1
00:00:01,077 --> 00:00:02,379
Christmas in Africa's
very interesting.
2
00:00:02,479 --> 00:00:04,214
Yeah, because it's summer.
3
00:00:04,314 --> 00:00:06,416
So it has none of the cheer
that you guys associate
4
00:00:06,516 --> 00:00:07,984
with it in America.
5
00:00:08,084 --> 00:00:12,522
It's just, like, sweaty people
delivering presents.
6
00:00:12,622 --> 00:00:14,591
It's a very different vibe.
7
00:00:14,691 --> 00:00:16,693
Like, unwrapping gifts is
a lot more fun
8
00:00:16,793 --> 00:00:18,895
when you're, like,
cozy next to, like, a fireplace.
9
00:00:18,995 --> 00:00:20,931
When it's hot,
it just feels like a job.
10
00:00:21,031 --> 00:00:22,299
Do you know what I mean?
11
00:00:22,399 --> 00:00:23,633
Everyone's like:
(panting)
12
00:00:23,733 --> 00:00:25,235
What did you get me?
13
00:00:25,335 --> 00:00:27,203
Why are you making me work?
14
00:00:27,304 --> 00:00:29,005
Why... why did you
bring it wrapped?
15
00:00:29,105 --> 00:00:31,808
Why didn't you
just bring it unwrapped?
16
00:00:31,908 --> 00:00:34,311
I don't think I ever got
a wrapped gift.
17
00:00:34,411 --> 00:00:36,580
Like, no, when I was a kid
growing up, I never got a wra...
18
00:00:36,680 --> 00:00:38,181
Why would...
I've never understood
19
00:00:38,281 --> 00:00:39,849
the concept of a wrapped gift.
20
00:00:39,950 --> 00:00:42,852
It only breeds,
like, disappointment.
21
00:00:42,953 --> 00:00:44,754
'Cause everyone is just like:
Oh, I wonder what it is.
22
00:00:44,854 --> 00:00:46,756
It's never
what you thought it is.
23
00:00:46,856 --> 00:00:48,792
That's a very sad way
to live life.
24
00:00:48,892 --> 00:00:50,860
You shouldn't wrap gifts.
25
00:00:50,961 --> 00:00:53,630
You should... You know what you
should use wrapping paper for?
26
00:00:53,730 --> 00:00:55,932
For, like, for after the gifts.
27
00:00:56,032 --> 00:00:58,401
People give you things,
and then you go like, "Meh,
28
00:00:58,501 --> 00:01:00,003
I don't like that,"
and then you wrap it up.
29
00:01:00,103 --> 00:01:02,105
That's what wrapping
should be for.
30
00:01:02,172 --> 00:01:04,274
'Cause like,
"I wish this never happened.
31
00:01:04,374 --> 00:01:07,110
This is all you bought me after
a year of being in my life?"
32
00:01:07,143 --> 00:01:09,913
That's what wrapping
should be for.
33
00:01:10,013 --> 00:01:11,348
Yeah, it's just... it's, like...
34
00:01:11,448 --> 00:01:13,116
And it's not bad, by the way.
35
00:01:13,183 --> 00:01:15,619
I'm just saying it's funny, when
you come from a different place,
36
00:01:15,719 --> 00:01:18,121
your mindset on these things
is completely different.
37
00:01:18,154 --> 00:01:20,857
I just never had
a wrapped present,
38
00:01:20,957 --> 00:01:22,459
nor do I enjoy wrapping.
39
00:01:22,559 --> 00:01:24,261
I hate when people
say that to me.
40
00:01:24,361 --> 00:01:26,162
I have Americans in my life now,
and they're like:
41
00:01:26,263 --> 00:01:28,665
"Oh, you didn't wrap it?"
I bought you shit.
42
00:01:28,765 --> 00:01:31,501
I bought you some shit, now
you want me to wrap the shit?
43
00:01:31,601 --> 00:01:33,503
It's already in a package,
as well.
44
00:01:33,603 --> 00:01:35,005
Now I just say,
"climate change,"
45
00:01:35,138 --> 00:01:36,339
then they can't say anything.
46
00:01:36,439 --> 00:01:38,742
But for a few years,
I had to fight with people.
47
00:01:38,842 --> 00:01:42,145
"Why didn't you wrap it?"
Because it comes wrapped!
48
00:01:42,212 --> 00:01:45,048
It's in packaging. You want
the packaging of the packaging.
49
00:01:45,148 --> 00:01:47,717
Do you know what I mean?
"Oh, but I want the surprise."
50
00:01:47,817 --> 00:01:49,753
Then close your eyes
before you look at the shit.
51
00:01:49,853 --> 00:01:51,955
You're going to make
your surprise my job.
