Jon Stewart Pitches US Hypocrisy in ‘Freedom Packages’ Infomercial

After a week off during which significant portions of the world suddenly became the contents of a hellbound handbasket, The Daily Show returned Monday night to launch its own satirical bombardment of US foreign policy. Jon Stewart and John Oliver staged an infomercial-style sales pitch for a variety of “Freedom Packages,” and while the bit was about as subtle as a leopard-print Snuggie®, it was well-executed and Ginsu-sharp.

The basic premise, that US support for freedom-loving people is contingent on our own interests, is nothing new, and the comparisons that Stewart and Oliver draw (between Bahrain, Sudan, Egypt, and Iraq) are somewhat simplistic, ignoring the difference between true democratic movements and those simply intended to install majoritarian tyranny. In spite of those nuances, though, the contrast between the President’s statements on Libya, and Press Secretary Jay Carney‘s low-wattage remarks on Bahrain, is jarring.

Oliver and Stewart do nail the exaggerated, awkward gestures and mannerisms of the cheapo infomercial, and the disclaimer at the end is hilarious. Here’s the clip, from Comedy Central:

This is an opinion piece. The views expressed in this article are those of just the author.

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