How Kal's Political Past Informs His Comedic Present - After The Cut

"I hope that you...turn off the TV feeling like maybe you can be part of a solution in a way that you didn't know was possible." Kal Penn on how working in the White House changed his approach to political satire. #AfterTheCut #DailyShow #Comedy
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[@counsellour]

This is the kind of perspective I really want to be seeing from hosts and producers on these late night comedy news shows. As they more and more become how young people and progressives get their news, the responsibility to provide both humour and calls to action grow with each passing day.

[@Cash42]

I also wish we could get segments like this, would love to see Stephen Colbert answer questions from the crowd like this or even Seth meyers despite me not watching them often. If late night hosts did this more often this would I think aid people view how media talks about topics a bit differently, for the better.

[@jimmyconway356]

Everyone wearing a mask in the audience tells you all u need to know about the weaklings 😂

[@counsellour]

@@Cash42 Colbert always does audience Q&A. Sometimes, but not always, he posts them to KZbin.

[@Cash42]

@@counsellour I didn’t realize he did that, I’ll have to check that out !

[@geopadilla1455]

Doesn't John Oliver does that in his show? Not all the time but when they do, its as crazy as putting up a website for people to participate or straight up call to action.

[@MrQuestful]

I love his explanation of his ambition for the role. I didn’t know I wanted Kal to be the host, but now I do.

[@Q_QQ_Q]

No bhfragjmin quota

[@dinadv601]

This clip just won Kal my vote as the next host. I want to hear more from him, I'll tune in if he's behind the desk.

[@Runningtaco]

Same. I mean Trevor wasn't bad but since Jon left I just really wasn't into the show that much anymore. If Kal gets the job I will watch more of the show again

[@applesoranges559]

Kal is such an astute observer, an educated listener with incredible qualified n poignant opinions ... It's a joy to listen to unscripted segments like this 4rm him 💯 ..

[@jimmyconway356]

Everyone wearing a mask in the audience tells you all u need to know about the weaklings 😂

[@greatmusic142]

@@jimmyconway356 ayo wot?? dumbest joke i have ever heard bro

[@nicholasorr6051]

That description reminds me of someone else that hosted the Daily Show not that long ago..... Have they found a natural successor perhaps?

[@abercrombiedrive]

Wow, i now have more faith in him than I did when he was in diagnostic medicine! Very well said ❤️

[@ShannonJacobs0]

But KZbin is all about censorship. Noticed all the extra ads lately? You better not DARE say anything about them. The google is so EVIL these days.

[@davidwartski7213]

Kal has stated repeatedly how much he wants the job. After seeing this clip, I believe he merits serious consideration.

[@jimmyconway356]

Everyone wearing a mask in the audience tells you all u need to know about the weaklings 😂

[@spinawebs2717]

As is my statement above

[@kellysikula]

I concur

[@skeletalminion3303]

Kal should be the new full time host. It was so refreshing to see someone with this kind of take on TV.

[@ayen5909]

That was an awesome answer. Kal has so much insight into politics, world news, etc. He is the obvious fit for this job!!!

[@edenwilde2719]

These after the cut segments are my favorite content from tds. I enjoy the let's laugh at the news segments but Trevor and several of the hosts have had such interesting personal insights and perspectives on these topics.

[@miikop]

I wasn't expecting that! Thoughtful answer. Thank you, Kal.

[@V3x0r]

It's almost like he was channeling Jon Stewart there. What great speech and mindset to have. I would give him the full time job for that speech alone.

[@jimmyconway356]

Everyone wearing a mask in the audience tells you all u need to know about the weaklings 😂

[@michaelmorningstar8645]

​@@jimmyconway356 You racists are weak. That's why you are so easily conned.

[@lianefehrle9921]

I’m glad he talked about this.

[@lopaka526]

Really appreciate his perspective and greatly appreciate his owning his bias. I say this as a left-leaning person, too many media sources have started carrying water for insider politics.

[@lozoft9]

I don't think he actually owned his bias here. I was assuming that was what the clip was going to be about, but instead it was about how the media is responsible for fueling youth disillusionment by not suggesting courses of action when that's not their job. It's the job of political parties to provide young people with both ways to meaningfully contribute and a stake in the political process. The only thing that the newscaster he mentioned did wrong was not focusing their attention on the senators who voted nay. The Democratic Party has become better about engaging young people but it wasn't b/c people started pressuring MSNBC to be fair to the White House. It happened b/c of pressure on the party itself.

