Topline
Late-night talk show hosts Jon Stewart, Stephen Colbert, Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers on Monday night criticized the Senate Democrats who ended their party’s blockade and voted to end the federal government shutdown, saying they “caved” to the Republicans and President Donald Trump while failing to secure guarantees on extending health care subsidies.
The Late Show Stephen Colbert and Daily Show host Jon Stewart called out Democrats who voted to end the shutdown, saying they “caved” to the GOP and President Donald Trump.
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Key Facts
“The Daily Show” host Jon Stewart dedicated his entire opening monologue to the matter and started off telling the audience, “I can’t f—ing believe it…They f—ing caved on the shutdown…not even a full week removed from the best election night results they’ve had in years.”
Stewart continued to call out the Democrats, saying: “You had the wind at your back, election victories all over the country…You sold out the entire shutdown not to get what you wanted, but for a promise to not get what you wanted later.”
Stewart directed a significant portion of his criticism towards Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and questioned his public criticism of ending the shutdown, saying: “your protestation be not believable.”
The comedian then said, “either all eight senators who voted to capitulate coincidentally are not up for re-election in 2026, or Chuck Schumer worked behind the scenes to give in to the Republicans while still protecting vulnerable Democrats, including himself.”
Stewart called it a “world-class collapse by Democrats,” before adding: “They squandered their leverage, sapped their voters’ enthusiasm, and snatched defeat from the jaws of victory.”
What Did Stephen Colbert Say About The Shutdown Vote?
On the “Late Show”, Colbert pointed out that the Democrats had been holding the line on the shutdown to ensure the Republicans agreed to an extension of the Affordable Care Act subsidies. “Well, last night, eight Democratic senators voted with Republicans to fund the government through January without any Affordable Care Act guarantees. So, yes…the shutdown may have been long and painful for millions of Americans, but at least it achieved jack squat,” he said. Colbert then pointed out that none of the eight Senate Democrats who broke ranks are up for reelection next year and “two have announced they are retiring from the Senate. What a disappointing way to end your career.” The comedian then called out a statement by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, D-N.H., who said he constituents are asking her: “Why can’t you all just work together to address the problems that are facing this country?” Colbert retorted: “Cause the country is being run by insane people.”