The Daily Show with Jon Stewart Season 7 Episode 95 Zell Miller

Zell Miller, the Democratic senator from Georgia, famously gave a fiery speech at the Republican National Convention in 2004, endorsing President George W. Bush and criticizing his own party. The Daily Show with Jon Stewart seized on this moment to take a satirical look at the state of American politics.

In this episode, Jon Stewart begins by playing clips of Miller's speech, in which he accuses Democrats of being weak on national defense and praises Bush's leadership. Stewart points out that this is not the first time Miller has crossed party lines—he also endorsed Bush's father over Bill Clinton in 1992, and even considered running as Bush's vice president in 2000.

Stewart then brings on comedian and frequent Daily Show guest Lewis Black, who unleashes his trademark fury on Miller and the state of politics in general. Black compares the two-party system to a game of "good cop, bad cop," in which both sides are equally corrupt and beholden to special interests.

Next, Stewart turns to correspondent Ed Helms, who has been covering the Democratic National Convention in Boston. Helms interviews several convention-goers about Miller's speech and the state of the Democratic Party. Some are outraged by Miller's betrayal, while others are more understanding and suggest that the party needs to do a better job of appealing to voters in the South.

Stewart then interviews journalist and author Ron Suskind, who has written extensively about the Bush administration. Suskind argues that the Republican Party has become more radical in recent years, driven by a small but powerful group of ideologues who are intent on remaking the country in their own image. He also points out that Democrats have largely failed to offer a coherent alternative, instead trying to win elections by appealing to swing voters and avoiding controversial issues.

Finally, Stewart brings on Miller himself, who defends his decision to endorse Bush and criticizes the Democratic Party's record on national security. Miller argues that the party has become too obsessed with civil liberties and diplomacy, and that it needs to take a tougher line against terrorists. Stewart challenges Miller on several points, but also acknowledges that he may have a point about the need for the Democrats to offer a clear vision for the future.

Overall, the episode is a sharp commentary on the state of American politics in the early 21st century. It highlights the deep divisions within both parties, as well as the challenges of trying to appeal to a diverse and often polarized electorate. Through its humor and insight, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart offers a refreshing and entertaining take on a serious subject.