Anyone would’ve thought that Jon Stewart‘s lead-up on Monday’s The Daily Show was headed toward an appearance by former correspondent John Oliver.
It was not.
Stewart ranted about the government shutdown cutting off funds for 42 million Americans on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — costing around $8.3 billion per month — while President Donald Trump bails out the country of Argentina to the tune of $20 billion.
“Do you know what some of the billions going to Argentina are being used for in the midst of what may be a burgeoning hunger crisis in America?” Stewart asked.
“Trump is for you, Argentinean beef cattle ranchers,” Stewart exclaimed. “Did you think ‘you’ were American cattle ranchers? No. You’re they/them. They’re you, and you’re [among those] — along with the people on food stamps — who will not be able to partake in this new Argentinean beef glut.”
In another era of the show, Stewart recalled, “we would illustrate this disparity with a short play. Probably would have had John Oliver come out dressed, perhaps, like Oliver Twist.”
A photo of Oliver dressed as Charles Dickens’ beloved orphan popped up onscreen.
“We would do a whole thing where he’s begging the president,” Stewart said, putting on an English accent. “‘Please, sir, I’d like some more beef. Argentinean beef.’ Yes, and John would be using his fake English accent. John is from Fort Lee.”
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Instead, Stewart put on a different play, “albeit with my own cultural stereotypes,” he warned.
“I give you Hungry Fiddler Too Weak to Climb to the Roof,” Stewart continued. “So hungry. I dream of sustenance. Unfortunately, because the czarist government is shut down, I have nothing to eat.”
The Daily Show‘s Michael Kosta then arrived, offering some Argentinian beef: “Oh, well, we happen to have this delicious Argentinean meat that’s undercutting the prices of the meat that you normally get.”
Watch to see how the drama unfolds in this clip from The Daily Show.
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