Despite what that one friend from high school keeps telling you through a series of poorly edited memes in a group chat, third party presidential hopefuls Gary Johnson and Jill Stein don't exactly have their shit together. John Oliver, usually tasked with breaking down Trump's latest shitstorm, apparently couldn't stand the memes anymore. For the latest Last Week Tonight, Oliver took a closer look at Johnson and Stein's campaign platforms by simply laying out some facts.
As it turns out, both candidates' platforms practically fall apart when given more than a cursory glance. But why so much interest in third party candidates this go-around? According to Oliver, Americans are simply that depressed. "This disenchantment may explain the high interest in America's third parties, because when your two main options are depressing, any third choice seems good," Oliver said. "If you're in a KFC/Taco Bell and see a bunch of pigeons eating something in the parking lot, you might think, 'Hang on, what have they got over there?'"
Stein's "magic trick" proposal to eradicate the country's estimated $1.3 trillion in student debt? Sadly, that doesn't quite hold up. "The president does not have that authority," Oliver explained. "Only the Federal Reserve does." Johnson's problem? As Oliver noted on Sunday, his desire to do away with a variety of federal agencies may sound good on the surface, but the plans lack substance.
"The more you look at Gary Johnson and Jill Stein, the more you realize the lack of coverage they complain about so much might've genuinely benefited them," Oliver said. "Their key proposals crumble under the slightest amount of scrutiny." Still feeling overwhelmed by damn near everything about this election? Peep our election survival guide and get prepared for the big day.
