Jon Stewart on Tucker Carlson’s Putin Interview & Trip to Russia | The Daily Show

Summary

The script depicts Jon Stewart hosting The Daily Show and reacting to backlash over recent comments criticizing Joe Biden. He travels to Russia to learn partisan propaganda from Tucker Carlson, who conducts a fawning interview with Putin. Stewart mocks Carlson, contrasting Russia's infrastructure with its lack of freedom. Carlson claims the culture war aligns Russia and US conservatives against 'woke' liberals. Stewart argues Carlson whitewashes brutality to make Putin seem reasonable. The script satirizes Carlson's authoritarian appeasement.

Takeaways

• 😂 Jon Stewart humorously addresses criticisms and backlash from his show, highlighting the divisive nature of social media.
• 💥 Faces backlash from Democrats and is called out on Twitter for his comments about Joe Biden, showcasing the polarized reactions to political commentary.
• 🔥 Discusses the challenge of engaging in meaningful discourse without being misconstrued, emphasizing the complexity of political dialogue.
• 💁‍♂️ Satirically adopts a student role to learn about 'delivering world-class fealty to power' from a caricatured professor, poking fun at media figures.
• 🙄 Highlights the absurdity of media bias and misinformation through a mock interview scenario, critiquing journalistic integrity.
• 🏛 Explores the contrasting images of Russian and American public services, using humor to comment on infrastructure and social issues.
• 🚫 Critiques the oversimplification of complex political issues, such as economic conditions and freedom, through a sarcastic visit to a Russian grocery store.
• 😭 Uses satire to underscore the serious consequences of political repression in Russia, juxtaposing superficial observations with deeper societal problems.
• 🔨 Tackles the theme of ideological battles shaping perceptions of foreign leaders, suggesting a shift in how political alliances are viewed.
• 🤣 Ends with a comedic segment that exaggerates the allure of dictatorships through absurd comparisons, highlighting the dangers of propaganda.

Q & A

Why does Jon Stewart say he is 'contributing to' the dying television medium?

He says this jokingly after stating that someone told him TV is a dying medium. By continuing to host a TV show, he is 'contributing' to and perpetuating the medium, even as viewership declines.

What is the 'backlash' Jon Stewart refers to over his previous comments about Joe Biden?

He is referring to strong negative reactions on Twitter from high-profile figures like Keith Olbermann and others who accused him of false equivalency and both-sides rhetoric in criticizing Joe Biden.

Why does Jon Stewart decide to 'deal head on' with the issue people had with his previous commentary?

Because even though it was just one 20-minute show, he feels it's better to address substantial criticism directly rather than ignoring it.

Who is the 'professor' Jon Stewart addresses for advice on delivering propaganda?

He is addressing Fox News host Tucker Carlson satirically as a 'professor' of propaganda delivery while interviewing Vladimir Putin.

What Warsaw subway 'screen doors' is Jon Stewart referring to?

He facetiously claims Russia says Poland started WWII because their submarines had screen doors, mocking a nonsensical justification for invasion.

How does Tucker Carlson claim the Russia trip has 'radicalized' him?

Seeing the low grocery prices and orderly society supposedly made him turn against American leadership in comparison.

Why does Jon Stewart claim Carlson is trying to make Putin seem like an ally?

Because Carlson sees the new global ideological battle as between 'woke' and 'unwoke,' not capitalism vs. communism, in which Putin takes the right's side.

What statement did Carlson release condemning Navalny's poisoning?

He released a statement calling Navalny's poisoning 'horrifying,' 'barbaric' and saying 'No decent person would defend it.'

Where does on-scene reporter Michael Kosta claim to be broadcasting from?

North Korea, where he jokingly acts as if it is a wonderful candy-filled paradise thanks to its low prices.

What does Kosta say he exchanged for a bucket of gummy worms in North Korea?

His U.S. citizenship.

Outlines

00:00

😆 Jon Stewart's Comeback and Criticism

Jon Stewart humorously addresses his return to television on 'The Daily Show', joking about contributing to the decline of the medium. He shares his surprise at being expected to continue the show weekly and mocks the negative reception of his previous episode, particularly on Twitter, where he faced backlash from Democrats and was criticized by figures such as Keith Olbermann and Mary Trump for his comments about Joe Biden. Stewart jests about the absurdity of expecting democracy to perish from open discussion. He then transitions to a satirical interview with 'Professor Tucker Aloysius Mayflower Kennebunkport Backgammon Carlson III' on mastering the art of delivering loyalty to power, where he sarcastically praises Tucker's ability to disguise deception as nobility.