[@VSVickery]

I’ve enjoyed all the guest hosts but KAL is who The Daily Show actually needs in that seat. It’s a perfect fit. 🙌🏼

[@lw3269]

Can Kal and Hasan be co-hosts? I would love their clever, well informed banter back and forth.

[@rudysal1429]

That would end the show. Hasan can come back as a guest or something but his personality is eh.

[@nthoj6510]

Say it, KAL! I love you being in front of audience!! ❤❤❤❤

[@laalaa99stl]

"Don't do stoner movies at the same time." Looking at _you_ , Kumar! 🚬😎

[@sporkredfox9884]

Was definitely skeptical when i heard he wanted the job but his performance this week and this clip basically seals the deal for me. I am on team kal for daily show host

[@michaelmorningstar8645]

He's clearly got the best resume.

[@henrikgr88]

I really hope you keep a mixture of hosts. Saw "joint custody" being mentioned in other comments, and would love that. My favourites so far are Wanda Sykes and Kal Penn, but they have all been great. I really appreciate the different perspectives the hosts brings with them

[@alexanderstar8360]

wanda sykes was horrible. hasan was the best

[@oneirishpoet]

They need to have a woman (of color) as the new host for the Daily Show, no more men! Let Wanda Sykes and Leslie Jones and Sarah Silverman and Chelsea Handler take turns as co-hosts...no more men at least for awhile, although Kal and Hasan would be great to include too!

[@a-ish3258]

Me too. I only enjoyed these two. For me, Hasan was way off...

[@breakingboundaries3950]

@@oneirishpoetwhile I agree representation is important, I don’t think excluding men who could have a lot to offer would be the wisest move.

[@michaelmorningstar8645]

​@@alexanderstar8360 You have that backwards. Handler was better than Hassan. He was almost as bad as Noah.

[@arsonfly]

That was a great segment. He does after the cut as well as Trevor. That ability to go off the cuff without stammering or trailing off is rare. Most everybody's been able to do the jokes but a few have had attempts at speaking to the audience and the really awkward one showed how rare this ability to speak clearly without a teleprompter is. Sarah is still my favorite pick for host but I'd be fine with Hasan, Marlon or Kal. I do think Kal would be the first Indian American host of a show so that's gotta get them a grant or something 😂

[@jalabi99]

_I do think Kal would be the first Indian American host of a show_ Canadian Lilly Singh (aka IISuperwomanII on KZbin) was host of _A Little Late with Lilly Singh_ on NBC, from 2019 to 2021. Since Canada is part of North America, I guess that sort of counts? 😅 But in any case, she was the first person of Indian descent to host a late-night talk show on an USAmerican major broadcast network.

[@arsonfly]

@@jalabi99 ah I wasn't aware of that show. I appreciate the correction.

[@zasmal9413]

Is hasan not an indian american?

[@Kitty8791]

​​@@zasmal9413 ​​He was born in Davis, California so you think that & hosting Patriot Act would qualify him. That show also 1st aired on 10/28/18, which pre-dates Lilly Singh's show too. OP didn't specify "major broadcast network," but Hasan's show was on Netflix so that's a difference. Also OP didn't clarify, if they intended American to mean from the United States or if Canadian (aka North American) was equivalent. Nonsequitor: I knew someone from the same town as Lilly, who referred to herself Can-Indian . . .

[@EvolutionWendy]

Wow! Create info and I agree headlines and articles frame things exceedingly negatively rather than encouragingly.

[@spinawebs2717]

Great words Kal. I hope you get the job and stay as the host.

[@Fernball21]

Kal is so engaging! Love him as host

[@TableTopNeverStop]

Kal is on fire. This is what the show needs

[@Feverything2030]

Everything you just said Kal .....I know why Obama picked you for that roll in the Whitehouse. You're Hilarious and humble Kal thank you

[@WordAte]

Wonderfully said.

[@sasentaiko]

Oh wow. That was a really really important, insightful message. It’s true that it’s so easy for both journalists and comedians (and voters) to be wildly cynical. This speech by Kal was incredibly compelling.

[@AliKhan-gg9qm]

All hosts were great but Kal has been the best fit for the next daily show host !

