Transcript of Hegseth Impeachment Fails After 11 Dems Play Hooky & Blue Wave Comes for Boebert | Ron Howard

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From the most trusted journalists at Comedy Central, it's America's only source for news. This is The Daily Show, with your host, Dizzy Lydon.

Oh, welcome to The Daily Show. I'm Dizzy Lydon. We've got so much to talk about tonight: Lewis Black gets into a dogfight, Pete Hegseth wins something for a change, and Trump continues to suffer from PMS, post-midterm syndrome. So let's get into the headlines. It's been over a week since the midterm elections, but the blue wave is still surging.

CNN reports that Republican incumbent and staunch Trump ally, Lauren Boebert, has lost her seat to Democratic challenger Eileen Lylebacher.

Yes, much like the security guard at Beetlejuice the Musical, voters are making Lauren Boebert leave her seat. In the end, she was unable to turn out the base, or the shaft for that matter. And that, my friends, was our final Lauren Boebert handjob joke. Pour out some Jurgens for our fallen queen. Okay, that was one more Lauren Boebert handjob joke. I'm finished now. Just like the guy sitting next to her in the theater.

New articles of impeachment have been filed against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. Congressman Thomas Massie, a Republican from Kentucky, is behind the effort.

Among the charges: waging the Iran War without congressional approval.

He has violated the norms of war, and it's to the disadvantage and the dishonor of our country.

Yes! Finally! This is huge. Someone actually going after Pete Hegseth, and not just for child support. And you can tell, this isn't just a constitutional issue for Massie, it's personal too.

I hope he addresses the eight articles and doesn't get up and misquote the Bible in Quentin Tarantino fashion and do some pull-ups and, you know, call everybody fat and gay.

Ooh, damn. Thomas Massie, more like Thomas Sassy. You know, Pete was like, "Shit, what's a synonym for fat and gay? Let me get at the thesaurus. Ugh, this book is so fat and gay." But you know what? You go, Thomas Massie. I am proud to say that this is a congressman from my home state of Kentucky. Yes. Don't tell me his opinions on abortion, just let me have this for now.

What about impeaching the gentleman from Biden, his person?

Yeah. You know, that Biden person, that guy with the face and the arms. You say his name first, and I'll tell you if it's right. Okay, Trump, let's try that again.

What about impeaching the people that ran the Vietnam War?

Yeah, okay. He's right. You can't impeach Hegseth until you go back and do everyone from every bad war in order. Lawyer up, Otto von Bismarck. I don't know if it was the blue wave or this impeachment, but it felt like Trump was all kinds of cranky.

He won two wars. He was in charge. We all won.

Massie says he carried out.

I had great people. You what?

Massie says that he's carried out a loser.

Massie's a loser. Just like you're a loser at CNN. Just like your ratings are a loser.

Yeah, your ratings are a loser, your shirt's a loser, your hair's a loser. I'm a loser. Oh, God. It's just hitting me. I just lost so bad. By the way, can we just give props to Caitlin Collins for not even flinching during that transfer? I mean, is she just used to it at this point, or is this some sort of prescription I can look into? Come on, it.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth narrowly escaped impeachment in a 211 to 204 vote.

What happened? They had him dead to rights. What kind of shenanigans did those Republicans pull?

The push to impeach Hegseth yesterday might have succeeded if more Democratic lawmakers had actually shown up to vote. 11 of them were absent.

Oh, are you kidding me? A chance to impeach the Secretary of Defense and 11 of you couldn't be bothered to come to work? Even Mitch McConnell finds a way to show up to work, and he died years ago. This is a major L for Democrats. And to think, I just put the finishing touches on my Hakeem Jeffries back tattoo. Now I just look stupid. What do you people have to say for yourselves? These aren't, like, nobodies. Okay, one of them is Hailey Stevens, but not all of them are nobodies.

Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi missed the vote because she was in San Francisco receiving an award at a banquet there.

Nancy Pelosi's spokesperson saying she supports impeaching Secretary Hegseth and would have voted no.

Oh, you would have voted no? So that's so nice to know. As long as you would have. I mean, that's what matters. I also would have voted no. If we add them both together, that's zero votes. I can't believe you weren't doing your job because you were out getting an award for doing your job. I hope the rest of you have better excuses. A health emergency? Saving kids from a burning orphanage? That kind of thing?