52
00:01:52,055 --> 00:01:54,558
I bought you the shit. You
know what was a surprise for me?
53
00:01:54,658 --> 00:01:56,960
How much your present cost me.
That was a surprise.
54
00:01:57,060 --> 00:01:59,696
"Why didn't you wrap this shit?"
Why didn't you buy it?
55
00:01:59,796 --> 00:02:01,565
You want surprises
and you want gifts.
56
00:02:01,665 --> 00:02:03,466
I can't do everything
in your life.
57
00:02:03,567 --> 00:02:05,268
Some bullshit.
58
00:02:06,436 --> 00:02:09,773
-But Merry Christmas, everybody.
I mean... -(crew laughter)
59
00:02:09,873 --> 00:02:12,409
ANNOUNCER: Coming to you
from the heart of Times Square
60
00:02:12,509 --> 00:02:15,178
in New York City,
the only city in America,
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00:02:15,278 --> 00:02:17,414
it's The Daily Show.
62
00:02:17,514 --> 00:02:20,483
Tonight--
Omicron, can't stop, won't stop,
63
00:02:20,584 --> 00:02:23,220
what China is up to in Africa,
64
00:02:23,320 --> 00:02:26,223
and Bruno Le Maire.
65
00:02:26,323 --> 00:02:30,961
This is The Daily Show
with Trevor Noah.
66
00:02:31,127 --> 00:02:32,629
Hey! What's going on, everybody?
67
00:02:32,729 --> 00:02:34,497
Welcome to The Daily Show.
I'm Trevor Noah.
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00:02:34,598 --> 00:02:37,133
Let's jump straight
into today's headlines.
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♪ ♪
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00:02:39,769 --> 00:02:41,671
We kick things off
with the only story
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00:02:41,771 --> 00:02:44,908
everybody has been talking about
for two years now:
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00:02:45,008 --> 00:02:47,744
the coronavirus pandemic.
73
00:02:47,844 --> 00:02:51,147
Yeah, this thing is starting to
feel a lot like a Marvel movie.
74
00:02:51,214 --> 00:02:53,416
It's exciting,
but it's kind of dragging on
75
00:02:53,516 --> 00:02:55,218
for a really long time.
76
00:02:55,318 --> 00:02:58,288
Now, the Omicron wave
that we've been waiting for
77
00:02:58,388 --> 00:03:00,490
has now hit the U.S. for real.
78
00:03:00,590 --> 00:03:02,492
Hospitals are starting
to fill up again.
79
00:03:02,592 --> 00:03:04,728
Big companies that were planning
to bring workers back
80
00:03:04,828 --> 00:03:09,232
to the office in January
have postponed until May 2097.
81
00:03:09,332 --> 00:03:12,102
And concerts and shows
are shutting down.
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00:03:12,202 --> 00:03:15,805
A lot of people are saying
that it feels like March 2020
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00:03:15,906 --> 00:03:17,274
all over again.
84
00:03:17,374 --> 00:03:20,110
But, people,
please have some optimism.
85
00:03:20,176 --> 00:03:23,613
Things are much better now
than they were back then.
86
00:03:23,713 --> 00:03:26,116
For one, we have vaccines.
87
00:03:26,216 --> 00:03:28,451
Two, we have treatments.
88
00:03:28,552 --> 00:03:32,322
And three, no one thinks Zoom
happy hours are a good idea.
89
00:03:32,422 --> 00:03:33,823
We've learned a lot.
90
00:03:33,924 --> 00:03:35,659
But while we are being reminded
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00:03:35,759 --> 00:03:37,861
about just how serious
this pandemic is,
92
00:03:37,961 --> 00:03:39,963
there are still some people
who are taking it
93
00:03:40,130 --> 00:03:42,599
just a little more lightly.
94
00:03:42,699 --> 00:03:45,468
A Cape Coral man was spotted
on a United Airlines flight
95
00:03:45,569 --> 00:03:48,572
masking up,
but not with one of these.
96
00:03:48,672 --> 00:03:52,042
He actually was wearing
underwear, on his face.
97
00:03:52,142 --> 00:03:55,412
This is Adam Jenne
wearing his statement piece,
98
00:03:55,512 --> 00:03:57,514
a bright red thong.
99
00:03:57,614 --> 00:04:00,450
I think the best way
to illustrate absurdity
100
00:04:00,550 --> 00:04:02,552
is with absurdity.
101
00:04:02,652 --> 00:04:04,854
NEWSWOMAN: Jenne says
he's worn underwear as a mask
102
00:04:04,955 --> 00:04:07,157
since the beginning
of the pandemic.
103
00:04:07,257 --> 00:04:08,625
JENNE:
I am banned from flying United,
104
00:04:08,725 --> 00:04:11,461
so, so much for
"the customer is always right."
