Ep 163. Kerry Washington

Kerry Washington, the star of Scandal and Django Unchained, graces the set of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart for an interview about her work as an activist and political advocate. In this episode, viewers are treated to a lively discussion about the intersection of entertainment and politics, as Washington shares her thoughts on the importance of using one's platform to effect change.

The episode starts off with Jon Stewart introducing his guest, noting her impressive acting career and her work as a political activist. He teases the audience with a few clips from Scandal, and Washington jokingly responds that she doesn't know what he's talking about since she's "never seen the show before." This sets the tone for a relaxed and fun interview, with both Stewart and Washington bantering back and forth.

Stewart kicks off the conversation by asking Washington about her involvement in various political causes. Washington notes that she has been involved in activism since she was a child, and that she sees her work as an activist and actor as complementary. "Art has the power to change culture," she says, "and culture has the power to change policy." She goes on to talk about some of the political issues she is most passionate about, including women's rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and anti-racism work.

Stewart gets serious for a moment, asking Washington about some of the challenges she has faced as a Black woman in Hollywood. Washington acknowledges that there is still a lot of work to be done in terms of diversity and representation in the industry, but notes that she is encouraged by the progress that has been made. She talks about the importance of creating opportunities for people from marginalized communities, and notes that she has made a deliberate effort to use her own success to lift others up.

The conversation then turns to politics, as Washington talks about the importance of voting and civic engagement. She emphasizes that everyone has a role to play in creating change, and that even small actions can make a difference. Stewart and Washington discuss the impact of the Black Lives Matter movement, with Washington noting that while she is heartened to see so many people getting involved, there is still a lot of work to be done to address systemic racism in America.

The interview wraps up with Stewart asking Washington about her future plans. She hints at a new project that she's working on, but doesn't give away any details. She does, however, make it clear that she plans to continue using her platform to effect change in whatever way she can.

Overall, this episode of The Daily Show with Jon Stewart is a lively and engaging conversation about activism, politics, and the power of art to effect change. Washington is a charismatic and thoughtful guest, and both she and Stewart bring their signature wit and humor to the discussion. Whether you're a fan of Washington's acting work or simply interested in hearing from a passionate and articulate advocate, this episode is well worth a watch.