Illinois Congressman Jonathan Jackson posted to social media about a traffic incident, saying it, quote, "resulted in the vote closing before I, along with many other members, could reach the chamber."

You missed an impeachment vote because of traffic? You're telling me there's not, like, a congressional monster truck you can take? Where do our tax dollars even go? So yes, in the end, impeachment was so close, but the votes just never came. And that, that was our last Lauren Boebert handjob joke. That's it. For more on the Democrats' failed vote, let's go live to the Capitol with Michael Kosta.

Moving! Learn how to drive, Grandma. I'm sorry, Dizzy. I'm not at the Capitol yet. Me and the Democrats are still stuck in the same traffic jam. Let's go!

Wait, seriously? It's been, like, 30 hours.

Tell me about it. You know how hard it is to hold your pee for that long? Well, I don't. But, uh.

Ew. Gross. Okay, well, why don't you guys just get out and walk?

Walk? No way. As soon as you get out, traffic starts to move. The car you were in passes you. You make eye contact with the driver. You can tell he's laughing at you. It's just easier to stay put.

This is, come on, Kosta, this is so embarrassing for Democrats.

Actually, Dizzy, they've never been prouder. The American people voted to return to normal. And what could be more normal than the Democrats taking a huge opportunity and totally blowing it? I mean, they're back, baby, you know?

No. No, that is not what the American people wanted. They wanted competent leadership that delivers for working people.

Well, well, maybe they wanted that, but they voted for the Democrats, you know? Not doing their best is what they do best. Hey! I said, "Move your stupid ass, Grandma!" God, my grandma is the worst driver.

Michael, is this all we can expect for the next two years? Please, please tell me that the Democrats have some good ideas.

Well, you know, it depends. Do you think bringing Merrick Garland back is a good idea?

No.

Well, then no. They have no good ideas. Damn! This is a hell of a jam. My God.

Oh, my God. Jesus Christ. How much are you peeing?

Oh, you sound just like my Uber driver. How much are you peeing? Oh, wait. Traffic is finally moving. Oh, good. We're on our way to the Capitol. Oh, hold on. Hailey Stevens thinks she left her garage door open. We're turning around, everyone. We're going back to Michigan. I guess it's time to start recycling, huh?

Oh, my God. No, no, no, no, no. Don't drink that! Oh, Michael Kosta, everyone! Ooh. When we come back, Lewis Black lets us know about the latest in pet trends. Don't go away.

Not a lot of people know this, but I'm actually an animal lover. In fact, I have a new puppy named Sammy, and he means shut the up. He means the world to me. Look, I'm not that obsessed with him. I just kill every person in this room to make him happy. And not just because Sammy tells me to. But when it comes to loving my pet, clearly I'm not alone, because despite our economy being solid, as Sammy's diarrhea, people are still spending a shitload on their furry companions.

The luxury pet industry is reaching new heights, with wealthy pet owners spending up to $100,000 on their furry friends, or as some say, their children.

First is a new necklace. Ta-da-da-dan. We have been customized it. It's a fully crystallized water bowl.

Let's go get Brihottha Louis Vuitton. Real cute, real sweet. Yes. Oh, my God. The jacket is so cute.

Oh, Jesus Christ. These poor dogs, they're sitting there in a Gucci tiara like, "Where's Kristi Noem when you need her?" Trust me, all this overpriced crap is not going to make your dog forgive you for neutering him. He's probably thinking, "Well, thanks for the diamond choker, but I'd rather just have my balls back." Now, you might be thinking, "Lewis, I don't want to buy my dog stupid shit.

We love our pets, but would you spend $1,000 a night to give your dog a pampered vacation? Yeah, that's the going rate for the luxury experience at a new boarding facility in Dumbo. It's called Canine Resort. And for $1,000 a night, your dog will dine on premium filet mignon and ice cream. They'll have a private chauffeur. And when you pick him up, you're going to get a portrait of your dog wearing a $150,000 diamond-encrusted collar. However, there is a three-night minimum, so the experience will actually cost you at least $3,000.

Are you kidding me? $3,000? Dogs shouldn't be so rich that I'm worried they're in the Epstein files. And why do these pups have better lives than I do? You know what I had for dinner last night? Cigars and kibble. I ate it out on the street while the dogs in that hotel laughed at me. Needless to say, my parents never gave me filet mignon and ice cream. They just sent me outside with a sharp stick and said, "Return at dawn."

