Ep 148. Joe Biden

In season 14 episode 148 of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, the focus is on the then-Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden. The episode begins with a comedic news segment that highlights some of the daily politics-related events that have taken place across the United States. As the show transitions into the main segment, Jon Stewart addresses one of the biggest political stories at the time: Biden potentially running for president in the 2016 election.

Stewart opens the segment with a clip of a speech that Biden gave in which he made a reference to his potential presidential campaign. Stewart jokingly comments on his own skepticism about another white guy running for president, but then praises Biden's charisma and likability. He goes on to show a video compilation of Biden's greatest moments and slip-ups, highlighting his tendency to speak off the cuff and put his foot in his mouth. However, Stewart ultimately sees the vice president as a polarizing figure in politics—a symbol of the old guard Democrats who are no longer in touch with what the American people want.

To provide a counterpoint to Stewart's analysis, the show brings in Samantha Bee to interview former Biden staffers. Bee starts off by jokingly suggesting that the vice president isn't "funny" enough to run for president following in the footsteps of Jon Stewart as a political satirist. The segment is a way for the show to bring a different perspective on who Joe Biden is and what he represents in the political landscape. Bee's interviews focus on how Biden has been viewed over the years and also cover his political accomplishments.

The perspectives vary from admiration for his foreign policy expertise and work on climate change, to criticism for how he handled the Clarence Thomas Anita Hill hearings. Bee also discusses Biden's background as a blue-collar guy from Scranton, Pennsylvania and how that has shaped his political career. The interviews are intercut with clips of Biden's recent speeches and appearances as he tries to gauge whether or not he should launch a presidential campaign. Bee's final words of advice to Biden on whether he should run for president or not come with a comedic tone, "Listen, Joe, we think you're great, but we're also rooting for Elizabeth's nervous giggle and Bernie's hair on the Iowa wind. "

As the show winds down, Stewart takes his commentary on Biden a bit further, stating that even if Biden does run for President, he'll likely lose as American politics has changed dramatically since he was first elected thirty years ago. He compares Biden's "aw-shucks" personality to the anti-elite sentiments currently resonating within the electorate. Stewart ends the show with a call to action for Democratic candidates to reach out to younger and more diverse voters while also being mindful of the economic struggles of many Americans.

Overall, this episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart offers viewers an in-depth look at one of the most prominent politicians of the time and his potential run for the highest office in the land. The show provides a lighthearted and humorous take on politics, but also brings attention to the challenges that face candidates in the current political landscape. With its unique combination of satire and serious analysis, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart continues to be a major influence on how Americans view politics and the media.