05:03

😂 The Absurdity of Media Bias and Stereotypes

In this section, Jon Stewart continues his satirical critique, focusing on Tucker Carlson's biased portrayal of Russia. He jokes about the difficulty of maintaining a neutral expression when agreeing with absurd statements, such as Poland starting World War II. Stewart humorously recounts a stereotype about Polish people, linking it to a broader discussion on the challenges of speaking truth to power. He then mocks Carlson's overly positive depiction of Russian infrastructure and daily life, such as the cleanliness of subway stations and the functionality of grocery stores, contrasting these with American shortcomings humorously attributed to historical and social issues.

10:05

🤔 Unmasking Propaganda Through Satire

Jon Stewart wraps up by exposing the cynicism behind Tucker Carlson's portrayal of Russia, highlighting the deceptive nature of his grocery shopping segment meant to show the affordability and quality of life in Russia. Stewart points out the fallacy in Carlson's argument by noting the significant income disparity between Americans and Russians, suggesting that Carlson's omission of such context is intentional. He then contrasts the superficial allure of Russian infrastructure with the high cost of suppressed freedoms, referencing the plight of Alexey Navalny and his supporters as victims of political repression. Stewart concludes by suggesting that Carlson's alignment with Putin is part of a broader ideological battle that prioritizes certain political narratives over democratic values and human rights.

Keywords

💡Propaganda

Propaganda refers to misleading or biased information used to promote a political cause or point of view. In the context of the video, Jon Stewart is ironically seeking advice on how to create propaganda that supports and flatters authoritarian leaders like Putin. He sarcastically calls this 'unquestioning propaganda' and Tucker Carlson a 'propaganda masterclass'.

💡Authoritarianism

Authoritarianism refers to a form of government characterized by a single ruler or authority that demands strict obedience from its citizens. The video satirizes right-wing media figures who seem to admire the authoritarian leadership style of Putin in Russia.

💡Sycophancy

Sycophancy means behaving in an overly praising or complimentary way towards someone powerful in order to gain favor with them. Stewart accuses Carlson of sycophancy in his softball interview with Putin, never challenging Putin's questionable claims.

💡Censorship

Censorship refers to the suppression of free speech, public communication or other information. The video points out that while Carlson praises Russian society, he ignores the political repression and censorship that Putin imposes on dissidents.

💡Disinformation

Disinformation means false information spread deliberately to deceive people. Stewart satirically presents Carlson as a master of using media to spread pro-authoritarian disinformation to his viewers.

💡Xenophobia

Xenophobia refers to fear or dislike of foreign peoples and cultures. The video mocks Carlson's blanket condemnations of problems in US society while thoughtlessly praising everything in Russia.

💡Jingoism

Jingoism means aggressive, pro-war patriotism and excessive bias in favor of one's country. Stewart jokes that Carlson has become so extremely pro-Russia that he has renounced his US citizenship.

💡Propagandist

A propagandist spreads biased information to promote a cause. Stewart satirically presents Carlson as a 'free speech warrior' but also implies he uses media to spread pro-authoritarian propaganda.

💡Demagogue

A demagogue is a political leader who gains power by exploiting people's emotions and prejudices. The video mocks Carlson and implies he stirs up xenophobia and anti-democratic sentiments in his viewers.

💡Punditry

Punditry refers to commentary, usually politically opinionated, made by pundits or media personalities. The video satirizes vacuous right-wing pundits like Carlson who seem to glorify oppression under Putin.

Highlights

Jon apologizes for controversial comments, says he can do better

Jon asks Tucker Carlson how to be a better propaganda student

Tucker says to disguise propaganda as noble and moral

Tucker demonstrates interview techniques like seeming ashamed and aroused

Putin blames Poland for starting World War 2

Tucker impressed by nice Russian subways with no graffiti or filth

Tucker radicalized after seeing low grocery prices in Russia

Tucker omits context about lower Russian incomes

High costs of Russian order are political repression and arrests

Tucker wants to make Putin seem like an ally against woke ideology

Tucker claims to be horrified by Navalny's poisoning

Michael Kosta renounces US citizenship for North Korean gummy worms

Kosta says American pedophiles can afford $20 gummy worms

Kosta impressed by gumball machine technology in North Korea

Kosta says sour, then sweet gummy worms are better than anything in US

Transcripts

Welcome to The Daily Show.

I'm your host, Jon Stewart, captain of this dying medium.

Why would you even say that to me?

I had a gentleman tell me tonight,

he said, oh, I'm so happy to be here.

You know, television is dying.

I said, I am aware.

And, in fact, I'm contributing to it.

You're welcome.

I did have such a good time last week doing the program.

And then everybody at Comedy Central was like, oh, what

are you going to do this week?