Kwang is a tarot card reader who runs the Ace Sofia fortune-telling parlor in the city's upmarket Gangnam District. Pets choose their own cards by either sniffing them or placing a paw on their picks. Iseul is a rescue dog struggling with trauma, whereas Greyhound Khan suffers from anxiety related to the five puppies he has fathered.

He's a dog. What part of parenthood could he possibly be anxious about? As long as he doesn't eat his children, he's in the top 10%. So now you're thinking, "Sure, pet hotels and fortune tellers are pretty insane. Can you please show me something that will finally extinguish my faith in humanity for good?" I got you, fam.

In an era where Americans are also taking better care of themselves, many are bringing their fur babies along for the ride. San Diego groomer Logan Rego is the self-proclaimed creator of the doggy BBL. Inspired by the popular curvy Brazilian butt lift.

Today I'm giving this dog butt cheeks so obnoxious that he could probably use them as a flotation device.

Who's a thick boy? Yes. Yes, you are. Now drop it. Drop that ass. Good boy. Oh, if you can believe it, we're now grooming our dogs so they can walk around flaunting a Kardashian ass. I mean, having a dog is enough work without worrying it's going to start peeping Pete Davidson. And for God's sake, they gave it Corgi. A Corgi, a BBL, a Corgi.

Lewis Black, everyone. When we come back, Ron Howard will be joining the show. Don't go away.

Welcome back to The Daily Show. My guest tonight is an Academy Award-winning filmmaker and actor whose new documentary explores photographer Richard Avedon's life and legacy in Avedon. Please welcome Ron Howard.

Thank you so much.

Whoo! Ron, it's such an honor to have you here.

Thank you. It's good to be here.

Such a joy.

Pleasure.

Oh, you okay, you hit a wild amount of success at what, six? Six years old?

Well, the Andy Griffish Show started when I was six, yeah.

Six years old. And you were one of the few child actors who grew up to really figure out how to nail it as an adult.

Oh, well.

Not only not only as a legendary filmmaker, but also you have upheld this reputation of being one of the kindest and most gracious people in this industry.

Wow. I don't know who you're talking to, but I'll take it. Thanks.

I think it's true. I think it's true. So I need to know, as a woman who screams into her pillow every night, how do you let it out? You got to are you and Tom Hanks in, like, a secret fight club or something?

It's a good idea. There's a little pillow screaming in my life.

Okay.

Yeah, but no, the reality is I love it. I really do love it. Sure, there's tension. There's all kinds of challenges and all, but at a certain point, you kind of learn that that's part of the adventure, too. And you know, I've been lucky.

Well, you have earned every bit of success. You were just you just received the Critics' Choice Impact Award for your lifetime of excellent work. I know we're not supposed to care about what the critics say, but it's got to feel pretty good.

It does. It does. Absolutely. That was a good night.

Yeah.

It was a good night. Thank you. Thank you.

Receiving that award as you're continuing to make more incredible work, that's a pretty cool thing.

Well, I still really, really love it. And you know, I continue with my scripted work as a director. Brian Grazer and I at Imagine Entertainment, you know, we're really loving it. We've got a great team. We're as active or more active than ever. And now we've, you know, as I've started to shift over into the documentary work, that's been incredibly gratifying, too.

I want to talk about this documentary. It's so beautifully done. It's about Richard Avedon, famous photographer. What interested you in his life? Was it because Elizabeth Holmes was booked already?

Well, that is true. But Avedon, well, first I thought it was really just going to be about the fashion stuff, because I don't know much about it. He was a, you know, a central figure, one of the great fashion photographers. But when I got into it, you know, not only did he just represent so many aspects of American life over so many decades in such cool, interesting ways, but I just began to admire him because he took a lot of risks. So he had a lot of creative courage, too. He's also just, as you start to look at his interviews and read about him, very charismatic, very funny.

Yeah. I mean, I was watching it, and I couldn't help but to see, like, some of the parallels and how he continued to reinvent himself and put out interesting work like yourself.

Thank you.

Work that's relevant and important. And I was just so the way that the documentary talked about the exchange of energy, what he wanted to feel when he sat down to photograph someone.

Well, you know, these were not snapshots.

No.

