Monday was characterized by two distinctive events: the certification of the results from the 2024 election and the recurrence of the U.S. Capitol attack that happened four years ago. Naturally, Jon Stewart, the host of The Daily Show couldn’t pass off the chance to discuss this coincidence. In his Monday night monologue, he was quick to point out the ‘historic day’ in Washington D.C, referring to the dominating and disruptive whiteness present, a reference to a snow-covered U.S. Capitol instead of the violent white mob that stormed the Capitol on the same day four years ago.
The host seemed to humor the difference, illustrating how this type of white was far less disruptive, merely causing traffic snarls instead of chaotic violence and racial tensions. He proceeded to make remarks about the January 6th ceremony that traditionally certifies election results, sarcastically noting how everyone was now pretending they always understood its importance after witnessing the Capitol insurrection.
Casting further shadows, Stewart pointed out an awkward situation where Vice President Kamala Harris, who was defeated by President-elect Donald Trump in the election, was tasked with overseeing the certification process. This, according to him, was ‘the ultimate indignity’. Evidence of this was when Harris authenticated Trump’s victory in Florida, leading to the Republican audience erupting in applause in the chamber.
Through what seemed like tight-lipped disappointment, Stewart remarked how the situation must have been sour for Harris, likening it to ‘attending your own funeral’ where spectator’s joy at your loss is unmistakably clear. The scenario turned even more strange when Harris had to announce her own votes from California. The burst of applause that followed prompted Stewart to jest that there seemed to be an overwhelming amount of joy in the room, suggesting Harris may still have a slight chance if she could miraculously find an extra 130,000 votes in Georgia, along with a few other states.
When the humor subsided, Stewart glazed over Harris’ role in the ceremony, barely acknowledging her grace and her commitment in ensuring a peaceful transition of power before Trump’s inauguration on January 20th. He portrayed the certification ceremony as a routine event that everyone eagerly anticipated every four years.
Stewart’s monologue went on with a tone of ridicule, mocking the smooth operation of the democracy when participants accepted their loss without acting inappropriately. Losers were effectively called out without explicitly mentioning any names.
However, those present in the studio couldn’t help but associate this remark to the incident following the 2020 election, where the loss of the then President, Donald Trump to Joe Biden led to Trump encouraging his followers to march on the U.S. Capitol, which consequently resulted in the infamous attack on January 6, 2021.
Lawmakers watched in horror as rioters broke through the Capitol building’s security systems while Kamala Harris was at the Democratic National Committee headquarters. Alarming events took place that day as a pipe bomb was located near her location, leading to her hurried evacuation.
Trump was subsequently impeached by the House of Representatives and was indicted with charges of ‘incitement of insurrection,’ a title he soon shrugged off due to acquittal by the Senate. Four years following the violent takeover directed by Trump, DNC Chair Jaime Harrison articulated a statement to remember the event.
He spoke of a world rattled by the sight of Trump orchestrating a violent mob that breached the Capitol and assaulted law enforcement while putting our democratic institutions at risk. His statement highlighted how the peaceful transition of power is a cornerstone of our democracy. It stands strong, particularly when election results are not favored.
The understanding of Democrats towards this principle of democracy had them persistently supporting the values the nation was built upon. Hence, they’ve continuously strived to uphold our democratic processes and institutions that serve the American people, regardless of their victories or losses.
As per reports by the Associated Press, Harris echoed these thoughts after the ceremony on Monday. Her response was rather clichéd as she stated, ‘It’s a peaceful transfer of power,’ further saying, ‘It’s a good day.’ Despite the ceremonious words, one might consider the grim irony given the harsh political climate and the polarizing figures making those claims.
It’s troubling, however, how these events and statements seemed to trivially pass over the deep-seated issues haunting the power corridors of Washington D.C. We are left to ponder how the discourse of American democracy can be reshaped or whether it will remain mired in the controversies and ambiguities plaguing these times.