The commencement of this week was significant due to two reasons. It embodied both the validation of the electoral outcomes of 2024 and the marking of four years since the infamous Jan. 6 breach of the U.S. Capitol. Consequently, Jon Stewart, the host of The Daily Show, found it necessary to mention the striking parallel. He led his Monday evening monologue with a comment on the significance of Jan. 6 vis-à-vis the notable events happening within the nation’s capital. As Stewart referred to the Capitol blanketed in snow, he mockingly contrasted the tranquility of this white covering to the violent events of the past.
As Stewart continued on the peculiar tradition of celebrating Jan. 6 as a significant date for certifying elections, he criticized the ignorance of many before the insurrection. He alluded that prior to the turmoil, the public was widely unaware of the relevance of Jan. 6, its associated ceremonies, or its implications. Now, per Stewart’s cynical view, everyone appears to overstate its importance.
Adding to the seemingly awkward events of the day, Stewart highlighted one that featured Vice President Kamala Harris. Harris, having met defeat by President-elect Donald Trump in the November elections, was ironically appointed as the ‘master of ceremonies’ for the Congress’ certification of the results. According to Stewart, this was the apex of humiliation.
Excerpts from Harris’ announcement of Trump’s Florida victory, which spurred standing ovations from Republicans, were shown by Stewart. He remarked, almost bitterly, on the discomfort Harris must have felt and how degrading the situation may have seemed.
Attempting to make light of the moment, Stewart likened it to being a participant at one’s funeral where the attendees seem celebratory rather than mournful. He painted a disparaging picture of how unbearable it must have been for Harris to witness the crowd applauding her opponent.
Following this, Stewart presented a clip where Harris disclosed her votes from California. As the applause increased in volume, he sardonically suggested that there was significant jubilance present. He then teased further by saying that she might still be able to emerge victorious if only she could unearth copious amounts of votes in various states.
As the host continued his jesting, he took an odd turn of tact by acknowledging Harris’ role in the ceremony and her dedication to ensuring a smooth transition of power prior to Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20. He seemed to mockingly praise her not so triumphant role amidst this scenario.
Stewart concluded by expressing relief that the certification ceremony had gone ‘off without a hitch,’ despite Trump’s loss to Joe Biden in the 2020 elections. He scornfully pointed out how democracy works efficaciously if one refrains from immature behavior post-loss, referring seemingly to the previous insurrection.
However, Stewart stopped short of mentioning names, leaving his insinuations to interpretation while commenting on the event. This, supposedly, was met by laughter from the studio audience.
In the aftermath of Trump’s defeat in the 2020 elections to now-President Joe Biden, Trump had directed his following to converge on the U.S. Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. The crowd furiously invaded the Capitol, overpowering the building’s security and forcing lawmakers to seek refuge. Harris had been at the Democratic National Committee headquarters in Washington on that fateful day, where a potential threat from a pipe bomb had prompted the evacuation of the building.
Following these events, Trump was impeached by the lower house of Congress under charges of ‘incitement of insurrection.’ Despite these serious charges, the Senate acquitted him later.
Commemorating the anniversary of the attack, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison released a statement. It underscored Trump’s role in advocating violence, causing an uproar, and threatening democratic institutions. Harrison emphasized the importance of the peaceful transfer of power, even when election outcomes were not favorable.
In the statement, Harrison remained resolute in affirming Democrats’ unwavering support of democratic values and reiterated their commitment to always strive to ensure the smooth functioning of democratic processes and institutions. This, according to him, was irrespective of winning or losing.
After the ceremony on Monday, Harris reiterated the value of peaceful power transfer, praising the day as being ‘good.’ Although some might perceive it as obliviousness or a lack of sentiment, given her defeat.
Despite these events, questions remain. Where is the focus on real, meaningful change and improvement, and not just theatrics and political grandstanding? Perhaps the key takeaway from Stewart’s monologue and the corresponding events is the need for reflection and improvement, rather than finger-pointing and mockery.
Yet one cannot but wonder how effective this mockery and negative publicity is in driving real change and progress.