You know? And I didn't realize how much of a director he really was. And so even if there were the portraits, the more serious subjects when he got into the civil rights and the anti-Vietnam era, you know, exposing hypocrisy with politicos or doing the fashion stuff, you know, he was always telling a story. And that's where he sort of says, you know, there is no such thing as objectivity in photography. It's always, you know, a point of view.

You never got the chance to meet him.

I don't think I was cool enough.

I beg to differ. I beg to differ. Oh, it was remarkable how he changed fashion photography. It was at one point in the '40s very still and kind of performative and simple. And then he made it grand and theatrical.

Well, because he loved theater and he loved movies and, you know, and he brought that kind of energy to his work. And yeah, he, you know, he revolutionized fashion photography. But once he'd established himself as a kind of superstar in that world, you know, he began to look to the rest of the world and apply himself to things like civil rights, to, you know, corners of society that he felt, you know, we needed to look at a little more closely.

He went to high school with James Baldwin. And they.

Yeah. And then they did this amazing book together called "Nothing Personal," which was, you know, about civil rights. It was also about, you know, mental institutions and all kinds of challenges in society. Critics killed it. It didn't sell very well. But you know what? I think it awakened him to the possibility that he could use his work in all kinds of ways. And he never he didn't leave the commercial side of his life behind. He loved it. He loved that stuff. It was imaginative. It was lucrative, you know? But he managed to straddle both worlds, and he really did just keep growing.

I you know, the way that he was able to kind of change the world's perspective on so many things through his work. Now, you have the opportunity to change the world's perspective on him. Were you inspired by some of his aesthetic choices in the way that you told the story?

Well, I didn't want to change a perspective on him, although to broaden it, sure. And I think, you know, there are a lot of people that understood, you know, just how much he brought to the photography as an art form. But I hope, you know, I hope the film does, you know, share that idea more broadly. I really didn't know that much about him, honestly. I mean, he was a name I recognized. I knew but I knew he probably, you know, I guess maybe I knew that he did the Brookshields Calvin Klein ads and things like that.

Charlie Chaplin with the devil horns.

Oh, that's an amazing shot. And of course, a lot of the documentary does deal with the sort of the stories behind some of those most iconic images. And but it's also, you know, and thanks to the family's cooperation, it really does become a character study about a complicated guy. As I said, charismatic, funny, but, you know, with his flaws and foibles.

Sure.

And so it wound up being a little bit less about the individual photos and a little bit more about what I think is a really entertaining, interesting journey.

Yeah, it really is. The he passed away in 2004.

Right.

Right before smartphones came out and everyone was carrying around a phone a camera in their pocket.

Right. Yeah.

What do you think that he would think of that right now?

Well, he you know, he sort of we had this in the documentary. He actually anticipated that.

Yes.

At one point, he just sort of said, I'm not sure there will be photographers in the future. I think there'll just be photographs that you can summon up, you know?

And send to the information place.

Place. Yes.

Is what he said.

The.

It gave me chills. It kind of that stuck with me afterwards.

But he also was, you know, look, he was an artist.

Yeah.

So it's interesting to imagine what he might have gotten involved in today creatively. I have a feeling in this climate, so many outlets, so many ways to be cinematic, I kind of think he would have been a director.

Mm.

Yeah.

I can see that.

Yeah.

Yeah. I wanted to talk about that final that quote at the end of the movie where he says he doesn't think there's going to be photographers in the future, that there will just be machines that will snap photographs and it'll go to the information place. How do we now, from your perspective, as a filmmaker, as an artist, we're on the precipice of all of this AI that is currently, you know, progressing faster than we can possibly keep up.

Right.

How do we preserve the artistry or the mind behind the lens? How do we preserve our humanity in this moment in time?

Well, you know, look, I at this point, from in my world, AI is really a tool. It's kind of an extension of computer-generated stuff right now. And there's not much of a threat that it's going to take over. Now, I do think, sure, we're seeing it in some of the microdramas and stuff that you can see, you know, on Instagram, that you can actually create a film just with prompts. And I think that will become its own kind of style.

Oh, so you're saying we're going to be okay.

I think so.

Thank you.

I do. I do. I really feel like we're going to be fine.

Thank you so much for being here. It's such a joy to have you.

Oh, pleasure. Thank you.

Avedon is streaming on Netflix. Ron Howard, everybody. We're going to take a quick break, but we'll be right back after this. We're going to be okay.

That's our show for tonight. Now, here it is, your moment in time.