It was a simpler time.
We didn't then know the yet to be Former Guy was a rapist, tax cheat, real-estate fraudster, Russian asset, and eventually would be a twice-impeached but not removed insurrectionist. Of course, as Oliver points out with exasperation, we did know he lied almost constantly about everything, threatened to sue over any slight real or imagined, was a terrible businessman, and had no coherent policies at any time. We had no idea he’d cause the deaths of thousands of Americans in a pandemic because of his ego and his incompetence, or that he’d later openly invite Russia to attack NATO.
But people could tell themselves he wasn’t a politician, that he said what he meant, that he told the truth, that he was rich so nobody could buy him, and he had this public image as a really brilliant business guy. And he was entertaining!
Oliver couldn’t believe he was talking about him on the show again. (Little did he know what we would be in for.)
What Oliver had to say at the time is just as true today — and there’s so much more. That the former guy seems to be sailing towards the nomination, that some people seem to be even more enthralled with him, that he’s effectively getting his stooges to sabotage Congress, is all the more reason to stay focused. Watching this is a reminder of where it all started. What Oliver has to say is just as valid today.
But there is another reason to watch this.
Oliver uses a number of video clips. While the content is just as disturbing or bizarre, there’s one other thing. When you watch the clips of the yet to be former guy from 8 years ago, you can see he seemed a lot sharper then, more coherent, spoke more crisply, seemed more physically capable — energetic even. He was still using makeup — but not yet at the drag queen levels he currently sports. Compared with how he’s doing now, it really makes his deterioration apparent.
See for yourself.
Bonus video: Stephen Colbert’s latest on McConnell stepping down, Michigan, the delayed government shutdown, Trump’s creepy Putin infatuation, and the Russian spy scandal in the House.