John Oliver’s Lament and Determination in a Sinking America
Amidst the turmoil and uncertainty of the current political climate, liberal HBO host John Oliver took to "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" to express his deep concerns about the state of the United States. However, despite his somber assessment, Oliver declared his unwavering commitment to staying in the country, even as it resembled a sinking ship.
Oliver’s Citizenship and Resoluteness
Oliver, who recently became a U.S. citizen, acknowledged the challenges facing the nation under President Trump’s administration. While acknowledging the ship’s ominous fate, he asserted his determination to remain steadfast and weather the storm: "Oh, no, I’m sticking it out. I’m going down with the Titanic."
Reminiscing about Election Night Horror
Oliver recalled his previous appearance on Colbert’s show on the eve of the 2024 election, recounting the palpable sense of dread and apprehension they shared over Trump’s potential victory. "Cards on the table, by the way, I don’t remember anything we talked about because I don’t think I was listening to a word you said," Colbert admitted, still haunted by the specter of the election’s outcome.
A Suboptimal Time in Human History
Referring to President Trump’s presence in the White House, Oliver lamented, "It’s a suboptimal time in human history, this." Colbert prompted Oliver to elaborate on his decision to remain in the U.S. Despite his concerns, Oliver remained resolute: "I know there might not be life rafts available, but I’m tuning up."
Dr. Phil’s Absurd ICE Appearance
Oliver couldn’t resist taking a dig at TV host Dr. Phil’s perplexing involvement in an ICE raid, mockingly stating, "Dr. Phil makes as much sense there as he does in a psychiatrist office."
The Power of Protest
Oliver drew inspiration from the wave of protests that followed President Trump’s so-called Muslim ban in 2017. He quoted an unnamed Department of Justice lawyer who attributed the protests with boosting his morale and helping him feel connected to the people’s will. "Activism outside our building helped with the activism inside it," the lawyer had stated.
Message Sending and Citizen Engagement
Oliver emphasized the importance of active citizenship, even beyond the act of voting. "You can send a message. You don’t have to wait just to vote. It’s valuable sending messages, even if that message is, ‘F— this s—,’" he declared.
Oliver’s Enduring Hope
Despite the challenges facing the nation, Oliver concluded on a note of guarded optimism, finding hope in the voices of dissent and the unwavering spirit of activism. "You don’t have to be happy, but you do have to be hopeful. There’s a difference."