105
00:04:11,561 --> 00:04:15,198
NEWSWOMAN: Jenne is comparing
himself to civil rights icons.
106
00:04:15,298 --> 00:04:18,501
Everything else that has
sparked change in this country
107
00:04:18,602 --> 00:04:20,670
has started
from everyday people.
108
00:04:20,770 --> 00:04:24,407
Rosa Parks was nobody famous.
109
00:04:24,507 --> 00:04:26,910
She changed the course
of history.
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00:04:27,010 --> 00:04:29,412
Rosa Parks?
My man, don't be so modest.
111
00:04:29,512 --> 00:04:31,414
You're more than Rosa Parks.
112
00:04:31,514 --> 00:04:33,416
If anything,
you're the Martin Luther King
113
00:04:33,516 --> 00:04:35,418
of white dudes comparing
themselves to Black heroes
114
00:04:35,518 --> 00:04:36,586
for no reason.
115
00:04:36,686 --> 00:04:38,121
Shit!
116
00:04:38,154 --> 00:04:40,123
You know, for real, sometimes
I think conservatives are right:
117
00:04:40,156 --> 00:04:41,558
America shouldn't be teaching
118
00:04:41,658 --> 00:04:43,293
the history of racism
in schools.
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00:04:43,393 --> 00:04:45,295
Because then at least
white people wouldn't know
120
00:04:45,395 --> 00:04:46,763
who to compare themselves to
121
00:04:46,863 --> 00:04:49,132
when they get kicked off of
airplanes for doing dumb shit.
122
00:04:49,232 --> 00:04:51,201
I'm exactly the same as, uh--
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00:04:51,301 --> 00:04:53,637
I-I can't think of anybody.
You know?
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00:04:53,737 --> 00:04:56,339
Like, maybe I'm just an dumbass
wearing panties on my face.
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00:04:56,439 --> 00:04:58,708
I need to reevaluate
my behavior.
126
00:04:58,808 --> 00:05:00,410
And, by the way,
can we all agree
127
00:05:00,510 --> 00:05:02,779
there's no way this dude
just started sniffing thongs
128
00:05:02,879 --> 00:05:04,347
during the pandemic?
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00:05:04,447 --> 00:05:07,150
I bet you he's been going around
for years like,
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00:05:07,250 --> 00:05:09,185
"Well, looks like
I got kicked out of the dorm
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00:05:09,286 --> 00:05:11,354
"because I'm once again
the Rosa Parks
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00:05:11,454 --> 00:05:13,456
"of my sister's friend's
underwear drawer.
133
00:05:13,557 --> 00:05:15,892
Yeah. Someone's got to do it."
134
00:05:15,992 --> 00:05:17,360
But as long as we're talking
about civil rights,
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00:05:17,460 --> 00:05:19,663
let's move on to a story
about Martin Luther King Day.
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00:05:19,763 --> 00:05:21,097
Some people are saying
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00:05:21,197 --> 00:05:24,968
America needs to stop
celebrating MLK Day next year,
138
00:05:25,101 --> 00:05:27,437
but the people suggesting it
139
00:05:27,537 --> 00:05:29,472
might not be who you think.
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00:05:29,573 --> 00:05:31,374
NEWSMAN: Martin Luther King III
is asking people
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00:05:31,474 --> 00:05:33,109
not to celebrate
his father's legacy
142
00:05:33,209 --> 00:05:35,111
on MLK Day coming up next month
143
00:05:35,212 --> 00:05:36,780
if Congress has not passed
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00:05:36,880 --> 00:05:39,015
new national voting rights
protection.
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00:05:39,115 --> 00:05:40,784
NEWSMAN 2: They're calling
on President Joe Biden
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00:05:40,884 --> 00:05:43,320
and lawmakers to pass
two voting rights bills
147
00:05:43,420 --> 00:05:44,955
that have been stalled
in Congress.
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00:05:45,121 --> 00:05:46,790
One is aimed
at fighting voter suppression
149
00:05:46,890 --> 00:05:50,126
and restoring
the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
150
00:05:50,193 --> 00:05:51,895
The other focused on reforms
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00:05:51,995 --> 00:05:54,464
making it easier
to register to vote.
152
00:05:54,564 --> 00:05:56,132
Ooh, this is hard-core.
153
00:05:56,199 --> 00:05:59,169
But I-I get why the King family
has to resort to this.
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00:05:59,269 --> 00:06:01,371
I mean, with Republicans
blocking the new laws
155
00:06:01,471 --> 00:06:03,139
and Joe Manchin
and Kyrsten Sinema
156
00:06:03,240 --> 00:06:04,708
refusing to end the filibuster
157
00:06:04,808 --> 00:06:06,576
so that Democrats
can pass it themselves,
158
00:06:06,676 --> 00:06:08,445
someone has to think
outside of the box.
