Boris Johnson: Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (HBO)

Summary

The transcript humorously examines Boris Johnson's rise to UK Prime Minister, contrasting his quirky, unkempt persona with his significant political influence, particularly in leading the Brexit campaign. The video highlights his clownish behavior, often seen as charming and relatable, while also revealing the calculated nature of his image. It delves into his history of making false statements, leveraging bigotry, and facing major challenges like Brexit. The script suggests that Johnson's appeal may falter when his bumbling charm meets the harsh reality of complex international negotiations.

Takeaways

• 🦊 The UK is humorously described as home to fearless and carefree foxes of Kent, a recurring joke in the transcript.
• 🇬🇧 The UK has a new prime minister, Boris Johnson, who took over from Theresa May after a transition of power involving Queen Elizabeth.
• 😂 Boris Johnson is known for his comical and bumbling persona, often presenting himself as unprepared, which is seen as a deliberate strategy.
• 🚍 One of Boris's quirky habits mentioned is his claim of making models of buses to relax, a statement that raises doubts about its authenticity.
• 🤔 Despite his clownish image, Boris Johnson played a critical role in the Brexit campaign, driving around in a red bus with a false claim about EU payments.
• ⚠️ Johnson’s persona may be calculated, as some believe his gaffes and disheveled look are intentional to charm and distract from more serious issues.
• 📰 Johnson’s career as a journalist was marked by fabrications, including making up a quote that got him fired from The Times of London.
• 🤨 Boris has faced criticism for controversial and offensive remarks, including derogatory comments about immigrants, Muslim women, and the LGBTQ+ community.
• 🔍 There is skepticism about Johnson's ability to deliver a successful Brexit deal, given the EU's firm stance and the complexity of the negotiations.
• 💼 Boris Johnson’s leadership style, characterized by charm and humor, is questioned in light of the serious challenges of managing Brexit and foreign relations.

Q & A

Who is the new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom mentioned in the transcript?

The new Prime Minister of the United Kingdom mentioned in the transcript is Boris Johnson.

What humorous comparison is made about Boris Johnson’s appearance in the transcript?

Boris Johnson's appearance is humorously described as consistently 'immaculately wrong,' and he is compared to 'what would happen if an egg could be both hairy and sad.'

What was Boris Johnson's response when asked what he does to relax?

Boris Johnson responded that he makes models of buses from wooden crates and paints the passengers enjoying themselves. This answer was perceived as both odd and fascinating.

Why does the transcript claim that Boris Johnson's bumbling persona is a 'calculated act'?

The transcript suggests that Boris Johnson's bumbling persona is a calculated act because he intentionally ruffles his hair before going on camera and presents himself as unprepared to appear more relatable or amusing, even though it is often strategic.

What was the role of Boris Johnson in the Brexit campaign?

Boris Johnson played a crucial role in the Brexit campaign, notably riding around in a large red bus with misleading information about EU funding, which helped influence the Brexit vote.

What example of Boris Johnson’s falsehoods is mentioned regarding the European Union?

An example of Boris Johnson’s falsehoods mentioned is his claim that the EU was planning to ban prawn cocktail-flavored crisps, which was a complete fabrication.

How did Boris Johnson handle public criticism after comparing women wearing burqas to 'letterboxes'?

When criticized for comparing women wearing burqas to 'letterboxes,' Boris Johnson deflected attention by putting on a charming, cartoonish persona in front of reporters, which managed to get them laughing despite the offensive remarks.

What specific challenge does Boris Johnson face as Prime Minister in the context of Brexit?

As Prime Minister, Boris Johnson faces the challenge of finalizing a Brexit withdrawal deal by October 31st, a task made more difficult due to his previous antagonistic behavior toward the European Union and his unrealistic promises.

How does the transcript compare Boris Johnson to Donald Trump?

The transcript compares Boris Johnson to Donald Trump by highlighting their shared bombastic personas and public gaffes, but it notes that Johnson is more self-reflective and uses calculated charm, unlike Trump.

What is the transcript’s overall assessment of Boris Johnson’s approach to politics?

The transcript suggests that Boris Johnson’s approach to politics relies heavily on his bumbling, charming persona, which he uses to deflect criticism and avoid deeper scrutiny. However, it questions whether this strategy will work in serious situations like Brexit negotiations.