In an emotional moment on HBO’s Last Week Tonight, host John Oliver urged undecided voters to support Kamala Harris in the upcoming election, delivering a heartfelt appeal that underscored the potential consequences of a second Trump presidency. Visibly moved, Oliver expressed his personal commitment to Harris, citing her progressive policies on Medicare expansion, reproductive rights, and income support for disadvantaged Americans.
“What will I feel on Wednesday?” Oliver asked at the beginning of his 10-minute monologue, admitting that the stakes of this election weighed heavily on his mind. His impassioned plea comes as the U.S. braces for another high-stakes vote that could redefine its political landscape.
Oliver addressed his message particularly to voters frustrated with the Biden administration’s stance on international issues, especially its policy on the Gaza conflict, acknowledging their disillusionment. He sympathized with those hesitant to vote for Harris due to her association with these policies but emphasized the greater risks he perceives in a Trump win. Oliver further supported his point by featuring a message from Georgia State Representative Ruwa Romman, a Palestinian-American who, despite her deep concerns, decided to vote for Harris. Romman, a Democratic representative, explained in a TikTok video that while the choice was difficult, she ultimately felt it was necessary to prevent a Trump resurgence.
Oliver also reminded viewers of Trump’s potential impact on the Supreme Court, warning that he could further consolidate a conservative majority by replacing justices Clarence Thomas and Sam Alito. “This could affect justice in America for generations,” he cautioned. The HBO host’s message was laced with humor but underscored his genuine concern for the future under another Trump administration, which he portrayed as detrimental to both American and global stability.
The British-born comedian, now a U.S. citizen, shared his personal journey of adjusting to American politics, confessing that he never expected his first vote to be “for Joe [expletive] Biden.” However, he insisted that voting remains a critical part of the long, challenging journey toward social justice. “The struggle for justice isn’t just about what happens on Election Day,” he said. “It’s a continuous fight, through protests, legislative meetings, and the cumulative efforts of a nation seeking progress.”
Oliver concluded by asking viewers to envision a world without Trump as a political figure. “Wouldn’t it be great to live in a world where he’s no longer an active threat?” he asked, hoping that a vote for Harris would bring America closer to that reality.