159
00:06:08,545 --> 00:06:10,614
And holding a holiday as
a hostage is a great leverage.
160
00:06:10,714 --> 00:06:12,115
I mean, it's a brilliant idea.
161
00:06:12,215 --> 00:06:13,750
You know, 'cause I don't care
how racist you are.
162
00:06:13,850 --> 00:06:16,086
Nobody wants to give up
a day off of work.
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00:06:16,119 --> 00:06:17,854
In fact, if you ask me,
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00:06:17,954 --> 00:06:19,923
they shouldn't just threaten
to just take MLK Day.
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00:06:20,090 --> 00:06:21,157
No. You know
what they should do?
166
00:06:21,258 --> 00:06:23,593
They should threaten
to turn MLK Day
167
00:06:23,693 --> 00:06:25,795
into a second Valentine's Day.
168
00:06:25,896 --> 00:06:27,530
That's a real threat.
169
00:06:27,631 --> 00:06:29,266
Yeah, nobody wants
to put their relationship
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00:06:29,366 --> 00:06:30,600
in that much trouble.
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00:06:30,700 --> 00:06:33,937
"You forgot Valentine's Day!"
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00:06:34,104 --> 00:06:35,272
"There's another one?"
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00:06:35,372 --> 00:06:37,741
Still, this is a risky strategy.
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00:06:37,841 --> 00:06:40,143
'Cause you realize
Republicans have a way
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00:06:40,243 --> 00:06:43,580
of twisting
everything related to MLK.
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00:06:43,680 --> 00:06:47,450
Yeah. Tomorrow, Ron DeSantis
could come out and be like,
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00:06:47,551 --> 00:06:49,019
"The King family is right.
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00:06:49,119 --> 00:06:51,154
"We've got to defend
Dr. King's dream.
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00:06:51,254 --> 00:06:54,124
"That's why from now on,
all Black people in Florida
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00:06:54,157 --> 00:06:57,494
"can vote exclusively
in their dreams.
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00:06:57,594 --> 00:07:00,297
"So no need to show up anymore
on Election Day, Black people.
182
00:07:00,397 --> 00:07:01,665
We did it."
183
00:07:01,765 --> 00:07:03,366
All right, but let's move on
to our top story.
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00:07:03,466 --> 00:07:05,569
Back in the day,
when one country
185
00:07:05,669 --> 00:07:07,137
wanted to take over
another country,
186
00:07:07,237 --> 00:07:09,673
they had to beat them in a war.
187
00:07:09,773 --> 00:07:13,209
Or they had to rent
the other country on Airbnb
188
00:07:13,310 --> 00:07:14,978
and then just never leave.
189
00:07:15,078 --> 00:07:17,981
But now it looks like a country
might have found a way
190
00:07:18,081 --> 00:07:21,585
to take over another country
with the stroke of a pen.
191
00:07:21,685 --> 00:07:23,753
China's recently been accused
of trying to take over
192
00:07:23,853 --> 00:07:25,622
Uganda's
sole international airport
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00:07:25,722 --> 00:07:27,324
if the east African country
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00:07:27,424 --> 00:07:30,160
fails to pay a $200 million loan
195
00:07:30,260 --> 00:07:31,661
for the expansion of the site.
196
00:07:31,761 --> 00:07:32,862
NEWSWOMAN:
At this rate,
197
00:07:32,963 --> 00:07:34,998
if Uganda fails
to repay the loan,
198
00:07:35,098 --> 00:07:37,334
Uganda's
only international airport
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00:07:37,434 --> 00:07:39,536
will soon be a Chinese asset.
200
00:07:39,636 --> 00:07:41,104
NEWSMAN:
In response to the public outcry
201
00:07:41,171 --> 00:07:43,773
over the loan agreement,
the Chinese embassy in Uganda
202
00:07:43,873 --> 00:07:45,675
issued a statement saying,
203
00:07:45,775 --> 00:07:47,510
"Not a single project in Africa
204
00:07:47,611 --> 00:07:49,546
"has ever been confiscated
by China
205
00:07:49,646 --> 00:07:52,582
because of failing to pay
Chinese loans."
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00:07:52,682 --> 00:07:54,985
Wait, China might be threatening
207
00:07:55,118 --> 00:07:56,987
to take Uganda's airport
208
00:07:57,120 --> 00:07:59,022
because of a loan
that might not be paid?
209
00:07:59,122 --> 00:08:00,957
And-and I don't know,
maybe it's just me,
210
00:08:01,057 --> 00:08:02,859
but that statement
211
00:08:02,959 --> 00:08:04,928
was not the most reassuring
thing I've ever heard.
