The recent episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver opened with a disclaimer that it was recorded on Saturday, July 20. This disclaimer was necessary since Joe Biden’s announcement about dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Kamala Harris had not yet been made at that time. Oliver acknowledged the fast-paced nature of current events, noting that things could have changed significantly by the time the episode aired.
Oliver then proceeded to recap the month-long hiatus that his show had taken. During this time, there were several notable events, such as concerns about Biden’s fitness for office, an alleged assassination attempt on President Trump, and Biden testing positive for COVID-19. The uncertainty surrounding Biden’s potential withdrawal due to a medical condition added another layer of drama to the already turbulent political landscape.
The majority of the episode was dedicated to critiquing the recent Republican National Convention. Oliver did not hold back in his commentary, highlighting the absurdity of the event. He poked fun at Hulk Hogan’s shirtless display, Kid Rock’s questionable musical performance, and the appearance of an elderly couple who resembled the subjects of the American Gothic painting.
Oliver sarcastically commended the Republican Party for managing to secure a lineup of what he referred to as “D-list celebrities” for the convention. He humorously pointed out the contrast between the lukewarm reception of Kid Rock’s performance and the enthusiastic dancing of an elderly attendee in the crowd. The image of the American Gothic-inspired duo speaking at the convention provided a comedic visual to Oliver’s commentary.
John Oliver’s latest episode of Last Week Tonight offered a satirical take on the latest political developments. From Biden’s health concerns to the spectacle of the Republican National Convention, Oliver provided his audience with a humorous yet insightful analysis of the week’s events. As the political landscape continues to evolve rapidly, Oliver’s sharp wit and critical commentary serve as a valuable source of entertainment and reflection for viewers.