The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 17 Episode 120 Marco Rubio
- June 25, 2012
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart season 17 episode 120 features an interview with Republican Senator Marco Rubio. The episode begins with Stewart satirically discussing the ongoing presidential race and the absurdity of the current political climate. He highlights the importance of the youth vote and the impact it could have on the election.
The show then cuts to an interview with Marco Rubio, who at the time was a rising star in the Republican Party. Stewart begins the interview by asking Rubio about his stance on immigration reform. Rubio argues that the current system is broken and that illegal immigration must be addressed, but also emphasizes the need for a nuanced approach that takes into account individual circumstances.
The conversation then turns to gun control, with Rubio arguing that stricter gun laws would not prevent mass shootings. He suggests increased mental health screenings and stronger background checks as alternative solutions. Stewart challenges Rubio's arguments, pointing out that many mass shooters legally obtained their firearms and that mental health screenings are not foolproof.
The interview then shifts to foreign policy, with Rubio advocating for stronger action against ISIS and a more assertive U.S. role in the Middle East. He criticizes President Obama's handling of the Syria crisis, arguing that the U.S. missed an opportunity to intervene earlier and that the current situation is a result of inaction.
Stewart pushes back, noting that the Iraq War was a costly and destructive failure, and questioning the wisdom of further military intervention in the region. The two engage in a spirited back-and-forth, with Rubio arguing that strong leadership is necessary to confront the threat of terrorism and Stewart expressing skepticism about the effectiveness of military force.
The episode concludes with Stewart reflecting on the interview and the issues raised, highlighting the difficulty of finding common ground on contentious issues. He emphasizes the importance of thoughtful debate and respectful dialogue, even when disagreements are profound.
Overall, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart season 17 episode 120 provides an illuminating and engaging exploration of some of the key issues of the time, as well as a compelling interview with one of the Republican Party's most prominent rising stars.