Ep 18. John Edwards

John Edwards, the former Senator and Democratic presidential candidate, takes center stage in this episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart. The episode begins with a hilarious skit about the release of Edwards' new book, "Four Trials," which parodies the self-congratulatory tone of political memoirs. Stewart then sits down with Edwards for a lengthy interview, covering a range of topics from his personal life to his controversial political career.

The conversation begins with a somewhat subdued tone, as Stewart delves into Edwards' childhood and family history. The former Senator speaks about his father's struggles with alcoholism and the impact it had on his family. He also touches on his own personal tragedies, including the death of his son Wade and the affair that ended his presidential campaign in 2008. Throughout the interview, Edwards comes across as humble and introspective, reflecting on his mistakes and the lessons he's learned.

Stewart also takes the opportunity to discuss some of the key issues that defined Edwards' political career, such as his advocacy for workers' rights and his work on poverty and healthcare reform. The conversation takes a more contentious turn when they discuss Edwards' support for the Iraq War, which Stewart argues was a grave mistake. Edwards defends his position, saying that he was convinced by the faulty intelligence presented at the time and that he was motivated by a desire to protect America from further terrorist attacks.

The interview also covers Edwards' views on the current state of American politics, with Stewart asking him about the role of money in politics and the influence of special interests. Edwards is sharply critical of both issues, arguing that they have undermined democracy and made it harder for ordinary Americans to have their voices heard.

The episode concludes with a "Moment of Zen" that features a clip of Edwards on the campaign trail, delivering one of his signature populist speeches. While the interview was at times serious and contentious, it ultimately showed Edwards as a reflective and complex figure who has both struggled and succeeded in his public and private life.

Overall, this episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is a fascinating look at the life and career of John Edwards, a man who was once one of the most prominent figures in American politics. Stewart's interview is both insightful and entertaining, providing a chance to hear from one of the most controversial and influential politicians of his time. Whether you're a fan of Edwards or a critic, this episode is sure to provide plenty of food for thought.