The Daily Show with Trevor Noah Season 2019 Episode 43 Rep. Will Hurd
- March 20, 2019
In season 2019 episode 43 of The Daily Show with Trevor Noah, the guest is Republican Congressman Will Hurd. Noah engages in a candid conversation with Hurd, who is known for being one of the few Republican lawmakers who publicly criticize Donald Trump.
The episode starts with Noah introducing Hurd, highlighting his remarkable background as a former CIA agent who has spent most of his career working in national security intelligence. Hurd is representing Texas's 23rd congressional district, which is a majority-Hispanic area, and has been re-elected three times since 2014.
Noah begins the conversation by asking Hurd about his hometown, which is located on the Mexican border. Hurd argues that a wall is not the solution to the immigration issue and that the government needs to prioritize technology-based solutions such as drones, sensors, and cameras. Noah probes Hurd about his party's stand on immigration, which seems to have shifted under the Trump administration. Hurd acknowledges that immigration is complicated, but he believes in comprehensive immigration reform that secures the border while offering a pathway to citizenship for undocumented immigrants living in the US.
The conversation shifts to Hurd's high-profile spat with fellow Republican Congressman Devin Nunes, who was leading the House Intelligence Committee's investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Hurd criticizes Nunes' handling of the investigation, saying that he was too partisan and failed to treat it with the seriousness it deserved.
Noah delves into Hurd's views on Trump, who has been accused of stoking racial tensions and inflaming rhetoric against minorities. Hurd agrees that Trump's statements have been divisive, but he contends that the media has also played a role in fueling the tension by focusing more on the controversial rhetoric than on the underlying issues. Nonetheless, Hurd says that he is disappointed with Trump's "go back" tweets, noting that they were "not helpful" in fostering unity and that they risked erasing the progress made in race relations in the country.
The conversation closes with Noah asking Hurd about his plans for running for reelection in 2020. Hurd is coy about his plans, saying that he is focused on completing his term and that he is still weighing his options. Nonetheless, Hurd remains bullish on the Republican Party's prospects, saying that despite the challenges it faces in the current political climate, the party will rebound and continue to play a critical role in shaping US policies.
Overall, the episode offers a detailed glimpse into Hurd's life and policies. It shows that despite his affiliation with the Republican Party, Hurd is a pragmatic leader who prioritizes national security and immigration reform over partisan politics. Noah's engaging interview style and Hurd's candor make for an exciting and informative show that offers something for both Republican and Democratic viewers alike.