Jon Stewart has a blunt message for Democrats as they prepare to take control of Congress: don't squander this opportunity by turning everything into a political fight. On his podcast The Weekly Show, the comedian and political commentator laid out what he sees as the party's top priority when they assume power in January.
"Job one of this opportunity is to tear down the obstacles and old way of thinking that got us into this mess," Stewart said. "Someone has to meet this moment and they have got to show — and this moment is not, 'oh, we get to impeach everybody' … like, you have an opportunity to actually govern."
Stewart's comments come as Democrats celebrate a string of midterm victories, but he cautions that winning an election and retaining voter trust are two different things. "Democrats would be making a mistake if they assumed this victory automatically validates the congressional leadership that got them here," he argued. "It does not."
Taking direct aim at Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, Stewart said: "By the way, they're already like, 'Chuck Schumer deserves a lot of credit' … Chuck Schumer fought tooth and nail against half of these [BLEEP] people! And even if he didn't, he does not understand the urgency of the moment and what the future demands. I truly believe that."
Stewart also criticized House Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, noting his past support for Medicare for All and subsequent reversal on national television. "Schumer and Jeffries were also congratulated by AIPAC on their wins this week," he added, referencing the pro-Israel lobbying group's statement praising their leadership.
The criticism from progressives extends beyond Stewart. Both Schumer and Jeffries have faced scrutiny over their relationship with AIPAC and their reluctance to embrace progressive candidates like New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani. The political landscape around AIPAC is shifting, with even some Republicans questioning U.S. ties to Israel. The group spent nearly $30 million backing Haley Stevens in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, only to see progressive Abdul El-Sayed win the nomination and the general election.
Stewart's warning is clear: Democrats cannot spend the next two years proving they are better at fighting Republicans than improving people's lives. While accountability and investigations are necessary—such as examining reported interference with Ukraine's access to Musk's Starlink systems or the financial ties surrounding Trump family crypto ventures—impeachment should not be the centerpiece of the new majority's agenda.
"I say that as someone deeply critical of Trump and his administration. Do not let governing fall to the wayside," Stewart said. "People are seriously struggling out here." A recent AP Voter Poll found that 79 percent of voters said inflation had caused their households moderate or severe financial hardship. Groceries, housing, health care, utilities—these are not abstract talking points.
Neither Schumer nor Jeffries has an automatic claim to their leadership posts; both require support from their caucuses. Stewart suggests this is an opportunity to look beyond familiar names and find leaders with fewer big-pocket donors, who can speak to working families and offer something more compelling than simply being the alternative to Donald Trump. As Democrats gear up for their new majority, the question remains: will they heed Stewart's advice or fall into the same traps?
