The economy, the border, abortion. It's so important for us to get out of the bubble and talk to hardworking, real American people. Jon, these people are gonna die on the street, okay? They have no jobs, no family, no homes.

[Jon Stewart]

But they have no homes.

[Ronny Chieng]

Oh, no. They've been living in focus group studios for eight months. They're broken. Look, I'll show you. Hey there. What do you think of the economy?

[Desi Lydic]

I'm cold.

[Ronny Chieng]

Okay. And you?

[Jon Stewart]

Can I have a fruit snack?

[Ronny Chieng]

Great insight, guys. John, we have to keep them here or they'll be eaten by wild animals. Okay.

[Jon Stewart]

All right. Well, we'll check back in with you later. Ronnie, Ron Chang, everybody. That's a sad. What is going to happen to all those undecided panels? When we come back, Michigan's Lieutenant Governor Garland Gilchrist II will be joining us. Don't go away. We'll be right back. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Welcome back to the Daily show live election special night. Hold on. I'm getting results. It appears to be down to the blue wall states. They haven't been called yet, but we do have some good news that we found here. District of Columbia is being called for Kamala Harris, ladies and gentlemen. And to be clear, that was through voting, not insurrection. That was voting and obviously doesn't count, but still. You know what? Let me get. We're going to check back in with Michael Kost in the Election center. Michael, talk to me now. I want to ask you, Michael, obviously we're in a bit of a holding pattern right now. How are things looking for you in the data center?

[Michael Costa]

Well, I'm looking great, John, and as you can see, my sleeves are now almost 100% rolled up. Now, that's a change of 19 inches on the Slavometer just since earlier in the program. It really shows you how hard I'm working tonight.

[Jon Stewart]

Working at what?

[Michael Costa]

My frenetic energy, John. It's off the charts. I'm incredibly likable. Wait, wait. Looks like we might be getting in some absentee biceps.

[Jon Stewart]

Thank you. Michael Costa, everybody. We're going to move on. We have another guest. I want to bring in the lieutenant governor of Michigan, Garland Gilchrist ii, who is joining us from Detroit. Sir, delighted to see you tonight. How are you, my friend?

[Desi Lydic]

I'm excited. Look, we are. We've built such an amazing effort here in the state of Michigan, contacted 3 million voters just in the last weekend. And so we're going to win.

[Jon Stewart]

So you're feeling very positive?

[Desi Lydic]

Like, I'm confident in the work that we've built. You know, I mean, look, the volunteer effort in Michigan is the biggest one we've ever seen. And, you know, this is about putting together the pieces of the puzzle for victory. And look, I'm an engineer, John. I'm a problem solver. I know how to put things together and make systems work for people. And we've built the kind of apparatus we need to win in Michigan, like the one that carried me and Governor Gretchen Whitmer to reelection in 2022. That had the biggest volunteer effort that Delivered, reproduct for every Michigander in our state constitution. And that's the same kind of effort that has been now the foundation for what we've built here in 2024.

[Jon Stewart]

Well, I gotta tell you something, sir. On a night where I'm looking for some positivity and some good news, you have brought it, my friend. You have brought it to me. You've given my heart a lip. You've made me feel good. I want to ask you, how is this even close in Michigan? Donald Trump went to Detroit and said, this place is a hole. Donald Trump called for a ban on all Muslims traveling to America and then goes to Dearborn and he's getting big votes in the Arab American community. All these different things. He's partnered with Elon Musk, who might be one of the bigger threats to Detroit automaking industry. How is this so close?

[Desi Lydic]

Well, let's take a deep breath. You know, the stuff is still coming in. Just take a sip of water. We're gonna be okay. But look, I'm a Detroiter. Like, I was offended by what Donald Trump said about me as a Detroit voter. My wife, when they tried to call for a riot to stop the vote counting in 2020, he was talking about my wife's vote, my neighbor's vote, my vote. So I took that very personally. And so did across the city of Detroit. So that is why the organizing effort has been so inspiring to see people stepping up to see black men. Don't believe the hype that you've seen from people running and trying to find black men who were hesitant. I've been talking to black men all across the state of Michigan, in Detroit, in Flint and Saginaw and Grand Rapids, all across our state. And what I'm hearing from them is they're ready to be part of the future. And they don't want a president who insults them. They don't want a president who can't see their potential success. They don't want a pessimistic patriot. They want an optimist. And that's what we have. And Kamala Harris and Tim Walz and Alyssa Slotkin to be our next United States Senator. So that's the team that we build in Michigan, and I'm proud to be part of it.

