John Hodgman returns to The Daily Show for the first time in a decade
Former Daily Show correspondent John Hodgman appeared as the show's "resident Maine resident" to explain the swing state's Senate race.
On Tuesday, Daily Show host Jordan Klepper faced a perplexing question: How could Democrats hope to take control of the House and Senate in the upcoming midterm elections? To seek an answer, Klepper turned to a familiar face – former Daily Show "resident expert" and current Maine resident, John Hodgman. Hodgman made his first appearance on The Daily Show in ten years, donning his signature Maine attire: a rain slicker, pipe, and pocket lobster roll.
With a Down East accent and a warm greeting from the audience, Hodgman aimed to educate Klepper, a "pasty New York scarecrow with a hobby beard," about Maine's peculiarities. He believed that Senator Susan Collins' Aroostook County roots were her "secret weapon." The crucial moment of her 2020 election came when her opponent, Sara Gideon, was revealed to have been born in Rhode Island, disqualifying her in the eyes of many "contrarian" Mainers.
Hodgman also pointed out that Democratic contender Troy Jackson, who was a logger in Maine's woods at age 19, had more authentic Maine credentials than Collins. Jackson's summer job fighting evil clowns in the Bangor sewers was another plus on his resume. Hodgman himself played the native card heavily, mocking Klepper while acknowledging that his part-time residency in Maine didn't prevent locals from being dismissive.
In the end, Hodgman suggested that Jackson's Maine authenticity might give him an edge over Collins, who had enabled Donald Trump's policies through 96 percent of her votes. Hodgman's own comments about Mainers' disdain for out-of-staters further highlighted the challenges faced by Jackson in the upcoming election.
Written by urgent.news from The A.V. Club's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