212
00:08:05,061 --> 00:08:08,265
Because, "We've never
confiscated an airport"
213
00:08:08,365 --> 00:08:09,599
is very different
214
00:08:09,699 --> 00:08:12,636
from, "We're never going
to confiscate an airport."
215
00:08:12,736 --> 00:08:14,804
Like, if you ask your spouse,
216
00:08:14,905 --> 00:08:16,139
"Promise me
you'll never cheat on me,"
217
00:08:16,239 --> 00:08:18,608
and she says,
"Of course. I promise that.
218
00:08:18,708 --> 00:08:21,444
Up to now,
I have never cheated on you,"
219
00:08:21,545 --> 00:08:23,313
oh, she's gonna cheat on you.
220
00:08:23,413 --> 00:08:25,081
And I know
what you're thinking right now.
221
00:08:25,115 --> 00:08:27,751
You're like, "I didn't even know
Africa had airports."
222
00:08:27,851 --> 00:08:30,086
First of all, (bleep) you.
223
00:08:30,120 --> 00:08:32,889
We've had them since the '90s.
224
00:08:32,989 --> 00:08:34,891
And secondly,
you're probably wondering
225
00:08:34,991 --> 00:08:36,660
what the hell is going on
with this story?
226
00:08:36,760 --> 00:08:38,795
How can one country
take another country's airport?
227
00:08:38,895 --> 00:08:41,498
Do they just take over
its operations,
228
00:08:41,598 --> 00:08:44,000
or do they actually get
one of those claw things
229
00:08:44,100 --> 00:08:46,403
that just scoop it up and then
take it back to their country?
230
00:08:46,503 --> 00:08:49,673
And if so, can they do that
to LaGuardia, too, please?
231
00:08:49,773 --> 00:08:52,943
But maybe the biggest question
is what is China even doing
232
00:08:53,109 --> 00:08:55,812
in Africa in the first place?
233
00:08:55,912 --> 00:08:58,114
Well, let's find out
in another installment
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00:08:58,181 --> 00:09:00,784
of If You Don't Know,
Now You Know.
235
00:09:00,884 --> 00:09:02,919
♪ ♪
236
00:09:08,658 --> 00:09:10,126
Africa.
237
00:09:10,227 --> 00:09:12,329
It's where I was born and raised
238
00:09:12,429 --> 00:09:14,364
and where you
miss the rain from.
239
00:09:14,464 --> 00:09:16,967
Ever since
the age of colonialism ended,
240
00:09:17,067 --> 00:09:19,936
Africa has been working hard
to modernize its economies
241
00:09:20,070 --> 00:09:22,305
and catch up
with the rest of the world.
242
00:09:22,405 --> 00:09:25,675
But to do that, it needs lots
and lots of new infrastructure:
243
00:09:25,775 --> 00:09:27,510
roads, railways,
244
00:09:27,611 --> 00:09:30,080
ports, dams,
Cheesecake Factories.
245
00:09:30,113 --> 00:09:33,516
You name it,
Africa needs to build it.
246
00:09:33,617 --> 00:09:37,120
The only problem is that stuff
all costs a shitload of money,
247
00:09:37,220 --> 00:09:39,890
money that most
African countries don't have.
248
00:09:39,990 --> 00:09:41,625
But in recent years,
249
00:09:41,725 --> 00:09:44,694
many African countries
have found themselves
250
00:09:44,794 --> 00:09:46,796
a new sugar daddy.
251
00:09:46,897 --> 00:09:48,531
(imitates Trump):
"China."
252
00:09:48,632 --> 00:09:50,000
Over the last several decades,
253
00:09:50,100 --> 00:09:53,536
China has been pumping resources
into Africa.
254
00:09:53,637 --> 00:09:57,207
The country has invested
hundreds of billions of dollars
255
00:09:57,307 --> 00:09:59,509
across the continent,
ranging in everything
256
00:09:59,609 --> 00:10:02,012
from transportation
and infrastructure
257
00:10:02,112 --> 00:10:04,347
to real estate and technology.
258
00:10:04,447 --> 00:10:06,349
NEWSMAN: Large African
infrastructure projects
259
00:10:06,449 --> 00:10:08,685
would be viewed as risky
by any traditional bank
260
00:10:08,785 --> 00:10:10,620
and would therefore struggle
to get financed.
261
00:10:10,720 --> 00:10:13,356
But China's Export-Import Bank
doesn't care.
262
00:10:13,456 --> 00:10:15,992
This bank will give low-interest
or no-interest loans
263
00:10:16,092 --> 00:10:18,728
to African countries
so they can build these trains
264
00:10:18,828 --> 00:10:20,664
or dams or other projects.