[@muddro420]

literally every one of these has had this comment on it

[@teaareuh]

@@muddro420 lol right? They already had a fan base so it makes sense. But honestly the selections have been really great. I don't envy the people who have to make the final decision. I have my favorites but I'll be happy with anyone they pick.

[@vijayanand6650]

Hasan was the best. Kal is not a great fit

[@melaniecostapereira1639]

@@vijayanand6650 Hasan beats everybody by a long shot!

[@wozy75]

Wow, love that and hope he gets a few more weeks at the job

[@brownkemosabe]

Very keen assessment!

[@RobinHerzig]

There's the goal succinctly stated 👏 thank you

[@TheBicycleRepairman2]

A thoughtful and worthwhile response!

[@idontknowaboutthat1904]

Very well said. These many hosts have been insightful and hilarious at the same time. Great stuff.

[@pdg23]

Great point!!

[@ThERealist2019]

He should be the full time host

[@allisonroberts8430]

I see why he wanted this platform, that’s some wonderful perspective.

[@johnrains2339]

My first exposure to Kal was Designated Survivor. He was my favorite character

[@AllTradesGeorge]

I so appreciate this. I have a long list of comedic political commentators that I once enjoyed and then grew tired of because all they ever did was rant about how bad things were. All complaints and no suggestions for improvement can appeal in the moment, but over time, it accomplishes nothing but stirring discontent and cynicism. Satire can be a great spur to action...but only if it actually has some action in mind. If those cynical commentators had put half as much energy into encouraging some movement towards solutions as they put into complaining, we could be living in a very different, much better country today. We have enough cynics...

[@Thortok2000]

Combining humor with calls to action is John Oliver's whole thing. It'd be great to have more of it.

[@bobclarke2242]

Brilliantly said. ⭐

[@johnchessant3012]

Small point: When he says it failed by 5 votes he means it passed 55-41, but needed 60 votes to overcome a filibuster. The Democrats who voted against it were Jon Tester and four now-retired senators (Max Baucus, Ben Nelson, Kay Hagan, Mark Pryor). Joe Manchin also opposed it but missed the vote. DACA was the watered-down version of the DREAM Act that was permissible to enact via executive order, a few years later; it gave the would-be DREAMers legal status (so they can't be deported) but does not provide a pathway to citizenship. In 2021, Tester and Manchin were among 8 Democrats who voted for a rule preventing undocumented immigrants from receiving covid relief (the other 6 were Maggie Hassan, John Hickenlooper, Mark Kelly, Gary Peters, Kyrsten Sinema, and Debbie Stabenow).

[@Taphfy]

Desks were touching = you smell each other's farts and it is worse than in the elevator!

[@vswong1]

Nice! Hope to see more.

[@thickaxe]

Keep this guy! Please.

[@time2livelife]

❤❤❤ What a wonderful perspective

[@TheSuzberry]

Brilliant. Hope he gets this gig.

[@drgnldy8101]

Boom!!!! Dayyum, you got my vote, KP!❤

[@Hydrogen101]

Now THIS is the Kal Penn I wanted to see, and especially as a host on the Daily Show. He’s got my vote 🗳️

[@vks9906]

Kal you are white house press secretary in" Designated Survivor" too.

[@nessa7431]

Love this host. He’ll be great full time. ❤

[@RisingPhoenixGallery]

That was just awesome!

[@dp21june]

Love kal take & how he brings interesting people om the show.

[@pachucotirili]

Wow. Great answer!

[@cadyde19]

That was fantastic!

[@joannbisnath6738]

Wow!! Great goal!!

[@BigAmericanGirlFan]

I think my top guest hosts have been Kal and Hasan. Either one of them would be wonderful in preserving the Daily Show legacy especially in both of their After the Cut segments showing their ability to hold these deep conversations along with the comedy they do

[@lw3269]

Same

[@michalasawyer2702]

This right here!

[@H20Body]

Love your Solution !

[@msandrearobinson]

That is awesome.

[@newazsharif805]

Bravo 👏

[@gutsandgears]

My vote for Kal to be the permanent Daily Host cast. There is some rare authenticity in his performance today, genuine passion to see change, and a realistic take on how to make impact.

[@johnathankaner4365]

He’s so perfect fo this

[@blank4dark]

I would really love for him to be the new host of the daily show. I think that he has the wisdom and experience needed to really make the show stand out again.

