The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 18 Episode 153 Robert Reich

Robert Reich, former Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton, joins Jon Stewart as a guest on The Daily Show's 153rd episode of Season 18. The episode originally aired on September 13, 2013.

As a professor of public policy at the University of California, Berkeley, Reich has made a career out of advocating for social justice and economic equality. On the show, he speaks about his latest book, "Beyond Outrage," which explores the growing wealth gap in America and offers solutions for closing it.

Stewart and Reich dive deep into the topic of income inequality, discussing the factors that have contributed to its rise over the past few decades, including the decline of unions and the increasing power of Wall Street. Reich argues that it's not just about the top 1% getting richer, but also about the middle class and those in poverty falling behind.

Reich also takes aim at the political system, calling out the wealthy donors and lobbyists who have managed to wield vast influence over lawmakers. He notes that money in politics has meant that politicians are more responsive to the needs of their donors than to the needs of their constituents.

Despite the grim picture painted by Reich's analysis, he remains optimistic about the possibility of change. He highlights successful movements throughout history, including the civil rights movement and the movement for women's suffrage, as examples of how ordinary people can come together to effect change.

Throughout the interview, Stewart provides his trademark comedic commentary, poking fun at both Reich and the absurdity of American politics. At one point, he jokes about the disconnect between politicians and the average American, saying, "The American dream is not moving in the direction of the American reality."

In addition to the interview with Reich, the episode also includes segments on the latest developments in Syria and the role of the U.S. military in the world. As always, The Daily Show provides a fresh and irreverent take on current events, making it a must-watch for anyone who wants to stay informed while being entertained.