Can’t we open the conversation?

Jon Stewart doesn’t necessarily think Joe Biden should drop out of the presidential race, but said it’s important to “open the conversation.”

On a new episode of “The Daily Show” on Monday night, Stewart reflected on calls from some influential Democrats for Biden to resign after a disastrous debate against Donald Trump, while others argue it’s too late in the election cycle for another elections. candidate. The host said blind support for Biden may not be the way to go, as “get on board or shut up is not a particularly compelling bumper sticker for democracy.”

“I’m in no way saying that Biden should drop out, but can’t we stress test this candidacy?” Stewart asked. ‘Can’t we open the conversation? Do you understand the opportunity here? Do you have any idea how thirsty Americans are for a touch of inspiration or leadership and redemption from this choice of a megalomaniac and a suffocating gerontocracy? It crushes our damn minds. Do you have any idea what to expect? All we want is for someone to keep 100 percent. The percentage, not the age.”

Stewart said that despite the looming November election, Democrats have “nothing but time” to recalibrate if Biden were to drop out.

“Four months is fucking forever. Britain has just held elections in two months. France had two in one month, defeated fascism and still had time to have an affair with Denmark,” said Stewart. “Are you telling me, you motherfuckers, are you coming to my house and saying to my face that the United States of Bruce Springsteen’s America can’t run a better election than the damn French? Is that what you’re telling me? There are contestants on ‘The Bachelor’ who haven’t even met yet and are getting married and divorced between now and the election.”

The chorus of Democrats calling on Biden to resign has grown in recent days, with Rob Reiner and Stephen King joining the ranks.

“It’s time to stop the bullshit,” Reiner wrote. “If the convicted felon wins, we lose our democracy. Joe Biden has effectively served the US with honor, decency and dignity. It’s time for Joe Biden to resign.”

King added: “Joe Biden has been a fine president, but it is time for him – for the sake of the America he so clearly loves – to announce that he will not run for re-election.”

Watch the full clip from “The Daily Show” below.