[@Alejandro_Arellano]

Every week I'm thinking they're great hope their the new permanent host. Now I kinda like the idea of a rotating host but maybe a 1 to 3 month residency instead of just a week

[@sarab2624]

Thank you! I want to watch content that shares opportunities for political action!

[@fefohood]

Awesome

[@amberx1863]

Goosebumps

[@stevenwymor1398]

And this is why Kal should be the next host. Solutions, not just comedic sniping.

[@Michael-kd4oi]

That’s one way to get the job. I want more of him

[@dextermorgan4432]

He's the only choice for the daily show. I'd finally watch it again

[@ASHspends2muchtimeonthetube]

This guy! This is your permanent guy for the Daily Show!

[@SonnyBear5]

i can’t think of a better host than Kal Penn. His time in Hollywood and THE White House would be perfect for this show. Think of all the inside knowledge he can share with us.

[@Ladyday83]

Keep Kal!!!!!!

[@michaelmorningstar8645]

That's actually a great mission statement for the show.

[@exoterric]

Just keeping it real, Kal, your movies weren't for me. BUT your big heart and solid ethics are and I'm here for it.

[@1LadyChat1]

Hear, hear!

[@Toadsith]

This video is proof why Kal Penn should be the next voice of The Daily Show. We don't need more cynicism, sarcasm, or apathy with our comic relief. We need to laugh through the hardship and come out the other side with hope, enthusiasm, and optimism so everyone can rally and make the change happen. He has the right attitude, outlook, and energy to help usher young viewers into a politically informed and active participation in our nation's governance.

[@emceeaspect]

The guest host get better and better. Kal is a sleeper please keep him❤❤❤

[@jmt3996]

Pulling for Hasan to be full time host but Kal is a super close second! Gonna be interesting to see who ends up taking over.

[@imorokr]

I totally agree, but I'm excited to see John Leguizamo!

[@Echo81Rumple83]

NGL, never heard of this guy, as a comedian or a former employee of the Obama administration (as much as I remember Obama being president, I was in a very dark place at the time so I couldn't be able to remember anything else at the time) until the Daily Show brought him on. Keep bringing in more folks like this, guys; they're all eye-opening experiences when it comes to comedic talents and their take on political satire.

[@klh2610]

CRUSHING.... crushing as an Olympic sport.

[@AC3handle]

Even if he doesn't get the job, they NEED to bring him back for segments. His perspective on the political scene is far and above everyone else's there.

[@videoartduo]

give cal the job!

[@SEA-dx1sv]

Great morning 🌄 everyone

[@xaceffulgent]

Of all the hosts so far, there's only 1 who I really believe will foster change in the audience if they get the permanent gig. This guy.

[@QuarterLifeCrises]

If the Daily Show team is trawling the comment sections to determine who should be the next host, my vote's for Kal (followed by Hasan, followed by Chelsea, Kal won me over with this segment and became my first choice).

[@Lepidopterous.]

Wanda Sykes has been the funniest, but Hasan is my first choice out of the hosts so far. He is natural in the role, his jokes & delivery are sharp, he challenges his guests (like Shark Tank dude), feeds his guests (Giannis), and works really hard to make the show the best it can be. I am a long time Daily Show viewer since the Jon Stewart days, and my favorite thing about Jon Stewart is his intellectual capacity with his guests. Hasan is the one so far who has come closest to matching that level of quality from Jon imo.

[@overcaffeinatedengineering]

"turn off the TV" lol

[@davidedwards7133]

I'm in my 50s, but I think I want to be Kal Penn when I grow up.

[@BlakieTT]

Respect, Kal.

[@KMHSeattle]

Let’s keep him!

[@CarmyFern]

🎉🎉Ladies and gents...we have found our new late night guy!!!

[@thztan7492]

Nice hope

[@RebelwheelsNYCShow]

ok and now I want him to the host

[@user-245er4ud]

Kal's got it!

[@juniormolapisi1987]

He is the one

[@VenusFriend]

KAL GOT TO GET THIS

[@kcse]

Mr. Penn has my vote!

[@Oba936]

Yes!

[@TheBnzr]

As a former Congressional staffer, I have been trying to communicate this for so long.

[@arloalps6215]

Thank you Kal! Ur the best😮!