[Jon Stewart]

Oh, that's fantastic. Sir. Is there any way, and I say this to you, sir, with all great respect, can you go to build a bear and record your voice and then put your in the little heart and then put it in the band and then mail it to me? Because I would like before I go to bed every night, I just want to press that little paw in here. They're ready to be part of the future. They don't want people that insult them. It's very inspiring. Sir, are you seeing off the charts participation in Michigan today and this evening?

[Desi Lydic]

Well, I saw off the charts participation before then. More than 3 million people voted early in person or voted on an absentee ballot in Michigan. And I think people who voted before election day were super excited to vote. And the enthusiasm has been on our side since Kamala Harris ascended to the top of our ticket. So, again, I'm proud of the work that we've done and the movement that we've built. It's been my experience that when we build these kind of coalitions and look, I know something about building coalitions. That's why, John, I would never be here talking to you. So we know how to win in the state of Michigan, and that's what's gonna get it done. And I do believe that as Michigan goes, so will go the country. Just like the way that, you know, we've built industries in Michigan that have changed the country and changed the world. We can build electoral winning coalitions that change the country and change the world, too. So as long as you get a Michigan tattoo on that building, build a bear, then we can talk about.

[Jon Stewart]

Do I have to get a Michigan tattoo? Is that what the. Is that what the deal is going to come down to, sir? A Michigan tattoo? Now, is this in terms of being in Michigan, right? It really is. It's one of those bellwether states that we talk about, because the population there is incredibly diverse. It's really one of the more diverse in the state. Are you seeing your message permeating throughout the state, or is this really another example of, boy, the rural areas are the rural areas, and those are red. But if we can get enough turnout in the urban areas, we've got a chance to counteract that. Or are you seeing that permeate throughout the whole state?

[Desi Lydic]

You know, I think about it like this, like the reason that I've had the opportunity to serve is because I come from a community of people who believed in me. And whether you live in a big city or suburb or you live in a rural community, you know, people wrapping their arms around you and telling you that you have the chance to be amazing and to. And to really do amazing things in the future. That's what ultimately builds success. And our message as Democrats is about believing in Michiganders. I mean, look, Donald Trump has come to Michigan and said that we can't win the electric vehicle race. He said that we can't compete on clean energy. He said that China is gonna beat America. Like, it is so pessimistic and so just about losing because he's a loser. But instead, we believe in people who believe in our ability to win, to win the future, to win in manufacturing, to win in technology. And as a tech entrepreneur, like, I want to see more of that coming from the state of Michigan. And frankly, that's what Kamala Harris has been about. So, you know, I'm excited again. And I think the message about optimism, about being hopeful about the future, about saying that, yeah, we can do big things. We can invent the things that are going to change the world and win the future, and that Michigan has that in our past. So to come here and insult us and, and to say that we're not capable of it, it's offensive. And so I can't wait to send Donald Trump home for good.

[Jon Stewart]

Sir, I have to tell you, you have been an absolute bright light and breath of fresh air on this evening, and I truly appreciate you spending the time with us. And again, this isn't gonna mean anything to you. You have jumped the best friend rankings. For me now, it was. And I'm gonna explain this very quickly, and you don't have to understand it. Senator Fetterman and Governor Katie Hobbs were vying for best friend. Katie Hobbs won in a washout. Fetterman, he wasn't even on the ballot. Guess who's man. Guess who's Manu. Lieutenant Governor Garland Gil Prince II second. Godspeed, sir. Thank you for joining us. We'll be right back after this. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Daily Show. It's our live. I've got another batch of results for you. A batch is really a strong word. I have one result for you. And please understand this. If you're watching at home, and I'm only giving results of places I can drive to that are. So we do have the result for New York. Kamala Harris has won New York over Donald Trump. Decisive. Has won 28 electoral. Oh, dear God. I'm sorry. I've just heard. And I didn't even know this was possible. The New York Giants have fumbled it, and now the delegates are back in the hands of Donald Trump. I don't know how that happened, but that's what, that's what they told me in the old. In the old, in the old ear hole, which you can't really see. It's A. It's a new technology. Uh, you know what? Let's check back in with Ronny Chang. He's with the undecided voters. I just want to see how. Ronnie, what the hell? What? How's it going?

[Ronny Chieng]

Uh, not great, John. One of the undecided voters snuck a phone in here and found out that the election is over. They all became very distressed, and I had to sedate them.

