On Wednesday's episode of The Daily Show, correspondent Michael Kosta lampooned President Donald Trump's recent endorsement of Representative Tom Kean Jr., a New Jersey Republican who secured the GOP nomination in Tuesday's primary despite a prolonged absence from public life. Kosta began by playing a clip from NBC News Now, which reported that the 57-year-old lawmaker had been missing from his duties for over two months, failing to cast votes on Capitol Hill, hold constituent events, or appear in any video statements.
Kosta's Critique of the Endorsement
Kosta then shifted focus to Trump's endorsement of Kean, arguing that only someone with extremely low intelligence would publicly back a candidate who has been virtually invisible. 'I mean, at this point, you've got to be an absolute moron to give him a full-throated endorsement,' Kosta said, before reading Trump's Truth Social post: 'Tom Kean has my Complete and Total Endorsement for Re-Election. Election Day is Tuesday, June 2nd. GET OUT AND VOTE FOR TOM — HE WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN!'
'So true,' Kosta replied sarcastically. 'Of all the congressmen who have been missing for two months, he is the most reliable.'
Kean's Absence and Primary Victory
Kean ran unopposed in Tuesday's primary for New Jersey's 7th Congressional District, a highly competitive race that could determine control of the House in the upcoming midterm elections. Republicans are hoping to retain their narrow majority, making Kean's seat crucial. The congressman has not been seen publicly since March, but his campaign assured supporters that he is recovering from an unspecified illness.
In a statement to the New Jersey Globe on May 21, Kean acknowledged his absence, saying, 'I understand the need for public transparency, and I appreciate the support of my constituents.' He added that he is 'on the road to a full recovery' and expects to return to work soon. Despite his absence, Kean's primary win was uncontested, and he is now set to face a Democratic challenger in the general election.
Kosta's monologue highlighted the irony of Trump's endorsement, given the congressman's lack of visibility. The segment concluded with a call to watch the full opening from Wednesday's show.
