Stewart rips 2016 field: ’19 and counting’

Comedian Jon Stewart mocked the ballooning field of 2016 presidential candidates on “The Daily Show” Thursday night, comparing it to the reality TV series “19 Kids and Counting.”
 
In a bit of misdirection, Stewart appeared to begin his broadcast on a serious note by addressing sexual molestation allegations against Josh Duggar, one of the “19 Kids and Counting” stars, only to lay into the growing list of White House hopefuls.

“First, obviously, we can’t ignore the big story that everyone’s talking about — it’s pretty upsetting, and it only seems to get worse,” Stewart said.
 
“A tragic tale of repressive belief, self-denial and really a refusal to accept the consequences of one’s words and actions — 19 and counting,” he said.
 
“By which I mean the number of candidates in the 2016 presidential race,” he quipped.
 
Stewart’s remarks follow three new campaign launches earlier this week.
 
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) started his Oval Office bid on Monday from his hometown of Central, S.C.
 
Former Govs. Lincoln Chafee (D-R.I.) and Rick Perry (R-Texas) were next, beginning their campaigns on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.
 
Stewart taunted some of the new candidates for “lying to themselves” about their chances during his monologue on Thursday night.
 
He especially poked fun at Perry, who previously made an unsuccessful run in 2012.
 
“Wow, prayer really does work. Give me more,” Stewart said of Perry’s second campaign.
 
The satirist then latched onto Perry’s remarks Thursday that America should “risk the consequences” and strive for greatness.
 
“That may be the most accurate campaign summary I have ever heard,” Stewart said. “Rick Perry, risk the consequences.”
 
“’Hi, I’m Rick Perry, let’s see what happens,’” he said. “What if I just start pushing buttons? It’s the same slogan you use to advocate unprotected sex.”
 
Chaffee, meanwhile, also did not escape Stewart’s one-liners.
 
“Oh good, Lincoln Chafee. Why not?” Stewart said. “The Republican-turned-Independent-turned-Democrat announced his presidential candidacy in what appears to be the room your high school uses for small assemblies.”
 
He then mocked Chafee’s campaign push for the U.S. to adopt the metric system.
 
“Why would you launch your campaign by invoking one of Jimmy Carter’s most notable, non-hostage-related failures?” Stewart asked.