And I was like, wait, this week?

I did already-- I did it Monday.

What am I, a cyborg?

Come on.

But I don't mind because, quite frankly,

the response to the first show last Monday

was universally glowing.

REPORTER: Jon Stewart is facing massive backlash

from Democrats over his comments about Joe Biden.

Olbermann tweeted, "Well, after nine years away,

there's nothing else to say to the bothsideist fraud Jon

Stewart bashing Biden, except--

please make it another nine years.

Chris D. Jackson tweeted, "Sorry,

but I won't be watching you either."

OK.

Maybe not universal.

But that was on Twitter.

Everything on Twitter gets a backlash.

I've seen Twitter tell labradoodles to go [bleep]

themselves, labradoodles.

I just think it's better to deal head-on with what's

an apparent issue to people.

I mean, we're just--

we're just talking here.

REPORTER: And Mary Trump tweeting,

"Not only is Stewart's 'both sides are the same'

rhetoric not funny, it's a potential disaster

for democracy."

It was one [bleep] show.

It was just one [bleep] show.

It was 20 minutes.

I did 20 minutes of one [bleep] show.

But I guess as the famous saying goes,

democracy dies in discussion.

But, look, (SOUTHERN ACCENT) I have sinned against you.

I'm sorry.

(SPEAKING NORMALLY) It was never

my intention to say out loud what I saw with my eyes

and then brain.

I can do better.

I can haz learning.

I can haz it.

But I don't even know where to start with that.

Where do I go to study the particulars

of unquestioning propaganda?

I would need mentorship.

We're in Moscow tonight.

We're here to interview the president

of Russia, Vladimir Putin.

Saints be praised.

For professor Tucker Aloysius Mayflower

Kennebunkport Backgammon Carlson III has arrived.

Professor, tell me, what is step one in delivering

world-class fealty to power?

Here's what we're doing it, first, because it's our job.

We're in journalism.

Lie about what your job is.

In journalism, our duty is to inform people.

Lie about what your duty is.

Americans have a right to know all they can

about a war they're implicated in.

Freedom of speech is our birthright.

We were born with the right to say what we believe.

Oh, shit.

Kudos, sensei.

That was deep.

I have much to learn.

Disguise your deception and capitulation

to power as noble and moral and based in freedom.

Yes, master.

Just out of curiosity, as a student, when you're sitting

there interviewing Putin and you don't plan to challenge

his utter bullshit, but you don't

want to really be that obvious, what do you do with your face?

Oh, I see.

OK, so it's not really a straight face as much

as you try to convey a mixture of what appears to be shame,

arousal, and I'm going to say irregularity.

For instance, like you're constipated while jerking

off to a Sears catalog.

Been there, haven't you?

A guy up there is like, well, the lingerie ads were mm.

Now, obviously, Tucker's strategy

is going to work when there's some ambiguity

in what Putin says.

But what if Putin starts saying shit like World War II

was Poland's fault because they forced Hitler to invade them.

I mean, what do you do with something like that?

That's got to be hard.

Of course.

[laughter]

Of course, you know, that's so hard to do when your face

says what the what the [bleep] and your mouth says,

"of course."

It's so hard to--

how do you-- all right.

How do you do that?

By the way, Poland started World War II,

why would a country whose navy has submarines with screen

doors want to instigate a war?

Quick history lesson.

Years ago, for reasons nobody is really sure of,

a stereotype emerged that Polish people were

inept in various ways, including, obviously,

submarine manufacturing and even something as simple

as the changing of a light bulb.

I don't know actually how many Polish people you think

it takes to change a light bulb,

but it's certainly less than the conventional wisdom

at that time would tell you.

Now, we know that Polish people are as smart as anyone

and certainly did not deserve to be invaded by the Germans,

who, of course, accomplished that by marching

in backwards so the Poles thought they were leaving.

Well, (ACCENTED SPEECH) I like to give

you a little bit of dumb.

(SPEAKING NORMALLY) Well, this has been an incredible primer

into the delicate dance of speaking "of course" to power.

Tell me, Tucker, does this masterclass

include field trips?

How does Russia have a subway station that normal people use

to get to work and home every single day that's nicer

than anything in our country?

There's no graffiti.

There's no filth.

There's no foul smells.

That's a [bleep] nice subway.

That's a very-- although, to be fair to the New York City

system, it was constructed in 1904 out of urinal cakes

by the great engineer Giuseppe Pissa Everywhere.

But point taken, it's a very nice subway.

But the subway, that's only one thing.

So we thought it would be interesting to take

a look at a contemporary modern day

2024 Russian grocery store.

Ooh, go on.