265
00:10:20,764 --> 00:10:23,300
China touts the fact that
their foreign investment and aid
266
00:10:23,400 --> 00:10:24,801
is no strings attached,
267
00:10:24,901 --> 00:10:27,504
with no requirements on factors
like respect of human rights
268
00:10:27,604 --> 00:10:29,039
or democratic elections.
269
00:10:29,139 --> 00:10:31,541
(translated):
We do not interfere
270
00:10:31,641 --> 00:10:34,544
in the internal affairs
of African countries,
271
00:10:34,644 --> 00:10:37,747
impose our will
on African countries
272
00:10:37,847 --> 00:10:41,651
or attach any political
conditions on economic aid.
273
00:10:41,751 --> 00:10:46,256
That's right, baby. China has
been making it rain in Africa.
274
00:10:46,356 --> 00:10:48,124
It's the most money
anyone has sent to Africa
275
00:10:48,225 --> 00:10:50,727
without being guilt-tripped
by a celebrity sing-along.
276
00:10:50,827 --> 00:10:52,529
And no strings attached,
by the way.
277
00:10:52,629 --> 00:10:54,497
China doesn't care
about your government
278
00:10:54,598 --> 00:10:56,666
or human rights or anything.
279
00:10:56,766 --> 00:10:59,669
They're basically the "cool mom"
of international finance.
280
00:10:59,769 --> 00:11:02,339
"Oh, you and your friends, you
want to come party this weekend?
281
00:11:02,439 --> 00:11:03,607
"Well, come do it
in our basement
282
00:11:03,707 --> 00:11:04,841
"with your child soldiers.
283
00:11:04,941 --> 00:11:06,343
We didn't hear a thing!"
284
00:11:06,443 --> 00:11:09,446
So, in many ways, this is
a great arrangement for Africa.
285
00:11:09,546 --> 00:11:11,381
But maybe it won't come
as a surprise
286
00:11:11,481 --> 00:11:14,251
that China isn't just giving
billions of risky loans
287
00:11:14,351 --> 00:11:17,621
to Africa out of the goodness
of its heart.
288
00:11:17,721 --> 00:11:20,790
NEWSWOMAN: Many scholars suggest
Beijing's true endgame
289
00:11:20,891 --> 00:11:24,194
in Africa
is not solely financial
290
00:11:24,294 --> 00:11:25,662
but, rather, political.
291
00:11:25,762 --> 00:11:27,330
NEWSMAN:
There is empirical evidence
292
00:11:27,430 --> 00:11:29,933
that China has been using
these infrastructure investments
293
00:11:30,033 --> 00:11:31,968
to affect worldwide politics.
294
00:11:32,135 --> 00:11:34,271
It's been found that
if an African country recognizes
295
00:11:34,371 --> 00:11:36,940
Taiwan as a country,
they receive, on average,
296
00:11:37,040 --> 00:11:39,442
2.7 fewer
Chinese infrastructure projects
297
00:11:39,542 --> 00:11:41,244
within their borders each year.
298
00:11:41,344 --> 00:11:43,013
Conversely,
if an African country
299
00:11:43,146 --> 00:11:44,948
votes overwhelmingly along
with China
300
00:11:45,048 --> 00:11:46,816
in the United Nations
General Assembly,
301
00:11:46,917 --> 00:11:49,386
they receive
1.8 more infrastructure projects
302
00:11:49,486 --> 00:11:50,453
each year.
303
00:11:50,554 --> 00:11:52,155
NEWSMAN 2:
At one point or another,
304
00:11:52,188 --> 00:11:55,792
30 African countries have had
formal relations with Taiwan.
305
00:11:55,892 --> 00:12:00,397
Now Eswatini is the only African
nation to recognize the island.
306
00:12:00,497 --> 00:12:02,699
Yep. That's the power of money
right there.
307
00:12:02,799 --> 00:12:05,635
Enough of it
can make you switch allegiances,
308
00:12:05,735 --> 00:12:07,237
change your principles,
309
00:12:07,337 --> 00:12:08,672
do anything.
310
00:12:08,772 --> 00:12:11,107
Hell, for enough money,
you could probably get Africans
311
00:12:11,207 --> 00:12:13,910
to start saying that Africa
is just one country.
312
00:12:14,010 --> 00:12:17,113
"Yes, yes, we are just one big
country full of giraffes, huh?
313
00:12:17,214 --> 00:12:18,748
Where's-where's the money? Huh?"
314
00:12:18,848 --> 00:12:20,951
Still, China has been
really successful with this.
315
00:12:21,117 --> 00:12:22,285
Out of all of Africa,
316
00:12:22,385 --> 00:12:24,721
every country has broken off
relations with Taiwan,
317
00:12:24,821 --> 00:12:26,957
except Eswatini.
