Jon Stewart says when it comes to new MP George Santos (RN.Y.), the public should “not confuse absurdity with lack of danger”.
“That’s the beauty of his lies, you wouldn’t even think to check it because it’s just so stupid,” the former Daily Show host said of Santos on his Apple podcast The Problem With Jon Stewart ‘ which was published on Wednesday.
Several lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have called on Santos to resign after he admitted to multiple fabrications about his work history and education. Critics have raised questions about everything from Santos’ campaign finances to his family history to allegations that he took money for a veteran’s dying dog as part of a fundraiser.
Stewart’s comments came a day after the Republican House Steering Committee recommended that the controversial congressman sit on two House committees: the Small Business Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee.
“I really think the reason for his scandal — people yell about it and stuff like that, but nobody really cares — is because of his looks,” Stewart said.
“All about [Santos] just screams mediocrity,” the Apple TV+ host said.
“He’s not obese. He’s not skinny. He’s all in the middle,” Stewart continued.
But the comedian warned: “That’s what we have to watch out for — and I always warn myself about that, and I’ve run into these issues [former President] Trump – let us not confuse absurdity with safety.”
“It takes people without shame to do shameful things,” Stewart said, adding, “Always in the absurdity lies the real danger.”
“You would see [former Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi] and you’d be like, ‘Oh my god, he’s dressed like Michael Jackson. What a ridiculous person!’ He says, ‘And I’m developing a nuclear bomb,'” Stewart said.
“You say, ‘Oh f—. Its absurdity always makes you think something is more harmless than it is,” he added.
“I misjudged Trump because he’s so ridiculous,” Stewart told the audience. “And then you think about it, well, the worst people in history were ridiculous!”
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