That Sunday, eight Senate Democrats joined Republicans to end the shutdown, achieving none of their stated goals besides securing a vague future promise to discuss health care. “You ended the entire shutdown not to secure what you demanded, but for a pledge to maybe talk about it later,” Stewart criticized the senators. He highlighted that not only did the election outcomes demonstrate public backing, but the shutdown itself was beginning to reveal the Trump administration’s deceit and indifference. Despite this momentum, the shutdown concluded with barely a fuss. “What part of The Art Of War did you follow?” Stewart jested, mocking their lack of tactical acumen with a quip about Sun Tzu’s supposed advice on not pressing an advantage because it’s unseemly.

Stewart did acknowledge some strategic maneuvering. “It’s either a coincidence that all eight senators who voted to surrender aren’t up for reelection until 2026, or Chuck Schumer orchestrated a capitulation to the GOP while trying to shield vulnerable Democrats, including himself,” he noted. He compared the Democrats’ spectacular failure to “being ahead by 10 points with just three minutes left in the game and still managing to lose spectacularly for the fourth time in a month,” drawing parallels with the Giants. Schumer’s speech at the conclusion of the shutdown was so reminiscent of New York Giants’ coach Brian Daboll’s post-game talks that The Daily Show showcased them side by side. The critical difference, however, was that when Daboll showed ineffectiveness, he was fired – a fate that some Democratic voters might wish on their own leaders. The full Daily Show segment is available for viewing below.