318
00:12:27,123 --> 00:12:30,160
Which means Eswatini
either really has, like,
319
00:12:30,260 --> 00:12:31,895
principles that they stick to
320
00:12:31,995 --> 00:12:34,231
or they just haven't heard
about the deal yet.
321
00:12:34,331 --> 00:12:35,865
"Good for you, Eswatini,
322
00:12:35,966 --> 00:12:38,602
refusing that money from China!"
323
00:12:38,702 --> 00:12:41,471
"What? China's giving out money?
324
00:12:41,571 --> 00:12:43,206
"Hello, Taiwan? It-It's over.
325
00:12:43,306 --> 00:12:46,476
Yeah. I-I'll come by later
to get my things."
326
00:12:46,576 --> 00:12:49,179
And you might say,
"Well, tough luck for Taiwan,
327
00:12:49,279 --> 00:12:51,548
"but subordinating your foreign
policy to another country
328
00:12:51,648 --> 00:12:52,816
"is probably worth it
if it means
329
00:12:52,916 --> 00:12:53,817
"getting all this investment.
330
00:12:53,917 --> 00:12:55,852
"I mean, think of all the jobs
331
00:12:55,952 --> 00:12:57,787
that these projects create
in Africa."
332
00:12:57,888 --> 00:12:59,055
And it is true.
333
00:12:59,155 --> 00:13:01,558
These projects do create jobs.
334
00:13:01,658 --> 00:13:04,761
It's just that many
of those jobs
335
00:13:04,861 --> 00:13:07,097
are going to...
(a la Trump): China.
336
00:13:07,163 --> 00:13:09,666
NEWSMAN: In Africa,
China's estimated to have won
337
00:13:09,766 --> 00:13:12,102
almost half
of all engineering procurements
338
00:13:12,202 --> 00:13:13,904
and construction contracts.
339
00:13:14,004 --> 00:13:17,340
But those contracts haven't
come without controversy.
340
00:13:17,440 --> 00:13:18,575
The country's been accused
341
00:13:18,675 --> 00:13:20,710
of unfair labor practices
in Africa,
342
00:13:20,810 --> 00:13:22,512
including bringing in
its own workers
343
00:13:22,612 --> 00:13:24,247
instead of hiring locally.
344
00:13:24,347 --> 00:13:27,117
NEWSMAN 2: The steady influx
of Chinese companies and workers
345
00:13:27,150 --> 00:13:29,986
have fueled accusations
that wealth and opportunities
346
00:13:30,120 --> 00:13:32,556
are not being shared
with the local community.
347
00:13:32,656 --> 00:13:35,492
(translated):
We all do the railway work,
348
00:13:35,592 --> 00:13:38,628
but the Chinese constantly say,
"We're the boss.
349
00:13:38,728 --> 00:13:40,697
We're the ones
who run the show."
350
00:13:40,797 --> 00:13:44,668
NEWSWOMAN: This is Ethiopia's
main Chinese economic zone.
351
00:13:44,768 --> 00:13:46,937
This small business makes jeans.
352
00:13:47,037 --> 00:13:49,372
Everything
is imported from China--
353
00:13:49,472 --> 00:13:53,476
sewing machines, methods
and supervisors.
354
00:13:57,414 --> 00:14:00,083
The average salary
of an Ethiopian worker
355
00:14:00,150 --> 00:14:02,319
is $56 a month,
356
00:14:02,419 --> 00:14:05,755
ten times less
than the average Chinese worker.
357
00:14:05,855 --> 00:14:08,558
That's right. When China invests
in these projects,
358
00:14:08,658 --> 00:14:12,295
they often send over
Chinese workers to Africa
359
00:14:12,395 --> 00:14:14,364
to fill all the best positions,
360
00:14:14,464 --> 00:14:15,732
which isn't right.
361
00:14:15,832 --> 00:14:17,367
I mean, the best jobs
shouldn't be given to a person
362
00:14:17,467 --> 00:14:18,368
because of where they're from.
363
00:14:18,468 --> 00:14:19,736
The best jobs should be given
364
00:14:19,836 --> 00:14:22,239
to whoever has the best answers
in a job interview.
365
00:14:22,339 --> 00:14:23,940
"So, what's
your biggest weakness?
366
00:14:24,107 --> 00:14:26,209
And don't say
'working too hard.'"
367
00:14:26,309 --> 00:14:27,677
"Uh...
368
00:14:27,777 --> 00:14:29,546
masturbating in public?"
369
00:14:29,646 --> 00:14:30,780
"I like your honesty.
370
00:14:30,881 --> 00:14:31,882
You're hired."
