On “The Daily Show,” host Jon Stewart and Oren Cass, a former Mitt Romney advisor, engaged in a discussion about America’s military influence on other nations. Stewart suggested that without the U.S. military presence in Europe, specifically in Germany, there was a risk of the country reverting to Nazism. Cass challenged this assertion, calling it a racist critique of Germans and stated that Germany merely enjoys spending less on their military compared to the U.S. He further argued that building up other nations’ militaries could lead to them being used, based on historical trends.
The conversation also touched on President Trump’s tariffs, the idea of a “new world order,” and America’s relationship with other nations such as Canada and Denmark. Stewart expressed concerns that the current administration’s actions seemed vindictive and like a push for a new global order, rather than addressing economic inequalities. Cass offered a different perspective, stating that the U.S. has long championed a liberal world order where it absorbs costs from other nations, such as China, Germany, and Japan, in exchange for jobs.
Stewart and Cass also delved into the idea of America leveraging its military might to influence other countries. Cass questioned the effectiveness of this approach, challenging Stewart on instances where the U.S. has successfully dictated terms to nations like Japan or Germany. Stewart humorously suggested that the U.S. had influenced Germany to cut down on wearing lederhosen. However, the conversation returned to a serious tone as Cass highlighted that the U.S. may not have as much sway over other nations as it believes.
Stewart referenced Vice President JD Vance’s trip to Greenland as an example of America’s relationship with other nations, particularly Denmark. He argued that America has not been taken advantage of by the “stable world order” and that the U.S. has not been victimized by Europe. Cass disagreed, asserting that the U.S. benefits from its role in the world order and the influence it has over other nations through its military power. The discussion highlighted conflicting viewpoints on America’s global role and relationships with other countries.
Overall, the conversation on “The Daily Show” between Jon Stewart and Oren Cass revealed differing perspectives on America’s military influence in the world, the impact of tariffs, and the idea of a new world order. Stewart raised concerns about the intentions of the current administration, while Cass offered a more pragmatic view of America’s global position. The dialogue touched on historical precedent, economic relationships, and the use of military might as a tool for influence, showcasing the complexity of international relations and the nuances of America’s role on the world stage.
