John Stewart Critiques Chuck Schumer’s Joke Amid Government Shutdown

On Monday night, Comedy Central host John Stewart called out New York Senator Chuck Schumer for a comment he made during a press conference regarding the recent government shutdown.

The federal government officially began its shutdown at 12:01 AM on October 1, following the Senate’s inability to pass a funding resolution after the House had approved a short-term bill on September 19. The Senate didn’t secure the 60 votes needed to bypass a filibuster.

“Democrats claim that American health care needs protection,” Schumer remarked—something that Stewart responded to with, “Um… a good point.”

Regarding the situation, Stewart added, “New data from KFF today. Not Kentucky Fried Fries, but could be Kentucky Fries. Yes, indeed.” He criticized Schumer further, asking, “Who’s the joke? A six-year-old kid watching C-Span? What’s going on here? Chuck Schumer is like a human flat tire.”

Democrats are currently pushing for over $1 trillion in funding aimed at various priorities. These include extending enhanced Obamacare payments introduced during the pandemic and restoring funding for Public Broadcasting, which was left in jeopardy after a rescue bill was blocked in July.

“Look at poor ‘Kentucky Fries’!” Stewart exclaimed. “It’s like the face of someone who’s trying to connect with my dad, who always told me, ‘Just don’t use your Indian accent at the restaurant.’ Meanwhile, my dad was all about chicken tikka masala.”

In the past, Schumer faced backlash from left-wing media and fellow Democrats for agreeing to a GOP-supported spending bill to avert a government shutdown back in March.