Daily Show host Trevor Noah on Wednesday devoted the entire show to an interview of Andrew Cuomo, fawning over the New York Governor and describing himself as a “big fan.” Noah, who regularly bashes Republicans, also wondered why the Democrat was just so darn honest: “I think everyone is a big fan of yours right now because more than ever during this pandemic, people have sought out leaders who communicate effectively and seem to know what they're trying to do.”
The Daily Show host gushed, “One thing you have done as governor that has been particularly unique amongst leaders is you haven't just I think given people platitudes. you came out with really stern warnings really early on. You were very grim in your forecasts. You just told the people what information you had. It’s a very unique way to handle a press conference.”
Speaking like a press release, he added, “You just told the people what information you had. It’s a very unique way to handle a press conference. You've also been very personal in telling the stories that you have told.”
This is the same Noah who in March said New Yorkers should tell Trump, "Please, Mr. President, do your mother-[bleeping] job!" Back then, he added this lame “joke,” claiming that Cuomo needed 30,000 ventilators.
I can see why [Gov.] Cuomo is pissed at Trump. If you need 30,000 ventilators it is insulting for someone to give you 400. It's like seeing someone drowning in the ocean and instead of throwing them a life preserver, you toss them a rubber duck. 'Yeah, at least you’re entertained. Quack quack.'"
On Wednesday, Noah referenced Cuomo’s brother, CNN anchor Chris Cuomo, getting the virus. The Daily Show host didn’t mention the awkward fact that, despite brother Chris having a fake “release” from quarantine, the CNN host had already been going outside. Instead, he wondered:
You also have an interesting connection to the coronavirus on a personal level.... I wanted to chat to you a little bit about a strange journey that many of us have gone on where we got introduced to a love and a friendship that you share with your brother, who is on CNN. And you know, for many people, I mean we have never seen this side of you. We have never seen you and your brother, and the way you joke with each other. And then it came out that Chris has coronavirus. And now all of a sudden his world was turned upside down. Did any of that experience shape you in a different way, when it became that much closer to you as a person?
A partial transcript of the questions is below:
The Daily Show
4/23/2020
11:01
TREVOR NOAH: Welcome to The Daily Social Distancing Show.
ANDREW CUOMO: Pleasure to be with you. I am a big fan.
NOAH: Well, thank you very much. I think everyone is a big fan of yours right now because more than ever during this pandemic, people have sought out leaders who communicate effectively and seem to know what they're trying to do. Nobody has all the answers about coronavirus but people look for leaders who know what they would like to do. Let's start off with New York. Where does New York stand right now in terms of the numbers and in terms of its trajectory?
…
NOAH: You are balancing the pressure of the people who want to and need to get back to earning a living and also you know, the pressure of keeping people safe as a leader. How are you weighing these numbers? Is there a point where you say the risk is worth taking to go outside?
…
NOAH: One thing you have done as governor that has been particularly unique amongst leaders is you haven't just, I think, given people platitude. you came out with really stern warnings really early on. You were very grim in your forecasts. You just told the people what information you had. It’s a very unique way to handle a press conference. You've also been very personal in telling the stories that you have told. Is there a reason you chose to do this? Because somebody doesn't go, “I'm going to hide it all and not share anything with the public. I will just make them feel good.” You have chosen a completely different approach. Why? Because I haven't slept at night and I feel like you could have carried some of that burden for me. But I want to know why you chose to not do that?
…
NOAH: You also have an interesting connection to the coronavirus on a personal level. And I know we have to let you go soon. But I wanted to chat to you a little bit about a strange journey that many of us have gone on where we got introduced to a love and a friendship that you share with your brother who is on CNN. And you know, for many people I mean we have never seen this side of you. We have never seen you and your brother, and the way you joke with each other. And then it came out that Chris has coronavirus. And now all of a sudden his world was turned upside down. Did any of that experience shape you in a different way, when it became that much closer to you as a person?
…
