Stewart has been a staple of political comedy for decades. His usual targets are Republicans.
But now Jon Stewart eviscerated Chuck Schumer in a monologue he’ll never recover from.
Stewart Takes Aim at Schumer’s Press Conference Remarks
The Daily Show host Jon Stewart critiqued Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer’s performance during a Monday press conference addressing the government shutdown, comparing the New York Democrat to a “human flat tire” after a joke about new data from health policy group KFF drew mixed reactions.
Schumer referenced the data release, saying, “New data came out today from KFF, and that is not Kentucky Fried French Fries. KFF.” He then addressed Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., adding, “That’d be Kentucky French Fries, hm?”
Stewart responded on the program, questioning the joke’s appeal: “Who is that joke even for? Six-year-olds who watch C-SPAN?”
He continued, “What the f— are you doing?! Chuck Schumer is a human flat tire. You just can’t — [Schumer impression] ‘Kentucky Fried French Fry.’ Look at Klobuchar! Poor Klobuchar. That is the face of someone who talked to their dad, who said, ‘Just please don’t do your Indian accent in the restaurant. That’s all I’m asking.'”
The segment followed footage of Schumer’s remarks on Democratic priorities amid the shutdown.
Critique Includes Schumer’s Hand Gestures
Stewart also highlighted Schumer’s emphatic hand movements during the event. A clip showed the senator stating, “Democrats are adamant that we must protect the healthcare of the American people,” while raising and lowering his fists repeatedly.
After viewing the footage, Stewart remarked, “Um, good points,” followed by a sigh. He then mimicked the gestures, saying, “Not crazy about this.” Stewart added, “that would be great. But you’re going to keep talking, aren’t you?” before addressing the KFF joke.
The press conference focused on healthcare protections as a key Democratic concern in shutdown negotiations.
Pattern of Past Commentary on Schumer
Stewart has previously commented on Schumer’s public appearances. In February, he addressed Schumer’s response to President Donald Trump’s proposed tariffs, which included references to rising costs for beer and guacamole.
Stewart played a clip of Schumer holding a can of Corona and an avocado, and said, “Your response to the trade war is to f—ing tell us guacamole is made of avocados?” He added, “Democrats, can you please stop f—ing trotting Schumer out there every time Trump traverses into the unreal? He’s not good at this.”
In March, Stewart discussed Democratic efforts following the 2024 election, comparing the party to a stationary bike. He referenced a 2019 clip of Schumer mentioning gym conversations with Republicans, where the senator said he talked with them “all the time.”
Stewart quipped, “In the gym, they’re only being agreeable with you because they want you to leave them alone, in the gym, on the stationary bike. ‘Oh, sure, Chuck, I’m definitely going to do that.’ But I have to tell you something, pedaling really hard and not going anywhere, it’s a great metaphor for the Democratic Party right now.” The remark drew applause from the studio audience.
