On the Jan. 13 episode of “The Daily Show,” Jon Stewart tackled the devastating L.A. forest fires and the Republican lawmakers who want “strings attached” to incoming relief funds.
Stewart opened the show on a positive note, celebrating the “incredible moments of human compassion and kindness” that have arisen from the L.A. fires despite the “tragedy and sadness” that has plagued the City of Stars since Jan. 7 when the Pacific Palisades fire first erupted.
“Neighbors looking after neighbors, charitable contributions pouring into Go Fund Me from all areas of the world,” Stewart said. “[But] mainly, the tireless and heroic actions of firefighters in the California region, some of them prisoners fighting with incredible bravery and tenacity.”
Stewart highlighted that some first responders were “rescue workers from outside the country.” The pundit took the opportunity to jab at conservatives calling for stricter border policies.
“[L.A. received] rescue workers from Mexico! Mex-i-co!” Stewart exclaimed. “Damn your open borders Biden!”
After noting the good, Stewart went on the attack, targeting several Republican lawmakers looking to attach “I told you so” policies to fire relief funds. A video played showing a number of congressional Republicans saying things like, “I think there will be strings attached to money that will ultimately be approved,” and, “[California] doesn’t deserve anything, to be honest with you, unless they show us they’re going to make some changes.”
“That is psychotic. There’s something wrong with you,” Stewart said. “And here’s the thing, I can do ‘The Daily Show’ thing and run down all the congresspeople and senators on the right calling for conditions on disaster aid that absolutely had the opposite view when it was their state on the line.”
Stewart then played a short clip of a red state senator demanding the government do “everything they can” to help a local disaster. But Stewart cut the clip off, saying, “Shut the fuck up… Red states are always the tragic victims of circumstances outside of their control, and Democrats always vote for their aid. Whereas blue state disasters are a function of their flawed morality and policy. And if we help blue state survivors, what message will that send? What lesson will they learn?”
Watch the full opening monologue below:
