1 00:00:01,168 --> 00:00:02,569 Hey, what's going on, everybody. I'm Trevor Noah, 2 00:00:02,603 --> 00:00:05,739 and this is The Daily Social Distancing Show. 3 00:00:05,772 --> 00:00:08,742 Today is March 4, which means it's the first week 4 00:00:08,775 --> 00:00:10,444 of Women's History Month. 5 00:00:10,477 --> 00:00:12,846 And to celebrate, we've built a special program 6 00:00:12,880 --> 00:00:15,716 that'll highlight a random woman from history 7 00:00:15,749 --> 00:00:18,051 so that we can celebrate her achievement. 8 00:00:18,085 --> 00:00:20,754 Let's see who we got today. 9 00:00:22,389 --> 00:00:25,959 -(bell dings) -Oh! Danica Johnson! 10 00:00:25,993 --> 00:00:28,862 The first woman to order for a man 11 00:00:28,896 --> 00:00:30,397 at a restaurant. 12 00:00:30,430 --> 00:00:33,934 Oh, hi, thank you. We'll have two fettuccines, please. 13 00:00:33,967 --> 00:00:36,803 But, Danica, I don't like fettuccine. 14 00:00:36,837 --> 00:00:39,606 He loves fettuccines. (mouths) 15 00:00:39,640 --> 00:00:41,408 Anyway, on tonight's show, 16 00:00:41,441 --> 00:00:45,112 we look at Joe Biden's 50 latest scandals, 17 00:00:45,145 --> 00:00:47,781 what first ladies really do, 18 00:00:47,814 --> 00:00:49,016 and the pettiest thing 19 00:00:49,049 --> 00:00:51,752 a Republican senator has done today. 20 00:00:51,785 --> 00:00:53,787 So let's do this, people. Welcome to 21 00:00:53,820 --> 00:00:56,123 The Daily Social Distancing Show. 22 00:00:56,156 --> 00:01:00,160 -? ? -ANNOUNCER: From Trevor's couch in New York City 23 00:01:00,194 --> 00:01:03,197 to your couch somewhere in the world, this is 24 00:01:03,230 --> 00:01:06,366 The Daily Social Distancing Show with Trevor Noah. 25 00:01:08,936 --> 00:01:12,673 Let's kick things off with the coronavirus vaccine. 26 00:01:12,706 --> 00:01:14,675 It's reason America's hot new trend 27 00:01:14,708 --> 00:01:17,444 is hanging outside the dumpster at CVS. 28 00:01:17,477 --> 00:01:19,913 With more doses hitting the street every day, 29 00:01:19,947 --> 00:01:22,082 the U.S. now expects to have enough vaccine 30 00:01:22,115 --> 00:01:25,319 for every adult by the end of May. 31 00:01:25,352 --> 00:01:29,089 But not everyone will have to wait that long. 32 00:01:29,122 --> 00:01:31,325 A group of great apes in San Diego 33 00:01:31,358 --> 00:01:34,261 have made history as the first animals 34 00:01:34,294 --> 00:01:37,364 to receive the COVID-19 vaccines in the U.S. 35 00:01:37,397 --> 00:01:39,633 According to a wildlife health officer, 36 00:01:39,666 --> 00:01:41,735 the decision to administer the vaccines 37 00:01:41,768 --> 00:01:44,304 came after eight gorillas at the San Diego Zoo 38 00:01:44,338 --> 00:01:47,307 became the first great apes in the world to contract COVID. 39 00:01:47,341 --> 00:01:51,111 Okay, okay, I know some people out there might be mad 40 00:01:51,144 --> 00:01:53,814 that apes are getting the vaccine before them, 41 00:01:53,847 --> 00:01:57,351 but it's all part of the priority list, people. 42 00:01:57,384 --> 00:01:59,786 It goes health care workers, 43 00:01:59,820 --> 00:02:03,524 the elderly, people with underlying conditions, 44 00:02:03,557 --> 00:02:05,959 apes, then you, 45 00:02:05,993 --> 00:02:07,995 right after teachers, 46 00:02:08,028 --> 00:02:11,331 children, people who don't want it, 47 00:02:11,365 --> 00:02:14,234 everyone who became elderly while you were waiting, 48 00:02:14,268 --> 00:02:17,938 then all your friends, then you. 49 00:02:17,971 --> 00:02:19,907 So just be patient. 50 00:02:19,940 --> 00:02:21,775 Honestly, I think this is great. 51 00:02:21,808 --> 00:02:23,410 I mean, not just because I can finally hang out with apes 52 00:02:23,443 --> 00:02:26,580 in person instead of over Zoom like I'm doing right now, 53 00:02:26,613 --> 00:02:29,850 but because apes are noble creatures who are, frankly, 54 00:02:29,883 --> 00:02:33,654 way more deserving than any human. 55 00:02:33,687 --> 00:02:36,089 You got that, Caesar? You just remember ol' Trevor 56 00:02:36,123 --> 00:02:37,758 had your back from day one, buddy. 57 00:02:37,791 --> 00:02:39,826 You remember me when it's your planet. 58 00:02:39,860 --> 00:02:43,397 But let's make like QAnon and head over to the U.S. Capitol. 59 00:02:43,430 --> 00:02:46,500 President Biden and the Democrats now have enough votes 60 00:02:46,533 --> 00:02:48,602 to get their coronavirus relief bill 61 00:02:48,635 --> 00:02:51,805 passed over Republican objections. 62 00:02:51,839 --> 00:02:54,041 But while Republicans can't kill the bill, 63 00:02:54,074 --> 00:02:57,110 at least one has found a way to be a dick about it. 64 00:02:57,144 --> 00:02:59,046 NEWSWOMAN: Senate Republicans launch an effort to delay 65 00:02:59,079 --> 00:03:01,748 the vote on President Biden's $1.9 trillion 66 00:03:01,782 --> 00:03:04,051 COVID relief package. 67 00:03:04,084 --> 00:03:05,886 Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin says 68 00:03:05,919 --> 00:03:08,055 he plans to force Senate staff 69 00:03:08,088 --> 00:03:11,291 to read the entire relief bill out loud 70 00:03:11,325 --> 00:03:15,262 on the floor, adding at least ten hours to the process. 71 00:03:29,076 --> 00:03:31,979 Aw, that's my man. Ron Johnson, 72 00:03:32,012 --> 00:03:33,380 delaying desperately-needed aid 73 00:03:33,413 --> 00:03:35,949 he knows is gonna get passed anyway. 74 00:03:35,983 --> 00:03:38,585 And to all the hungry kids out there, be patient. 75 00:03:38,619 --> 00:03:40,554 Ron Johnson is making a symbolic point. 76 00:03:40,587 --> 00:03:43,624 You can eat tomorrow. Or maybe next week. Whatever. 77 00:03:43,657 --> 00:03:47,294 But on the real, though, this is not just petty, it's disgusting. 78 00:03:47,327 --> 00:03:50,430 And on top of that, I'd respect him maybe a little bit more 79 00:03:50,464 --> 00:03:53,033 if he read the bill himself. 80 00:03:53,066 --> 00:03:56,170 But instead this bitch is making some poor clerk read it. 81 00:03:56,203 --> 00:03:58,672 Like, you don't get to act like you're some heroic resistor 82 00:03:58,705 --> 00:04:01,675 if someone else is doing the work. 83 00:04:01,708 --> 00:04:04,611 Now I want to see how Ron Johnson defends his family. 84 00:04:04,645 --> 00:04:07,581 Hey, you think you can hit on my wife? 85 00:04:07,614 --> 00:04:09,316 Well, you got another think coming. 86 00:04:09,349 --> 00:04:12,419 Kick his ass, wife. Kick his ass. 87 00:04:12,452 --> 00:04:14,221 And by the way, I love how he says, 88 00:04:14,254 --> 00:04:16,723 "I don't want to sound like a leftist." 89 00:04:16,757 --> 00:04:19,960 That's become the new "no homo" for Republicans. 90 00:04:19,993 --> 00:04:23,330 Yo, bro, no leftist, but I think we should 91 00:04:23,363 --> 00:04:26,533 all get an equal share of guac on our chips. 92 00:04:26,567 --> 00:04:29,102 All right, let's move on now to our main story: 93 00:04:29,136 --> 00:04:32,940 President Joseph Reprehensible Biden. 94 00:04:32,973 --> 00:04:37,444 And, yes, that is his new middle name-- Reprehensible. 95 00:04:37,477 --> 00:04:40,981 Because Biden has been in office for just six weeks 96 00:04:41,014 --> 00:04:43,984 and already, people, he has had more scandals 97 00:04:44,017 --> 00:04:46,153 than any president before him. 98 00:04:46,186 --> 00:04:48,255 As we'll find out in another episode of 99 00:04:48,288 --> 00:04:52,893 Joe Biden: The Worst President In History That We Can Remember. 100 00:04:52,926 --> 00:04:54,761 ? ? 101 00:04:57,264 --> 00:04:58,699 It will never happen. 102 00:05:00,467 --> 00:05:02,503 You know, it's hard to even keep track 103 00:05:02,536 --> 00:05:04,638 of all the scandalous things that Joe Biden has done 104 00:05:04,671 --> 00:05:07,441 since the last time we did this segment, but yesterday 105 00:05:07,474 --> 00:05:09,877 he said one of the most outrageous things 106 00:05:09,910 --> 00:05:14,381 anybody, or at least anybody on Fox News, has ever heard. 107 00:05:14,414 --> 00:05:16,783 DOOCY: Part of the president's plea with the American people 108 00:05:16,817 --> 00:05:19,753 when he took over was to stop talking about 109 00:05:19,786 --> 00:05:22,089 political opponents like they are enemies, 110 00:05:22,122 --> 00:05:24,324 because they are not, and he's not 111 00:05:24,358 --> 00:05:28,295 calling these Republican leaders reopening their states enemies, 112 00:05:28,328 --> 00:05:30,631 but is he calling them Neanderthals. 113 00:05:40,307 --> 00:05:42,376 DOOCY: What a uniter Joe Biden is. 114 00:05:42,409 --> 00:05:44,378 -You know, this is Mr. Unity. -(pundits laughing) 115 00:05:44,411 --> 00:05:46,914 And yet, if you disagree with him, you're a Neanderthal. 116 00:05:46,947 --> 00:05:49,550 It turns out that he's just another snob. 117 00:05:49,583 --> 00:05:53,520 Using dismissive, deplorable- like, demeaning language 118 00:05:53,554 --> 00:05:56,290 to describe people who didn't vote for him. 119 00:05:56,323 --> 00:05:59,026 He called them Neanderthals. Now you don't call 120 00:05:59,059 --> 00:06:02,496 one of the largest states in the union Neanderthal. 121 00:06:02,529 --> 00:06:05,332 According to Joe Biden, only a Neanderthal 122 00:06:05,365 --> 00:06:07,668 would lift COVID restrictions on Americans. 123 00:06:07,701 --> 00:06:11,238 I started the Neanderthal caucus because Neanderthals 124 00:06:11,271 --> 00:06:15,776 are hunter-gatherers, they're protectors of their family. 125 00:06:15,809 --> 00:06:17,711 They are resilient. 126 00:06:17,744 --> 00:06:19,012 They're resourceful. 127 00:06:19,046 --> 00:06:20,781 They tend to their own. 128 00:06:20,814 --> 00:06:23,750 I can't believe that Joe Biden has the nerve 129 00:06:23,784 --> 00:06:26,887 to call these great Americans Neanderthals. 130 00:06:26,920 --> 00:06:28,188 But also, 131 00:06:28,222 --> 00:06:30,457 calling them Neanderthals is actually a compliment. 132 00:06:30,490 --> 00:06:32,226 So apologize, Joe Biden! 133 00:06:32,259 --> 00:06:33,594 But also, thank you. 134 00:06:33,627 --> 00:06:34,828 But how dare you! 135 00:06:34,862 --> 00:06:36,463 But also, you're so sweet. 136 00:06:36,496 --> 00:06:38,932 Resign! My best friend. 137 00:06:38,966 --> 00:06:40,801 This is just disgusting, people. 138 00:06:40,834 --> 00:06:44,605 Not only did Joe Biden call Republicans the N-word... 139 00:06:44,638 --> 00:06:47,774 (deep breath) ...but he forced them to acknowledge evolution. 140 00:06:47,808 --> 00:06:50,377 That is the worst thing you can do to a Republican. 141 00:06:50,410 --> 00:06:52,846 And by the way, point me to a single Neanderthal 142 00:06:52,880 --> 00:06:54,882 that died from COVID, huh? 143 00:06:54,915 --> 00:06:57,150 Guess you're not so smart now, huh, buddy? 144 00:06:57,184 --> 00:06:59,419 And it's bad enough that Joe Biden is insulting people 145 00:06:59,453 --> 00:07:02,155 who don't want to wear masks, but what's even worse 146 00:07:02,189 --> 00:07:04,291 is that Joe Biden is a monster 147 00:07:04,324 --> 00:07:07,427 who wants to wear a mask himself. 148 00:07:07,461 --> 00:07:09,363 Why is Joe Biden still wearing a mask? 149 00:07:09,396 --> 00:07:10,964 -He's been vaccinated. -(pundits giggle) 150 00:07:10,998 --> 00:07:13,433 Like, this virtue signaling that continues on 151 00:07:13,467 --> 00:07:15,969 is just really getting tiresome. 152 00:07:16,003 --> 00:07:17,237 You tell him. 153 00:07:17,271 --> 00:07:19,506 What kind of sick person goes out of his way 154 00:07:19,540 --> 00:07:21,108 to set an example? 155 00:07:21,141 --> 00:07:24,444 You never once saw Donald Trump care about public health. No. 156 00:07:24,478 --> 00:07:27,714 He stood shoulder to shoulder with ordinary people 157 00:07:27,748 --> 00:07:30,951 and contracted COVID, because that's leadership, 158 00:07:30,984 --> 00:07:34,655 Mr. President-- if that even is your real name. 159 00:07:34,688 --> 00:07:36,290 What Joe Biden doesn't understand 160 00:07:36,323 --> 00:07:39,092 is that wearing a mask is a personal decision 161 00:07:39,126 --> 00:07:41,795 that everyone should get to make for themselves... 162 00:07:41,828 --> 00:07:44,631 except for Joe Biden, who isn't allowed to wear a mask 163 00:07:44,665 --> 00:07:45,999 because it annoys me! 164 00:07:46,033 --> 00:07:49,102 But clearly, there's something else going on here. 165 00:07:49,136 --> 00:07:53,273 Joe Biden is hiding something under that mask. 166 00:07:53,307 --> 00:07:55,008 Could it be... 167 00:07:55,042 --> 00:07:56,977 a Hitler mustache? 168 00:07:57,010 --> 00:07:59,680 (gasps) Take off your mask, Joe, 169 00:07:59,713 --> 00:08:02,182 or you are the new Hitler! 170 00:08:02,216 --> 00:08:05,452 Meanwhile, Joe Biden is not only failing on COVID, 171 00:08:05,485 --> 00:08:08,622 he's a one-man super-spreader for an even worse pandemic: 172 00:08:08,655 --> 00:08:10,224 cancel culture. 173 00:08:10,257 --> 00:08:13,026 NEWSWOMAN: President Biden didn't even mention Dr. Seuss 174 00:08:13,060 --> 00:08:14,795 in his presidential proclamation 175 00:08:14,828 --> 00:08:17,564 honoring Read Across America Day yesterday. 176 00:08:17,598 --> 00:08:20,067 The Biden White House has erased, 177 00:08:20,100 --> 00:08:22,302 literally erased Dr. Seuss 178 00:08:22,336 --> 00:08:25,806 from their Read Across America proclamation this week. 179 00:08:25,839 --> 00:08:27,140 So, it's Dr. Seuss's birthday. 180 00:08:27,174 --> 00:08:29,142 The Biden administration is refusing to celebrate. 181 00:08:29,176 --> 00:08:31,144 Biden administration cancelled the entire... 182 00:08:31,178 --> 00:08:32,546 It's like Dr. Seuss. 183 00:08:32,579 --> 00:08:34,515 Magic wand, doesn't exist. 184 00:08:34,548 --> 00:08:37,651 That's right. Joe Biden has a magic wand, 185 00:08:37,684 --> 00:08:39,853 and he used it to erase Dr. Seuss. 186 00:08:39,887 --> 00:08:41,455 He could have been doing something 187 00:08:41,488 --> 00:08:44,658 that would actually benefit the country with that wand. 188 00:08:44,691 --> 00:08:47,528 You know? Like making all the face masks disappear. 189 00:08:47,561 --> 00:08:49,930 And how hypocritical is it to tell America 190 00:08:49,963 --> 00:08:51,732 that they should be listening to doctors, 191 00:08:51,765 --> 00:08:55,536 and then literally murder an esteemed medical expert 192 00:08:55,569 --> 00:08:57,437 like Dr. Seuss? 193 00:08:57,471 --> 00:08:59,373 Look out, America. This is just the beginning 194 00:08:59,406 --> 00:09:02,676 of Biden's crusade against all doctors. 195 00:09:02,709 --> 00:09:05,412 But only the real ones, which I guess means 196 00:09:05,445 --> 00:09:08,115 "Dr. Jill Biden" has nothing to worry about. 197 00:09:08,148 --> 00:09:10,551 And by the way, what a sad departure 198 00:09:10,584 --> 00:09:15,122 from America's last president, who respected Dr. Seuss so much 199 00:09:15,155 --> 00:09:18,225 that he constantly spoke in made-up words. 200 00:09:18,258 --> 00:09:21,094 Anonymish. Anomymish. 201 00:09:21,128 --> 00:09:22,863 United Smates. 202 00:09:22,896 --> 00:09:24,331 There's no sugar-coating it, 203 00:09:24,364 --> 00:09:28,235 this administration is going to the dogs. 204 00:09:28,268 --> 00:09:32,206 And what's even sadder is those dogs are ugly as shit. 205 00:09:32,239 --> 00:09:33,740 NEWSMAN: Oh, I got to show you 206 00:09:33,774 --> 00:09:35,409 some nonsense from the White House. 207 00:09:35,442 --> 00:09:36,910 They put this out. 208 00:09:36,944 --> 00:09:39,379 They've got this... Pawffice. 209 00:09:39,413 --> 00:09:41,882 Some sort of cutesy account for the dogs. 210 00:09:41,915 --> 00:09:43,717 Did you see the dog. Let's get... 211 00:09:43,750 --> 00:09:45,519 I want to show you something I noticed. 212 00:09:45,552 --> 00:09:48,021 Doesn't he look a little, uh, little rough? 213 00:09:48,055 --> 00:09:50,624 This dog looks like from, I'm sorry, from the junkyard. 214 00:09:50,657 --> 00:09:51,925 And I love that dog, 215 00:09:51,959 --> 00:09:54,127 but he looks like he's not being well cared for. 216 00:09:54,161 --> 00:09:56,263 NEWSMAN: No, he looks very dirty and disheveled, 217 00:09:56,296 --> 00:09:59,066 and, uh, very unlike a presidential dog, 218 00:09:59,099 --> 00:10:02,336 like, uh, Millie or Victory or something else in the past 219 00:10:02,369 --> 00:10:04,404 in the pres... in the White House. 220 00:10:04,438 --> 00:10:05,839 Yeah, dude! 221 00:10:05,873 --> 00:10:07,508 Drag that dog! 222 00:10:07,541 --> 00:10:10,010 Hey, Fido, why don't you go fetch... 223 00:10:10,043 --> 00:10:11,545 a new stylist! 224 00:10:11,578 --> 00:10:14,615 I mean, what the hell has that dog been doing, huh? 225 00:10:14,648 --> 00:10:17,384 Running around playing? No wonder he looks like that. 226 00:10:17,417 --> 00:10:20,487 Everyone knows if you want your dog to remain in mint condition, 227 00:10:20,521 --> 00:10:22,556 you never take it out of the packaging. 228 00:10:22,589 --> 00:10:25,526 Joe Biden has a lot to explain about how he treats that pet. 229 00:10:25,559 --> 00:10:28,729 No dog should ever look mangier than Ted Cruz. 230 00:10:28,762 --> 00:10:31,632 Hell, I'll say it. I do not like this dog. 231 00:10:31,665 --> 00:10:33,467 I do not like it here or there. 232 00:10:33,500 --> 00:10:35,002 I do not like it anywhere. 233 00:10:35,035 --> 00:10:37,304 And yeah, that's right, I'm quoting Dr. Seuss. 234 00:10:37,337 --> 00:10:39,473 Is that illegal now? Well, then I'll stop, 235 00:10:39,506 --> 00:10:41,241 because I've got priors. 236 00:10:41,275 --> 00:10:44,411 So, those are the many Joe Biden scandals exposed 237 00:10:44,444 --> 00:10:46,914 by the muckraking journalists of conservative media 238 00:10:46,947 --> 00:10:49,983 in just the last three weeks. 239 00:10:50,017 --> 00:10:51,885 And who knows, by this time tomorrow, 240 00:10:51,919 --> 00:10:54,421 we could find out that Biden doesn't empty 241 00:10:54,454 --> 00:10:56,690 the crumb tray in his toaster, or even worse, 242 00:10:56,723 --> 00:10:59,426 he sits when he pees. 243 00:10:59,459 --> 00:11:03,096 And when he does, we'll be there to tell you all about it 244 00:11:03,130 --> 00:11:07,734 in another episode of Joe Biden: The Worst President in History 245 00:11:07,768 --> 00:11:09,803 That We Can Remember. 246 00:11:09,837 --> 00:11:12,372 All right, when we come back, we'll look into the history 247 00:11:12,406 --> 00:11:14,308 of America's First Ladies. 248 00:11:14,341 --> 00:11:16,376 So stick around. 249 00:11:16,410 --> 00:11:18,412 ? ? 250 00:11:48,909 --> 00:11:48,976 ? ? 251 00:11:56,649 --> 00:11:58,784 Welcome back to The Daily Social Distancing Show. 252 00:11:58,818 --> 00:12:02,355 When Joe Biden was inaugurated as president in January, 253 00:12:02,388 --> 00:12:05,358 his wife, Jill Biden, became First Lady, 254 00:12:05,391 --> 00:12:08,027 joining the ranks of such iconic women 255 00:12:08,060 --> 00:12:10,129 as Michelle Obama, Barbara Bush 256 00:12:10,162 --> 00:12:11,497 and Ivanka Trump. 257 00:12:11,530 --> 00:12:15,101 But how did the role of First Lady become so important 258 00:12:15,134 --> 00:12:17,036 to American government? 259 00:12:17,069 --> 00:12:19,271 Well, in honor of Women's History Month, 260 00:12:19,305 --> 00:12:21,874 we decided to find out, in another episode 261 00:12:21,907 --> 00:12:24,343 of If You Don't Know, Now You Know. 262 00:12:24,377 --> 00:12:26,445 ? ? 263 00:12:31,784 --> 00:12:34,020 The First Lady. 264 00:12:34,053 --> 00:12:37,089 It's not a job that's actually in the Constitution, 265 00:12:37,123 --> 00:12:41,160 but that's just because in 1787 women hadn't been invented yet. 266 00:12:41,193 --> 00:12:43,963 And even though "First Lady" is not an official role, 267 00:12:43,996 --> 00:12:46,065 they've been important figures in the country 268 00:12:46,098 --> 00:12:47,633 from the very beginning. 269 00:12:47,667 --> 00:12:50,403 NEWSMAN: From the earliest days, America's First Ladies 270 00:12:50,436 --> 00:12:53,472 were referred to as "Lady Presidentress," 271 00:12:53,506 --> 00:12:55,541 or "Republican Queen." 272 00:12:55,574 --> 00:12:58,911 The term "First Lady" didn't come into use, really, 273 00:12:58,944 --> 00:13:01,013 until Dolly Madison's time. 274 00:13:01,047 --> 00:13:03,049 The fourth First Lady pioneered the practice 275 00:13:03,082 --> 00:13:05,084 of championing social causes. 276 00:13:05,117 --> 00:13:07,453 She helped orphan children and supported women's rights. 277 00:13:07,486 --> 00:13:10,056 NEWSWOMAN: And it's said that at Mrs. Madison's funeral, 278 00:13:10,089 --> 00:13:13,659 President Zachary Taylor eulogized her 279 00:13:13,693 --> 00:13:15,861 as the country's "First Lady," 280 00:13:15,895 --> 00:13:18,798 the first time that title was ever used. 281 00:13:18,831 --> 00:13:22,802 That's right. Dolly Madison was the first First Lady. 282 00:13:22,835 --> 00:13:24,403 But she didn't know it, 283 00:13:24,437 --> 00:13:28,007 because President Taylor only called her that at her funeral. 284 00:13:28,040 --> 00:13:31,610 If I were Dolly Madison, I would be dead, 285 00:13:31,644 --> 00:13:35,614 but also, I would have been so pissed at Zachary Taylor. 286 00:13:35,648 --> 00:13:41,053 Because before him, people were calling her "Lady Presidentress" 287 00:13:41,087 --> 00:13:43,089 or "Republican Queen." 288 00:13:43,122 --> 00:13:45,391 And those are so much cooler as names. 289 00:13:45,424 --> 00:13:47,426 Then at her funeral, some dude is like, 290 00:13:47,460 --> 00:13:49,528 "No, she was the First Lady." 291 00:13:49,562 --> 00:13:51,630 If I was her, I'd be getting out of that casket, like, 292 00:13:51,664 --> 00:13:54,934 "What'd you say? Bitch, you call me Queen Supreme! 293 00:13:54,967 --> 00:13:57,103 Oh, First Lady! Queen!" 294 00:13:57,136 --> 00:13:59,171 But while the idea of a First Lady 295 00:13:59,205 --> 00:14:00,506 has been around from the beginning, 296 00:14:00,539 --> 00:14:02,074 the job as we know it today 297 00:14:02,108 --> 00:14:05,111 didn't really kick off until the 1930s. 298 00:14:05,144 --> 00:14:07,046 You know, it's like how for years, 299 00:14:07,079 --> 00:14:10,583 Netflix was a company that sent DVDs in the mail, 300 00:14:10,616 --> 00:14:13,719 but that's not what people think of as Netflix now. 301 00:14:13,753 --> 00:14:17,156 And the first streaming on demand First Lady 302 00:14:17,189 --> 00:14:19,325 was Eleanor Roosevelt. 303 00:14:19,358 --> 00:14:21,594 WOMAN: Eleanor Roosevelt really innovated 304 00:14:21,627 --> 00:14:24,730 the First Lady's role as a public communicator. 305 00:14:24,764 --> 00:14:27,867 WOMAN 2: She wrote thousands of columns, 27 books. 306 00:14:27,900 --> 00:14:31,303 She participated in hundreds of radio shows. 307 00:14:31,337 --> 00:14:33,239 WOMAN 3: She felt that her role 308 00:14:33,272 --> 00:14:36,942 was too really reach out to the American people 309 00:14:36,976 --> 00:14:38,844 and to learn from them 310 00:14:38,878 --> 00:14:41,213 about what they wanted in policy. 311 00:14:41,247 --> 00:14:43,115 WOMAN 4: First Lady had taken to the road 312 00:14:43,149 --> 00:14:46,085 and traveled hundreds of thousands of miles. 313 00:14:46,118 --> 00:14:47,520 NEWSMAN: Going right to the source 314 00:14:47,553 --> 00:14:50,089 of the country's pain during the Depression, 315 00:14:50,122 --> 00:14:53,392 meeting miners in Appalachia, 316 00:14:53,426 --> 00:14:55,061 challenging southern Democrats 317 00:14:55,094 --> 00:14:58,164 to support anti-lynching legislation, 318 00:14:58,197 --> 00:14:59,832 and during World War II, 319 00:14:59,865 --> 00:15:01,734 visiting internment camps 320 00:15:01,767 --> 00:15:04,236 where Japanese Americans were imprisoned 321 00:15:04,270 --> 00:15:06,372 simply because of their race. 322 00:15:06,405 --> 00:15:09,275 The First Lady was often alone at the wheel 323 00:15:09,308 --> 00:15:12,345 driving herself cross-country. 324 00:15:12,378 --> 00:15:14,046 Now, that is ballsy as hell. 325 00:15:14,080 --> 00:15:16,949 Eleanor Roosevelt was so politically active, 326 00:15:16,983 --> 00:15:19,452 she visited the Japanese internment camps 327 00:15:19,485 --> 00:15:21,988 that her husband set up. 328 00:15:22,021 --> 00:15:23,923 It's so classic for a wife 329 00:15:23,956 --> 00:15:25,992 to go around cleaning up her husband's mess. 330 00:15:26,025 --> 00:15:28,260 She was probably at those internment camps like, 331 00:15:28,294 --> 00:15:31,230 "I'm sorry, he just gets a little racist sometimes. 332 00:15:31,263 --> 00:15:33,065 "Work has been really stressful. 333 00:15:33,099 --> 00:15:36,335 He's not normally this way. Really, really, he isn't." 334 00:15:36,369 --> 00:15:39,205 And she even took road trips by herself, 335 00:15:39,238 --> 00:15:42,174 which was very gutsy in the 1930s. 336 00:15:42,208 --> 00:15:45,411 There was no phones, no GPS, you know? 337 00:15:45,444 --> 00:15:47,446 Although, I guess it's hard to get lost 338 00:15:47,480 --> 00:15:49,115 when there were only, like, what, two roads 339 00:15:49,148 --> 00:15:50,416 in the entire country? 340 00:15:50,449 --> 00:15:52,952 "Okay, young buck, listen up. 341 00:15:52,985 --> 00:15:55,955 "You want to get from California to the White House, 342 00:15:55,988 --> 00:15:57,757 "pay attention. 343 00:15:57,790 --> 00:16:01,160 "You want to turn onto road... Are you listening? 344 00:16:01,193 --> 00:16:04,196 "You want to turn onto road one. 345 00:16:04,230 --> 00:16:06,065 "And then 346 00:16:06,098 --> 00:16:09,535 "you're gonna drive straight on road one, 347 00:16:09,568 --> 00:16:11,904 and then you'll be there." 348 00:16:11,937 --> 00:16:13,639 And once Eleanor Roosevelt realized 349 00:16:13,673 --> 00:16:15,841 that she could use her position to bring attention 350 00:16:15,875 --> 00:16:17,543 to the issues that were important to her, 351 00:16:17,576 --> 00:16:20,980 every First Lady who followed did the same. 352 00:16:21,013 --> 00:16:23,683 WOMAN: Lady Bird Johnson sought to beautify the nation 353 00:16:23,716 --> 00:16:26,285 and took an active role in the Head Start program 354 00:16:26,319 --> 00:16:28,554 for early child development. 355 00:16:28,587 --> 00:16:30,556 Barbara Bush advocated for literacy, 356 00:16:30,589 --> 00:16:32,325 as did Laura Bush. 357 00:16:32,358 --> 00:16:34,994 NEWSWOMAN: In 1962, Jackie Kennedy Onassis 358 00:16:35,027 --> 00:16:38,130 created the White House Historical Association. 359 00:16:38,164 --> 00:16:40,533 NEWSMAN: Betty Ford was vocal about women's issues. 360 00:16:40,566 --> 00:16:42,601 She supported the Supreme Court's ruling 361 00:16:42,635 --> 00:16:45,371 on Roe v. Wade, which made abortion legal, 362 00:16:45,404 --> 00:16:48,274 and she supported the Equal Rights Amendment. 363 00:16:48,307 --> 00:16:52,211 She openly discussed her breast cancer and mastectomy. 364 00:16:52,244 --> 00:16:54,313 NEWSWOMAN 2: When Michelle Obama was First Lady, 365 00:16:54,347 --> 00:16:55,948 one of her key initiatives 366 00:16:55,982 --> 00:16:58,084 was to push for healthier nutrition 367 00:16:58,117 --> 00:16:59,518 and food choices. 368 00:16:59,552 --> 00:17:01,253 That translated into a change 369 00:17:01,287 --> 00:17:03,789 for public school lunches around the country. 370 00:17:03,823 --> 00:17:05,257 NEWSMAN 2: In the '80s, Nancy Reagan 371 00:17:05,291 --> 00:17:06,792 appeared in a popular sitcom 372 00:17:06,826 --> 00:17:09,328 to boost her "Just Say No" campaign. 373 00:17:09,362 --> 00:17:11,063 What you talking about, Mrs. Reagan? 374 00:17:11,097 --> 00:17:14,533 I'm concerned about drug abuse, especially among the young. 375 00:17:14,567 --> 00:17:17,470 Wow. That is commitment. 376 00:17:17,503 --> 00:17:21,440 Nancy Reagan was so determined to stop drug abuse, 377 00:17:21,474 --> 00:17:24,210 she even went on a sitcom to speak out on it. 378 00:17:24,243 --> 00:17:26,746 Which would be impossible to do today. 379 00:17:26,779 --> 00:17:29,649 I mean, TV shows are so much more adult now. 380 00:17:29,682 --> 00:17:32,284 I mean, it's easy to tell Gary Coleman not to do drugs. 381 00:17:32,318 --> 00:17:35,087 It's a lot harder to try and do that on Euphoria. 382 00:17:35,121 --> 00:17:37,456 "Just say no, Zendaya." 383 00:17:37,490 --> 00:17:39,859 "Bitch, you should have been here season one." 384 00:17:39,892 --> 00:17:41,861 But it's through that activism 385 00:17:41,894 --> 00:17:45,064 that First Ladies get to show who they really are 386 00:17:45,097 --> 00:17:47,500 and how they want the world to change. 387 00:17:47,533 --> 00:17:50,469 You know, Michelle Obama cared about health. 388 00:17:50,503 --> 00:17:54,173 Hillary Clinton cared about children and education. 389 00:17:54,206 --> 00:17:57,510 Melania cared about stopping cyberbullies. 390 00:17:57,543 --> 00:18:00,613 And say what you want, but her agenda got done. 391 00:18:00,646 --> 00:18:02,548 And the thing about being a First Lady 392 00:18:02,581 --> 00:18:04,417 is that they're not just expected 393 00:18:04,450 --> 00:18:05,918 to promote social causes. 394 00:18:05,951 --> 00:18:09,622 They're also expected to be style influencers. 395 00:18:09,655 --> 00:18:12,358 Jackie Kennedy's pillbox hats, 396 00:18:12,391 --> 00:18:14,093 Nancy Reagan's red dresses, 397 00:18:14,126 --> 00:18:15,628 Hillary Clinton's pantsuits 398 00:18:15,661 --> 00:18:18,898 or Pat Nixon's Xena cosplay. 399 00:18:18,931 --> 00:18:21,233 But, of course, all this attention 400 00:18:21,267 --> 00:18:23,402 also means that First Ladies get subjected 401 00:18:23,436 --> 00:18:27,106 to intense scrutiny by the press. 402 00:18:27,139 --> 00:18:30,810 And it's not something that they've been happy about. 403 00:18:30,843 --> 00:18:32,244 NEWSWOMAN: To be the First Lady 404 00:18:32,278 --> 00:18:34,513 may be the most difficult job in Washington. 405 00:18:34,547 --> 00:18:36,148 MAN: Martha Washington famously said 406 00:18:36,182 --> 00:18:37,817 the role of First Lady 407 00:18:37,850 --> 00:18:40,353 can sometimes feel like a state prisoner. 408 00:18:40,386 --> 00:18:42,088 WOMAN: Michelle Obama wore a pair of shorts, 409 00:18:42,121 --> 00:18:44,190 just a regular pair of mom shorts, 410 00:18:44,223 --> 00:18:45,992 and an uproar ensued. 411 00:18:46,025 --> 00:18:49,362 Days of video, uh, commentary 412 00:18:49,395 --> 00:18:51,664 and pictures and debate about whether it's okay 413 00:18:51,697 --> 00:18:53,399 for a First Lady to wear shorts. 414 00:18:53,432 --> 00:18:54,900 MAN 2: Andrew Jackson's wife, Rachel, 415 00:18:54,934 --> 00:18:56,569 was blasted in the papers, 416 00:18:56,602 --> 00:19:00,106 uh, for being a pipe-smoking hillbilly from Tennessee. 417 00:19:00,139 --> 00:19:01,874 WOMAN 2: Jackie Kennedy called the press harpies, 418 00:19:01,907 --> 00:19:04,577 and she hated the constant attention. 419 00:19:04,610 --> 00:19:06,512 MAN 3: Bess Truman felt very uncomfortable, 420 00:19:06,545 --> 00:19:08,914 very ill at ease with all the fanfare 421 00:19:08,948 --> 00:19:11,117 and the attention of the press. 422 00:19:11,150 --> 00:19:12,618 WOMAN 3: There was a famous, uh, incident 423 00:19:12,652 --> 00:19:15,655 where she was doing a christening of a ship, 424 00:19:15,688 --> 00:19:17,990 and she went to break the bottle, 425 00:19:18,024 --> 00:19:20,026 and they forgot to score the bottle ahead of time, 426 00:19:20,059 --> 00:19:22,194 so she's banging it and banging and ba... 427 00:19:22,228 --> 00:19:23,963 And it just won't break. 428 00:19:23,996 --> 00:19:25,998 (indistinct chatter) 429 00:19:31,937 --> 00:19:34,573 She was humiliated. She told her husband, 430 00:19:34,607 --> 00:19:36,475 "I'm not doing another public appearance." 431 00:19:36,509 --> 00:19:39,145 Aw. Poor Bess Truman. 432 00:19:39,178 --> 00:19:40,913 I honestly feel bad for her, 433 00:19:40,946 --> 00:19:42,715 because we've all had that moment 434 00:19:42,748 --> 00:19:45,785 where we just can't open a jar of peanut butter. 435 00:19:45,818 --> 00:19:48,220 But imagine if the entire country 436 00:19:48,254 --> 00:19:50,523 was watching you struggle with that jar. 437 00:19:50,556 --> 00:19:52,992 (grunts) "Almost got it, everybody. 438 00:19:53,025 --> 00:19:54,960 Hold on." 439 00:19:54,994 --> 00:19:57,596 "Try running hot water over it!" 440 00:19:57,630 --> 00:19:58,764 "I tried that already." 441 00:19:58,798 --> 00:20:01,000 If you ask me, the person to blame 442 00:20:01,033 --> 00:20:03,269 is the one who started this whole tradition. 443 00:20:03,302 --> 00:20:05,671 Like, who thought it was a good idea 444 00:20:05,705 --> 00:20:07,106 to christen a new ship 445 00:20:07,139 --> 00:20:09,008 by smashing it with a champagne bottle? 446 00:20:09,041 --> 00:20:10,343 You don't christen a new car 447 00:20:10,376 --> 00:20:12,545 by slashing the tires with a samurai sword. 448 00:20:12,578 --> 00:20:14,547 And honestly, all the First Ladies 449 00:20:14,580 --> 00:20:16,148 are in an unfair situation, 450 00:20:16,182 --> 00:20:19,652 because none of them asked to be in that position. 451 00:20:19,685 --> 00:20:21,354 Martha Washington was right. 452 00:20:21,387 --> 00:20:23,022 It is sort of like a prison. 453 00:20:23,055 --> 00:20:26,392 Although, it's weird to say you feel like a prisoner 454 00:20:26,425 --> 00:20:29,362 when you own slaves yourself. 455 00:20:29,395 --> 00:20:32,431 "Sometimes, I just feel like I can't leave. 456 00:20:32,465 --> 00:20:33,866 You know what I mean?" 457 00:20:33,899 --> 00:20:37,003 "Yeah, Mrs. Massa. I think I do." 458 00:20:37,036 --> 00:20:39,071 But maybe the most fascinating thing about First Ladies 459 00:20:39,105 --> 00:20:41,774 is that even though no one votes for them 460 00:20:41,807 --> 00:20:44,677 and they kind of make up the job as they go, 461 00:20:44,710 --> 00:20:47,513 just by virtue of being married to the president, 462 00:20:47,546 --> 00:20:49,949 they can end up having a lot more power 463 00:20:49,982 --> 00:20:52,318 than many elected officials. 464 00:20:52,351 --> 00:20:54,620 The First Lady is the most powerful woman 465 00:20:54,654 --> 00:20:56,989 in the country because she has the ear, 466 00:20:57,023 --> 00:20:59,425 first thing in the morning and last thing at night, 467 00:20:59,458 --> 00:21:02,461 of the most powerful man in the country. 468 00:21:02,495 --> 00:21:05,297 NEWSMAN: Going back to the very first first lady, 469 00:21:05,331 --> 00:21:08,167 Martha Washington, and the second one, Abigail Adams, 470 00:21:08,200 --> 00:21:10,102 both of them were politically involved. 471 00:21:10,136 --> 00:21:11,837 They were involved in cabinet decisions. 472 00:21:11,871 --> 00:21:13,372 They were involved in campaigning. 473 00:21:13,406 --> 00:21:15,241 These women were political partners. 474 00:21:15,274 --> 00:21:17,510 NEWSMAN 2: Nancy Reagan was pulling a lot of the strings, 475 00:21:17,543 --> 00:21:19,211 calling many of the shots 476 00:21:19,245 --> 00:21:21,213 from President Ronald Reagan's first campaign 477 00:21:21,247 --> 00:21:23,349 for the White House back in 1980 478 00:21:23,382 --> 00:21:26,385 to his Cold War-ending triumph in 1987. 479 00:21:26,419 --> 00:21:27,753 NEWSWOMAN: Hillary Clinton became more involved, 480 00:21:27,787 --> 00:21:30,923 obviously, in policymaking than any first lady before her. 481 00:21:30,956 --> 00:21:32,692 She had an office in the West Wing. 482 00:21:32,725 --> 00:21:35,661 Bill Clinton even ran on the slogan "Buy one, get one free." 483 00:21:35,695 --> 00:21:37,263 NEWSWOMAN 2: In 1919, Edith Wilson 484 00:21:37,296 --> 00:21:38,964 was unofficially running the country 485 00:21:38,998 --> 00:21:42,168 after her husband Woodrow suffered a stroke. 486 00:21:42,201 --> 00:21:44,036 That's insane, man. 487 00:21:44,070 --> 00:21:47,139 Not only have first ladies influenced the president, 488 00:21:47,173 --> 00:21:50,176 Edith Wilson ended up running the government. 489 00:21:50,209 --> 00:21:53,479 And, by the way, that totally screwed the vice president over. 490 00:21:53,512 --> 00:21:55,815 I mean, like, 90% of the vice president's job 491 00:21:55,848 --> 00:21:58,784 is being there in case the president goes down. 492 00:21:58,818 --> 00:22:01,087 So that's like being Tom Brady's backup 493 00:22:01,120 --> 00:22:03,289 and then he gets hurt but then Gisele comes out like, 494 00:22:03,322 --> 00:22:05,458 "No, no, no, I got this. Get back on the bench, loser. 495 00:22:05,491 --> 00:22:06,993 I throw for my husband." 496 00:22:07,026 --> 00:22:10,262 So, as the Biden administration gets underway, 497 00:22:10,296 --> 00:22:12,665 history suggests that Jill Biden 498 00:22:12,698 --> 00:22:15,167 will likely be a major part of it. 499 00:22:15,201 --> 00:22:17,737 Because first ladies always have been. 500 00:22:17,770 --> 00:22:19,672 And if you don't know, now you know. 501 00:22:19,705 --> 00:22:20,940 All right, when we come back, 502 00:22:20,973 --> 00:22:23,776 the talented Michael Kiwanuka will be joining us for a chat 503 00:22:23,809 --> 00:22:26,012 and an exclusive performance. 504 00:22:26,045 --> 00:22:26,112 So don't go away. 505 00:22:29,348 --> 00:22:31,183 Welcome back to The Daily Social Distancing Show. 506 00:22:31,216 --> 00:22:33,852 Earlier today, I spoke with critically acclaimed 507 00:22:33,886 --> 00:22:36,922 singer/songwriter Michael Kiwanuka. 508 00:22:36,955 --> 00:22:39,191 We talked about his most recent album, 509 00:22:39,224 --> 00:22:41,960 which has earned him his first Grammy nomination, 510 00:22:41,994 --> 00:22:45,431 and what the ride has been like to the top. 511 00:22:45,464 --> 00:22:48,701 Michael Kiwanuka, welcome to The Daily Social Distancing Show. 512 00:22:48,734 --> 00:22:51,203 Oh. (laughs): Yeah. Thanks for having me, man. 513 00:22:51,236 --> 00:22:52,938 I'm-I'm happy to be here. 514 00:22:52,971 --> 00:22:56,241 Oh, man, I... I'm a-a little, um, sad 515 00:22:56,275 --> 00:22:57,576 to be talking to you right now 516 00:22:57,609 --> 00:23:01,714 because your concert was the last live event that I attended 517 00:23:01,747 --> 00:23:03,649 before all of the lockdowns happened. 518 00:23:03,682 --> 00:23:05,918 It was, um... It was at the theater in L.A. 519 00:23:05,951 --> 00:23:08,754 -Forgive me. I forget the name. But... -Ace Hotel? 520 00:23:08,787 --> 00:23:11,924 Yes. Yes. And was a beautiful, intimate show. 521 00:23:11,957 --> 00:23:13,559 And I just remember it being, like, 522 00:23:13,592 --> 00:23:15,427 this transcendent experience 523 00:23:15,461 --> 00:23:16,962 and everyone was just, like, feeling the-- 524 00:23:16,995 --> 00:23:18,831 And I was like, "Oh, man, we got to do this more often." 525 00:23:18,864 --> 00:23:20,232 And then the lockdown hit. 526 00:23:20,265 --> 00:23:23,001 Man, that's lame. I had no idea that you-you were there. 527 00:23:23,035 --> 00:23:24,236 That-That's amazing. 528 00:23:24,269 --> 00:23:27,406 And that was one of my, um, favorite shows ever. 529 00:23:27,439 --> 00:23:29,541 Definitely favorite shows in-in Los Angeles. 530 00:23:29,575 --> 00:23:31,677 But, yeah, man, I mean, 531 00:23:31,710 --> 00:23:34,179 I can't-- I can't wait to get back and playing music again 532 00:23:34,213 --> 00:23:35,848 and-- when we get through this. 533 00:23:35,881 --> 00:23:38,117 What made that show really special for me as well 534 00:23:38,150 --> 00:23:40,152 was-was you having your family there. 535 00:23:40,185 --> 00:23:41,987 You know? It was really cool when you were introducing 536 00:23:42,021 --> 00:23:44,723 your family and, like, they became part of the show and-- 537 00:23:44,757 --> 00:23:46,558 What has that journey been like for them? 538 00:23:46,592 --> 00:23:48,660 You know? Because your family came from Uganda, 539 00:23:48,694 --> 00:23:50,129 then moved to the UK. You know? 540 00:23:50,162 --> 00:23:51,964 Your dad was out there hustling for your family. 541 00:23:51,997 --> 00:23:54,500 And, I mean, to see the journey and to see the rise 542 00:23:54,533 --> 00:23:55,834 to the place you are now, I mean, 543 00:23:55,868 --> 00:23:58,771 it must really be insane for them and for yourself. 544 00:23:58,804 --> 00:24:00,272 Yeah, it's-it's amazing. 545 00:24:00,305 --> 00:24:02,808 I mean, Mom still texts me. I mean, she texted me today 546 00:24:02,841 --> 00:24:05,744 'cause she heard a song on the radio here in the UK 547 00:24:05,778 --> 00:24:07,413 and she was like, "It's on the radio." 548 00:24:07,446 --> 00:24:10,315 -It's still-- it's still, like... -(laughs) 549 00:24:10,349 --> 00:24:13,185 They just love it, you know, and feel so excited, 550 00:24:13,218 --> 00:24:15,888 'cause, obviously, growing up, playing music, it was-- 551 00:24:15,921 --> 00:24:17,356 they were always super supportive. 552 00:24:17,389 --> 00:24:19,558 But it was like, yeah, coming from Uganda, 553 00:24:19,591 --> 00:24:21,293 it was sort of, like, a risk 554 00:24:21,326 --> 00:24:23,696 to support their son doing-- playing the guitar all day 555 00:24:23,729 --> 00:24:26,365 -and... do any schoolwork. -Right, right. 556 00:24:26,398 --> 00:24:29,802 And Mom had to really take a leap of faith-- and Dad-- 557 00:24:29,835 --> 00:24:31,937 to be like, "Okay, well, we'll support you, 558 00:24:31,970 --> 00:24:34,139 but make sure you-- you know, you practice and work hard." 559 00:24:34,173 --> 00:24:36,108 And-and then it paid off. 560 00:24:36,141 --> 00:24:39,178 So I owe-- I owe so much to them for just being supportive 561 00:24:39,211 --> 00:24:41,547 and-and-- And it-- You know, it was difficult for them. 562 00:24:41,580 --> 00:24:43,849 But they're-they're enjoying it now. 563 00:24:43,882 --> 00:24:45,851 I remember being at your show, and, genuinely-- 564 00:24:45,884 --> 00:24:47,953 I don't say this to gas you up-- it was like a-- 565 00:24:47,986 --> 00:24:49,555 it's like you were telling us a story 566 00:24:49,588 --> 00:24:52,624 but a story that was happening inside you as a human being. 567 00:24:52,658 --> 00:24:54,293 You know? It was very personal. 568 00:24:54,326 --> 00:24:56,295 It-it was very, um, um... 569 00:24:56,328 --> 00:24:58,364 It was very vulnerable at the same time. 570 00:24:58,397 --> 00:25:00,499 And then I was shocked to find out 571 00:25:00,532 --> 00:25:03,302 that you, at-at a point, were really struggling 572 00:25:03,335 --> 00:25:04,770 with-with self-doubt. 573 00:25:04,803 --> 00:25:06,438 Like, you-you had impostor syndrome. 574 00:25:06,472 --> 00:25:07,740 You were like, "I can't do this." 575 00:25:07,773 --> 00:25:10,542 To the point where it cost you an opportunity 576 00:25:10,576 --> 00:25:12,344 to-to collaborate with Kanye West. 577 00:25:12,378 --> 00:25:13,545 Tell-tell me a little bit about that 578 00:25:13,579 --> 00:25:15,848 and-and how you managed to work through that. 579 00:25:15,881 --> 00:25:17,616 Yeah, yeah. It was crazy. 580 00:25:17,649 --> 00:25:19,952 It was just basically, I was-- 581 00:25:19,985 --> 00:25:22,421 I was m-- Maybe this has to do a bit with growing up, 582 00:25:22,454 --> 00:25:26,158 but I just sort of-- I was always trying to fit in. 583 00:25:26,191 --> 00:25:29,395 I thought in order to, you know, be accepted 584 00:25:29,428 --> 00:25:31,530 or sort of succeed in whatever you're doing, 585 00:25:31,563 --> 00:25:33,632 whether it's music... 586 00:25:33,665 --> 00:25:36,301 -you-you sort of had to fit a bill. -Yeah. 587 00:25:36,335 --> 00:25:38,837 And, um, I thought it was the same with music. 588 00:25:38,871 --> 00:25:41,173 So every time I tried to do music 589 00:25:41,206 --> 00:25:43,208 that was like what was on the radio or just-- 590 00:25:43,242 --> 00:25:45,477 I thought people would like, it just sounded awful. 591 00:25:45,511 --> 00:25:47,079 -And then... -(laughs) 592 00:25:47,112 --> 00:25:49,281 whenever I was doing my own thing, it was like, 593 00:25:49,314 --> 00:25:51,483 "I love this." But it's like, are people gonna understand 594 00:25:51,517 --> 00:25:55,354 ten-minute songs? Are people gonna be offended by lyrics? 595 00:25:55,387 --> 00:25:57,623 Or, like, if I do a song like "Black Man in a White World," 596 00:25:57,656 --> 00:25:59,725 what's gonna happen? No one's gonna play it. All these things. 597 00:25:59,758 --> 00:26:01,393 -Right, right. -So I thought-- I thought, you know, 598 00:26:01,427 --> 00:26:03,929 I'm never gonna make it. And I just had all these doubts. 599 00:26:03,962 --> 00:26:05,931 So when I went to the studio with-- 600 00:26:05,964 --> 00:26:07,833 you go to the studio with someone's who's amazing 601 00:26:07,866 --> 00:26:10,235 as, like, Kanye West, I just kept thinking, 602 00:26:10,269 --> 00:26:11,837 "What does he want me to sound like?" 603 00:26:11,870 --> 00:26:14,840 -Instead of me... -Oh. Yeah. Right, right. 604 00:26:14,873 --> 00:26:16,642 So it was just kind of, like, learning and growing up 605 00:26:16,675 --> 00:26:19,845 and learning that being an artist is about being yourself 606 00:26:19,878 --> 00:26:21,714 and the unique-- thing that makes you unique, 607 00:26:21,747 --> 00:26:24,616 thing that makes you different is your-your strength. 608 00:26:24,650 --> 00:26:28,220 Your third album is entitled Kiwanuka. 609 00:26:28,253 --> 00:26:31,357 Most artists will... 610 00:26:31,390 --> 00:26:34,827 will-will call their debut album by their name, you know? 611 00:26:34,860 --> 00:26:37,096 It was interesting to me that you went with your third album 612 00:26:37,129 --> 00:26:39,231 as Kiwanuka. What-what was the reason for that? 613 00:26:39,264 --> 00:26:42,801 Yeah, yeah. Yeah, normally, your first album is self-titled. 614 00:26:42,835 --> 00:26:44,903 And it was two reasons. It was like... 615 00:26:44,937 --> 00:26:48,140 I definitely knew it would be a statement artistically, 616 00:26:48,173 --> 00:26:51,377 because it would be like, "Oh, interesting that the third album 617 00:26:51,410 --> 00:26:54,413 is self-titled. What's he trying to say?" 618 00:26:54,446 --> 00:26:56,215 -Maybe it might draw you in. -Mm-hmm. 619 00:26:56,248 --> 00:26:58,283 And, at the same time, it reflected... 620 00:26:58,317 --> 00:27:01,253 kind of what I was saying before about, um, 621 00:27:01,286 --> 00:27:03,522 the self-impostor, you know, impostor syndrome. 622 00:27:03,555 --> 00:27:05,958 It was sort of like a declaration to be... 623 00:27:05,991 --> 00:27:07,826 Oh, right, right, right. 624 00:27:07,860 --> 00:27:10,195 Yeah, it's who I am, and I finally come to terms 625 00:27:10,229 --> 00:27:11,630 that I'm enjoying that. 626 00:27:11,663 --> 00:27:13,966 And it's threefold, because then my name 627 00:27:13,999 --> 00:27:15,768 was always something that I loved, 628 00:27:15,801 --> 00:27:17,102 but it carries a lot. 629 00:27:17,136 --> 00:27:18,771 So it talks about my heritage, 630 00:27:18,804 --> 00:27:22,241 but it also describes that I'm, you know, 631 00:27:22,274 --> 00:27:24,176 a first-generation Britain. 632 00:27:24,209 --> 00:27:27,179 It says so much about me without you even meeting me, 633 00:27:27,212 --> 00:27:29,715 -so... Same thing. -Right, right, right. 634 00:27:29,748 --> 00:27:31,183 Even just the pronunciation of the name. 635 00:27:31,216 --> 00:27:34,219 Everything. It says so much. So I thought-- 636 00:27:34,253 --> 00:27:35,688 And I used to sort of hide behind that name, 637 00:27:35,721 --> 00:27:36,989 too, when I was growing up. 638 00:27:37,022 --> 00:27:39,291 The same way I wanted to fit in with-with music, 639 00:27:39,324 --> 00:27:42,494 I'd be like, "Ah, no one can say my name. I wish it was simple." 640 00:27:42,528 --> 00:27:44,029 And then I got older, 641 00:27:44,063 --> 00:27:46,932 and I sort of, like, felt so sad that I thought that. 642 00:27:46,965 --> 00:27:48,000 So now I'm so proud of it. 643 00:27:48,033 --> 00:27:49,635 Yeah, let's call the album... 644 00:27:49,668 --> 00:27:53,072 Have it being in the front, so, that's why I went for it. 645 00:27:53,105 --> 00:27:56,075 It feels like your entire journey has been one of, 646 00:27:56,108 --> 00:27:59,244 you know, um, I think working through the past 647 00:27:59,278 --> 00:28:00,713 as you build your future. 648 00:28:00,746 --> 00:28:03,682 You're now on a journey where you have been nominated 649 00:28:03,716 --> 00:28:07,086 for a Grammy Award for best rock album. 650 00:28:07,119 --> 00:28:10,189 What's amazing to me is that while this is happening, 651 00:28:10,222 --> 00:28:14,226 you are in the U.K. performing at your old high school 652 00:28:14,259 --> 00:28:15,694 where you performed your first concert. 653 00:28:15,728 --> 00:28:18,130 In fact, we're gonna be playing one of those performances 654 00:28:18,163 --> 00:28:19,698 at the end of the show. 655 00:28:19,732 --> 00:28:21,567 I would love to know what that journey is like, 656 00:28:21,600 --> 00:28:23,168 because I don't... like, I don't know about you, 657 00:28:23,202 --> 00:28:24,970 but when I think about high school, 658 00:28:25,003 --> 00:28:26,538 and I think about going back, 659 00:28:26,572 --> 00:28:28,640 I still think the bullies are gonna be waiting there for me 660 00:28:28,674 --> 00:28:30,275 and they're gonna be, like, ready to, like, 661 00:28:30,309 --> 00:28:31,777 find me around a corner, and I'll be like, 662 00:28:31,810 --> 00:28:33,312 "But I'm the host of The Daily Show." 663 00:28:33,345 --> 00:28:34,947 And they'll be like, "Give us your Daily Show money." 664 00:28:34,980 --> 00:28:36,448 What was that like for you going...? 665 00:28:36,482 --> 00:28:38,584 Did you come in with, like, "I'm Grammy Nominated" swag, 666 00:28:38,617 --> 00:28:40,052 or did you go like, "Oh, boy, 667 00:28:40,085 --> 00:28:43,455 it's 'Michael with the funny last name' swag"? 668 00:28:43,489 --> 00:28:46,091 A bit of both. I mean, it was... 669 00:28:46,125 --> 00:28:47,393 School, for me, was interesting 670 00:28:47,426 --> 00:28:49,895 because I think I got saved by music. 671 00:28:49,928 --> 00:28:53,032 So, I definitely was, like, the kid that had, like... 672 00:28:53,065 --> 00:28:56,335 No change to it narrowly, but I had, like, the picky, Afro hair 673 00:28:56,368 --> 00:28:59,438 that was sort of funny-shaped, quite flat in the back. 674 00:28:59,471 --> 00:29:01,340 And it was like, "This fellow's weird, plays guitar, 675 00:29:01,373 --> 00:29:02,875 but it should be..." 676 00:29:02,908 --> 00:29:05,110 I mean, I've been dealing with that for a bit, but then... 677 00:29:05,144 --> 00:29:07,046 And it was weird in that, but then, 678 00:29:07,079 --> 00:29:09,415 when I sort of started the band and did my music, 679 00:29:09,448 --> 00:29:11,917 people liked it, so it was all right. 680 00:29:11,950 --> 00:29:14,019 I could kind of avoid the police and the... 681 00:29:14,053 --> 00:29:16,055 So them at school for me, and the reason 682 00:29:16,088 --> 00:29:17,990 why I went back and did that performance is, like, 683 00:29:18,023 --> 00:29:21,126 I felt really lucky because music sort of saved me. 684 00:29:21,160 --> 00:29:22,761 And that was the place I found it. 685 00:29:22,795 --> 00:29:25,631 -Remember my first concert ever I did was in that hall. -Right. 686 00:29:25,664 --> 00:29:28,300 And in that moment, I was like, "Oh, found what I need to do. 687 00:29:28,333 --> 00:29:30,769 "I need to go to the house parties, I need to fit in, 688 00:29:30,803 --> 00:29:32,971 I need to even really..." 689 00:29:33,005 --> 00:29:35,074 Um, much to my mom's sort of dismay, 690 00:29:35,107 --> 00:29:36,775 I didn't even need to, like, study. 691 00:29:36,809 --> 00:29:39,845 I just thought, if I focus on the music, I'll be fine. 692 00:29:39,878 --> 00:29:41,380 And, uh... and it worked out. 693 00:29:41,413 --> 00:29:43,615 So I thought going back would be a nice full circle. 694 00:29:43,649 --> 00:29:46,885 Well, my friend, uh, it was the best kind of triumphant return 695 00:29:46,919 --> 00:29:48,354 anybody could hope for. 696 00:29:48,387 --> 00:29:50,923 Um, I hope the Grammys is as triumphant for you. 697 00:29:50,956 --> 00:29:52,491 Thank you so much for joining me on the show. 698 00:29:52,524 --> 00:29:54,493 I can't wait for you to get back out there playing music 699 00:29:54,526 --> 00:29:55,928 and doing what you're doing in all the venues 700 00:29:55,961 --> 00:29:57,930 that you had to cancel for coronavirus. 701 00:29:57,963 --> 00:29:59,431 Thank you again so much. 702 00:29:59,465 --> 00:30:00,933 I appreciate you, my dude. Have a good one. 703 00:30:00,966 --> 00:30:02,534 Don't forget, Michael's album, 704 00:30:02,568 --> 00:30:05,371 Kiwanuka, is available right now. 705 00:30:05,404 --> 00:30:07,439 And stick around because he's gonna be performing 706 00:30:07,473 --> 00:30:09,775 an exclusive song right here 707 00:30:09,808 --> 00:30:09,875 on The Daily Social Distancing Show, so don't go away. 708 00:30:13,811 --> 00:30:15,679 Welcome back to The Daily Social Distancing Show. 709 00:30:15,713 --> 00:30:18,649 Michael Kiwanuka's performance is coming up next, 710 00:30:18,682 --> 00:30:22,720 but first, today is the official launch of Paramount+. 711 00:30:22,753 --> 00:30:24,188 It's the streaming service 712 00:30:24,221 --> 00:30:26,757 that has everything you ever wanted, including me. 713 00:30:26,790 --> 00:30:29,293 Yeah, episodes of The Daily Show will be streaming 714 00:30:29,326 --> 00:30:30,895 on Paramount+. 715 00:30:30,928 --> 00:30:34,798 So now, you can watch this show whenever and wherever you are, 716 00:30:34,832 --> 00:30:36,901 even in the bathroom. 717 00:30:36,934 --> 00:30:39,537 But don't worry. I won't tell. 718 00:30:39,570 --> 00:30:42,206 And now here to perform his song "Rolling" 719 00:30:42,239 --> 00:30:43,474 from his high school 720 00:30:43,507 --> 00:30:46,177 where he had his first musical performance, 721 00:30:46,210 --> 00:30:49,480 please welcome Michael Kiwanuka. 722 00:30:51,515 --> 00:30:55,686 (drums play upbeat rock intro) 723 00:30:55,719 --> 00:30:57,721 (acoustic guitar joins in) 724 00:31:08,032 --> 00:31:10,601 (electric guitar joins in) 725 00:31:22,746 --> 00:31:26,851 ? No tears for the young ? 726 00:31:26,884 --> 00:31:30,554 ? A bullet if you run away ? 727 00:31:30,588 --> 00:31:34,525 ? Another lost one ? 728 00:31:34,558 --> 00:31:38,829 ? Like father, like son, we pray ? 729 00:31:38,863 --> 00:31:42,600 ? Rolling with the times ? 730 00:31:42,633 --> 00:31:44,635 ? Don't be late ? 731 00:31:46,537 --> 00:31:49,039 ? Rolling with the times ? 732 00:31:49,073 --> 00:31:50,407 ? Rolling ? 733 00:31:50,441 --> 00:31:52,810 ? Don't be late ? 734 00:31:52,843 --> 00:31:54,845 (instrumental interlude) 735 00:32:16,600 --> 00:32:20,738 ? Phantom pain in the your arm ? 736 00:32:20,771 --> 00:32:24,909 ? Trying to make a mark and change ? 737 00:32:24,942 --> 00:32:28,712 ? It's tearing you apart ? 738 00:32:28,746 --> 00:32:32,716 ? Afraid of the darker days ? 739 00:32:32,750 --> 00:32:36,187 ? Rolling with the times ? 740 00:32:36,220 --> 00:32:38,289 ? Don't be late ? 741 00:32:40,124 --> 00:32:42,626 ? Rolling with the times ? 742 00:32:42,660 --> 00:32:44,128 ? Rolling ? 743 00:32:44,161 --> 00:32:46,997 ? Don't be late ? 744 00:32:47,031 --> 00:32:51,435 ? Don't... be late ? 745 00:32:51,468 --> 00:32:54,839 ? Oh-oh, oh-oh ? 746 00:32:54,872 --> 00:32:59,143 ? Don't... be late ? 747 00:32:59,176 --> 00:33:02,213 ? Stay on down ? 748 00:33:02,246 --> 00:33:04,281 (instrumental interlude) 749 00:33:13,357 --> 00:33:15,626 ? Don't be late now ? 750 00:33:15,659 --> 00:33:18,963 ? Stay on down ? 751 00:33:18,996 --> 00:33:23,267 ? Don't you, oh, don't you stay, right on time ? 752 00:33:23,300 --> 00:33:26,003 ? Oh, no ? 753 00:33:26,036 --> 00:33:30,174 ? Do-do, do-do, do-do-do-do ? 754 00:33:30,207 --> 00:33:33,878 ? Do-do, do-do, do-do-do-do ? 755 00:33:33,911 --> 00:33:37,081 ? Do-do, do-do, do-do-do-do ? 756 00:33:37,114 --> 00:33:38,249 ? Rolling ? 757 00:33:38,282 --> 00:33:41,085 ? Do-do, do-do, do-do-do-do. ? 758 00:33:45,856 --> 00:33:47,858 (instrumental interlude) 759 00:33:48,859 --> 00:33:51,962 (echoing, musical whooshing plays) 760 00:34:04,175 --> 00:34:04,241 (song ends)