Jon Stewart Critiques Democrats for Ending Shutdown Without Gains

Jon Stewart publicly criticized the Democratic Party for their recent decision to end a government shutdown that lasted for 41 days. A group of eight Democratic Senators crossed party lines to bring the shutdown to a close without securing any commitments from Republicans regarding the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies, a key issue for Democrats. During his monologue on Monday, Stewart expressed his disbelief, saying, “I can’t f—ing believe it! They f—ing caved on the shutdown.”

Stewart highlighted the timing of the Democrats’ decision, noting that it came less than a week after significant electoral victories in states such as New Jersey, Virginia, and New York. “You had the wind at your back. Election victories all over the country,” he remarked. The comedian also referenced the recent underperformance of the new Sydney Sweeney film at the box office, using it as a metaphor for the Democrats’ current situation.

Stewart Targets Senate Leadership

Stewart’s ire was particularly directed at Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer. He questioned whether the senators who voted to end the shutdown were strategically unopposed in the upcoming 2026 elections, suggesting that Schumer may have orchestrated the decision to protect his own vulnerable position. The eight lawmakers who voted for the measure included Senators Dick Durbin, Maggie Hassan, Tim Kaine, Jeanne Shaheen, Catherine Cortez Masto, John Fetterman, and Jacky Rosen. Angus King, an Independent who caucuses with the Democrats, also supported the vote.

Despite his vote against the legislation, Schumer is facing mounting pressure to step down as a result of the backlash. As tensions within the party escalate, Stewart characterized the shutdown as a missed opportunity for the Democrats. He pointed out that Donald Trump‘s approval rating is at a historic low, stating, “This is what the Democrats have squandered. They squandered their leverage, sapped their voters’ enthusiasm, and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.”

Comparisons to Sports Leadership

In a humorous twist, Stewart compared the Democrats’ failure to capitalize on the shutdown to the struggles of the New York Giants, who have repeatedly lost games after leading by significant margins this season. He showed a news clip announcing the firing of Giants’ head coach Brian Daboll, drawing parallels between Daboll and Schumer. The audience reacted with enthusiasm to the suggestion that Schumer should also be ousted from his leadership role.

Stewart’s critique echoed sentiments expressed by other frustrated members of the Democratic Party. He concluded his monologue with the quip, “So you’re saying there’s a chance?” underscoring the urgency for Democratic leaders to reevaluate their strategies and responsiveness to public sentiment.

As the party navigates this internal conflict, the implications of Stewart’s remarks may resonate beyond the stage, prompting discussions about the future direction of Democratic leadership and their approach to governance in a challenging political landscape.