The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Season 2016 Episode 102 Rep. John Lewis
- August 8, 2016
- 1290 min
On the 102nd episode of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah season 2016, the focus is on the well-known civil rights leader and congressman, Rep. John Lewis. The episode is dedicated to the recent controversy surrounding Donald Trump's tweets in response to Rep. Lewis' comments about not attending Trump's inauguration. Lewis had labeled Trump's presidency as "illegitimate" due to allegations of Russian interference in the election.
The episode begins with Trevor Noah discussing the tweets and the heated exchange between the two. Noah shows a clip of Lewis on Meet the Press, where he explains his decision not to attend the inauguration. Lewis mentions that he doesn't believe Trump to be a "legitimate president" due to the Russian interference in the election. Noah supplies his commentary on Lewis' decision, stating that it must have been a difficult one to make, given the importance of the inauguration in American tradition.
Noah then plays a clip of Trump's Twitter attack on Lewis, where the President-elect claims that Lewis is "all talk" and no action and that his district is in "horrible shape." Noah counters these claims by highlighting Lewis' work as a civil rights leader, including being beaten and jailed in his work to end segregation and secure voting rights for African Americans.
The episode then shifts gears to focus on the broader issues at play, particularly the current state of race relations in America. Noah plays clips from Trump rallies, where people of color and protestors have been violently attacked. Noah points out that it is "unfair and dangerous" to label all Trump supporters as racists but that "ignoring this kind of behavior is also dangerous."
The host then shows a clip of Lewis speaking at a committee hearing on voting rights. Lewis states that the right to vote is "precious, almost sacred" and that his life's work has been dedicated to securing that right for all Americans. Noah acknowledges how many people have fought and suffered for that right and that it still remains a contentious issue in America.
The episode ends with a heartfelt tribute to Rep. Lewis' record of public service and his tireless dedication to civil rights. Noah references the famous quote from President Obama's speech at the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Selma, Alabama, noting that Lewis has not only crossed that bridge "but he has built bridges over it."
In conclusion, The Daily Show with Trevor Noah season 2016 episode 102 is a respectful tribute to Rep. John Lewis and his contributions to civil rights and American democracy. The episode's focus on broader issues of race relations and voting rights highlight the significance of Lewis' work and serves as a reminder of the progress that still needs to be made. Noah's commentary is thoughtful and respectful, conveying a heightened sense of the importance of addressing these issues in a time of political division and unrest.