[Jon Stewart]

Ronnie, this is starting to sound less like a panel and more like a kidnapping.

[Ronny Chieng]

Uh, really? Would a kidnapper order pizza for everyone? Hey, what kind of toppings do you want? Mushroom? Pepperoni? I can't decide.

[Jon Stewart]

Ronnie, you need to get out of there before the police get there. Ronnie Chang, everybody. Get him out of there. Well, a lot of the results have been in, but obviously out west, as we saw with Governor Katie Hobbs, we don't know yet. We do want to check in with Arizona around now. I believe the polls might be closing there soon. Our own Josh Johnson is live in Maricopa County, Arizona. Josh, are you okay?

[H]

More than okay, Jon. The day is almost over, the polls are closing soon, and I'm proud to say we made it. American democracy remains a shining beacon for the world, a light of progress in the darkness to which all great nations aspire.

[Jon Stewart]

That's. That's beautiful. Beautiful. Josh, side note, if I may, why are you in armor?

[H]

Well, the voting is done, but the vote counting is starting, so I'm here in case the angry mob that is gathered outside the gates attempts to breach the moat and scale the walls of the election center. You know, normal democracy stuff.

[Jon Stewart]

It's not normal democracy stuff, Josh.

[H]

Checks and balances, John. Okay, One group counts the votes. The other group tries to burn that building down.

[Jon Stewart]

It's really not a good way to run an election. That's.

[H]

Don't want to cut you off, John, but it looks like it's about to get real democratic up in this bitch. Okay. Fare thee well, John of Jersey.

[Jon Stewart]

Oh, I hope he makes it. Good luck out there, Josh. We're going to take a quick break. We'll be right back after this. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome back to the Daily Show. We don't. It hasn't been completely called yet. We don't exactly know what all the results are going to be. Our time is running out. I do want to very quickly send a quick message to all the pollsters. The election pollsters, blow me. I don't ever. I don't want to. From you again. Ever. I don't ever want to hear. We've corrected video correction you don't know shit about and I don't care for you. We'll figure it out next time. Oh, we were in the margin of blow me. Okay, look. Ah, look, we. Here's the thing. Here's what we know is that we don't really know anything and that we're going to come out of this election and we're going to make all kind of pronouncements about what this country is and what this world is. And the truth is we're not really going to know shit. And we're going to make it seem like this is the finality of our civilization and this and thing. We're all going to have to wake up tomorrow morning and work like hell to move the world to the place that we prefer it to be. And I just want to point out, just as a matter of perspective, that the lessons that our pundits take away from these results that they will pronounce with certainty will be wrong. And we have to remember that in 2008, when Barack Obama won, there's no question that this is the beginning, the first election of the future, really.

[Michael Costa]

And I think we are moving towards a post racial America.

[Jon Stewart]

Yeah. That lasted a day. And then of course, in 2012, Obama won again. And the lesson was the GOP needs to send a powerful signal to Hispanic voters that the party respects them. That was, that was the lesson they learned after that victory and they were certain of it. And send a powerful signal to the Hispanic community. The GOP did. When Mexico sends its people, they're bringing drugs, they're bringing crime, they're rapists. Which apparently was the winning message. And that taught Democrats in 2016 what.

[Katie Hobbs]

Maybe what the Democrats would be looking for is somebody with some inside experience, but who's a generation younger.

[Jon Stewart]

It's obviously going to be younger. It's going to be from a new generation. Need I say it with great honor and humility? I accept this nomination. And that that turned out to be a winning message again, which led to an insurrection. And the lesson from that was when.

[Desi Lydic]

Donald Trump leaves office on Wednesday morning, he will leave Washington a pariah.

[Michael Costa]

Donald Trump will never be allowed to set foot in the Capitol again.

[Jon Stewart]

Never ever. My point is this. But this isn't the end. I promise you, this is not the end. And we have to regroup and we have to continue to fight and continue to work day in and day out to create the better society for our children, for this world, for this country that we know is possible. It's possible. Possible. That's our show for tonight. Tune in tomorrow. Desi Lydic will be your host. Here it is. Your moment is in.

[Katie Hobbs]

I just, I just want this nightmare to be over.

[Jon Stewart]

I do have children and I have a cat. And I will be watching with my Xanax and my bottle of Sauvignon Blanc.

[Michael Costa]

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

[Seth Doan]

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

[Jon Stewart]

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.

[Katie Hobbs]

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 on Apple Podcasts.