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Jon Stewart doesn’t necessarily think Joe Biden should drop out of the presidential race, but said it’s important to “open up the conversation.”
In a new episode of “The Daily Show” on Monday night, Stewart ruminated on the calls from some influential Democrats for Biden to step down after a disastrous debate against Donald Trump, while others argue that it’s too late in the election cycle for a new candidate. The host said blind support for Biden may not be the way to go, as “get on board or shut the fuck up is not a particularly compelling pro-democracy bumper sticker.”
“I am in no way saying Biden’s gotta drop out, but can’t we stress test this candidacy?” Stewart asked. “Can’t we open up the conversation? Do you understand the opportunity here? Do you have any idea how thirsty Americans are for any hint of inspiration or leadership and a release from this choice of a megalomaniac and a suffocating gerontocracy? It is crushing our fucking spirits. Do you have any idea what could be ahead of you? All we want is for someone to keep it 100. The percentage, not the age.”
Stewart said that, despite the election approaching in November, Democrats have “nothing but time” to recalibrate should Biden drop out.
“Four months is fucking forever. Britain just held an election in two months. France had two in one month, defeated fascism and still had time to have an affair with Denmark,” Stewart said. “Are you telling me, you sons of bitches, are you coming to my house and saying to my face that the United States of Bruce Springsteen’s America can’t hold an election better than the fucking French? Is that what you’re telling me? There are contestants on ‘The Bachelor’ who haven’t even met yet who will get married and divorced between now and the election.”
The chorus of Democrats calling for Biden to step down has grown larger in the past few days, with Rob Reiner and Stephen King joining in.
“It’s time to stop fucking around,” Reiner wrote. “If the Convicted Felon wins, we lose our Democracy. Joe Biden has effectively served US with honor, decency, and dignity. It’s time for Joe Biden to step down.”
Added King, “Joe Biden has been a fine president, but it’s time for him — in the interests of the America he so clearly loves — to announce he will not run for re-election.”
Watch the full clip from “The Daily Show” below.