All right, here we go.

So I guess you put in 10 rubles here

and you get it back when you put the cart back.

So it's free, but there's an incentive

to return it and not just bring it

to your homeless encampment.

[oh]

I know I've said this before, you're such a dick.

Now, I do realize--

really, truly, a dick.

I didn't realize America's homeless problem

is caused entirely by easy access to grocery carts.

Oh, I had all my stuff in my house,

but I didn't know you could put it on wheels.

It's so much easier.

This is the grocery cart escalator.

This is designed-- I'm figuring this out now--

where the wheels don't move.

They lock on the grocery cart escalator.

Look, Ma, no hands.

Oh, oh, OK, OK, Forrest.

An escalator for the grocery cart and the doors

open automatically.

Oh, mother Russia.

Russia is famous for its bread, which is one thing

I can assess pretty well.

Look at that.

It's fresh too.

Look at that.

Oh.

Come on.

Mm.

[laughter]

This [bleep] guy really likes bread.

I hate to think what would have happened

if he had found a bagel.

[laughter]

But, hey, if being a free speech warrior

means you have to bang the occasional

sourdough, nostrovia.

But our time is limited.

Could you drive home the purpose of your deception

on this trip in the most cynical way possible, please?

We didn't pay any attention to costs.

We were just putting in the cart

where we would actually eat over a week.

And we all came in around 400 bucks, about 400 bucks.

It was $104 US here.

And coming to a Russian grocery store, the heart of evil,

and seeing what things cost and how people live,

it will radicalize you against our leaders.

That's how I feel anyway, radicalized.

Radicalized.

And it will radicalize you unless you

understand basic economics.

See, $104 for groceries sounds like a great bargain,

unless you realize Russians earn less than $200 a week.

But that's the kind of context that a--

what did you call yourself earlier--

a journalist would have provided.

But here's the reality.

You [bleep] know all this.

Because you aren't as dumb as your face would have

us believe.

Perhaps if your handlers had allowed,

you would have seen there is a hidden

fee to your cheap groceries and orderly streets.

Ask Alexey Navalny or any of his supporters.

REPORTER: In Vladimir Putin's Russia,

political repression is everywhere.

[scream] And hundreds have been arrested for daring

to honor Navalny so publicly.

Right, because the difference between our urinal-caked

chaotic subways and your candelabra'd beautiful

subways is the literal price of freedom.

But the goal that Carlson and his ilk are pushing

is that there is really no difference

between our systems.

In fact, theirs might be a little bit better.

The question is why, why is Tucker doing this?

Here's why.

It's because the old civilizational battle

was communism versus capitalism,

that what drove the world since World War II.

Russia was the enemy then.

But now they think the battle is woke versus unwoke.

And in that fight, Putin is an ally to the right.

He's their friend.

Unfortunately, he is also a brutal and ruthless dictator.

So now they have to make Americans a little

more comfortable with that.

I mean, liberty is nice, but have you

seen Russia's shopping carts?

And Tucker would have gotten away with it if it weren't

for those meddling assassins.

REPORTER: In a statement to the New York Times,

Carlson said, quote, "It is horrifying

what happened to Navalny.

The whole thing is barbaric and awful.

No decent person would defend it."

Correct, no decent person would.

For more on-- oh, please, enjoy your claps.

For more on Tucker Carlson's interview with Putin,

we turn to our own Michael Kosta.

Michael, how-- Michael, first of all,

what an unbelievably embarrassing

display of sycophancy from Tucker Carlson.

Yeah, well, I'm not sure what that means, Jon,

so I'm going to assume you loved it as much as I did.

It made me think that these dictatorships have

gotten a bad rap, which is why I've

traveled here, to North Korea.

And as you can see, it's amazing.

It looks like you're in a candy store.

Well, I am, but this is what the entire country

looks like, I'm told.

It's a paradise of chocolate bars and sugar canes.

I mean, Jon, check this out.

This bucket of gummy worms here in Pyongyang,

it costs a nickel.

Do you have any idea how much this

would cost me in the so-called United States?

I don't know, like $20, I guess?

Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, and who

can afford that besides capitalistic

American pedophiles, OK?

And just look at the technology they have here, Jon.

Check out this amazing contraption.

You put, OK, you put a quarter.

And look what comes out, a gumball.

[sniff] Oh, death to America.

Jon?

You need to come home Michael.

Well, I'd like to, Jon, but, unfortunately,

I renounced my citizenship in exchange

for these gummy worms.

Now, look, they made them sour on the outside.

And on the inside, they're sweet.

And until America comes up with that, all right, how do we

say goodbye in our language?

Michael Kosta, everybody.

Michael.