371
00:14:31,982 --> 00:14:33,650
And even when Africans
are employed,
372
00:14:33,750 --> 00:14:34,885
they're treated differently,
373
00:14:34,985 --> 00:14:37,120
sometimes even segregated
from the Chinese workers.
374
00:14:37,220 --> 00:14:38,755
And that's wrong.
375
00:14:38,855 --> 00:14:41,558
I mean, we need
Chinese and African people
376
00:14:41,658 --> 00:14:43,627
to spend more time together
377
00:14:43,727 --> 00:14:45,362
because of all the hijinks
they'll get up to.
378
00:14:45,462 --> 00:14:46,696
I mean, we haven't had
a Rush Hour sequel
379
00:14:46,796 --> 00:14:48,732
in, like, 20 years, guys.
380
00:14:48,832 --> 00:14:51,268
So, China is gaining control
over Africa's foreign policy
381
00:14:51,368 --> 00:14:52,602
and its best jobs.
382
00:14:52,702 --> 00:14:54,604
Not to mention,
a lot of these projects
383
00:14:54,704 --> 00:14:57,274
put Chinese companies in charge
384
00:14:57,374 --> 00:15:00,143
of Africa's
prized natural resources,
385
00:15:00,243 --> 00:15:02,679
especially precious metals.
386
00:15:02,779 --> 00:15:05,215
Which is super important,
because those precious metals
387
00:15:05,315 --> 00:15:08,218
are in basically every piece of
advanced technology these days.
388
00:15:08,318 --> 00:15:11,254
I'm talking everything--
cars, appliances,
389
00:15:11,354 --> 00:15:13,223
Elon Musk, everything.
390
00:15:13,323 --> 00:15:15,492
So when you start
to examine this relationship
391
00:15:15,592 --> 00:15:17,694
as a whole, it actually starts
to look a lot less
392
00:15:17,794 --> 00:15:22,832
like a loan and a lot more
like a new kind of colonialism.
393
00:15:22,933 --> 00:15:25,602
And that's-that's before
we even get to what happens
394
00:15:25,702 --> 00:15:28,538
if the loans aren't repaid.
395
00:15:28,638 --> 00:15:31,875
NEWSWOMAN: Analysts have accused
them of debt colonialism.
396
00:15:31,975 --> 00:15:33,977
There are fears
China is making loans
397
00:15:34,110 --> 00:15:36,012
it knows states cannot repay.
398
00:15:36,112 --> 00:15:39,282
NEWSWOMAN 2: Beijing may engage
in what critics characterize
399
00:15:39,382 --> 00:15:42,252
as debt-trap diplomacy,
lending designed
400
00:15:42,352 --> 00:15:45,188
to force countries into
handing over land, minerals
401
00:15:45,288 --> 00:15:49,392
and strategic assets
when they default on a loan.
402
00:15:49,492 --> 00:15:50,994
NEWSMAN: To build this
Belt and Road railroad
403
00:15:51,127 --> 00:15:53,630
with Chinese loans, Kenya agreed
to apply Chinese law
404
00:15:53,730 --> 00:15:57,400
inside Kenya and give up
East Africa's largest port
405
00:15:57,500 --> 00:15:59,536
if it couldn't repay its debts.
406
00:15:59,636 --> 00:16:00,804
NEWSMAN 2:
Some countries are relying
407
00:16:00,904 --> 00:16:02,172
on gradually repaying
their debts
408
00:16:02,272 --> 00:16:04,708
to China by shipping
specific quantities of oil.
409
00:16:04,808 --> 00:16:06,076
NEWSWOMAN 3: Sometimes,
the loans are repaid
410
00:16:06,109 --> 00:16:08,812
in natural resources,
such as cobalt.
411
00:16:08,912 --> 00:16:10,881
NEWSWOMAN 4: As Africa's
largest bilateral creditor,
412
00:16:10,981 --> 00:16:14,084
China holds more than 20%
of the continent's debts.
413
00:16:14,117 --> 00:16:16,653
NEWSWOMAN 5: Many African
countries were already crippled
414
00:16:16,753 --> 00:16:18,421
under the weight
of the money they owe China.
415
00:16:18,521 --> 00:16:21,825
Now, the coronavirus pandemic
has made it nearly impossible
416
00:16:21,925 --> 00:16:23,627
for many to keep up
with debt payments.
417
00:16:23,727 --> 00:16:27,964
Basically, China has
negotiated agreements
418
00:16:28,098 --> 00:16:29,432
with our African countries
419
00:16:29,532 --> 00:16:34,204
which are so egregious in,
you know, benefiting China,
420
00:16:34,304 --> 00:16:37,807
they could take all of Africa
at a fire sale price.
421
00:16:37,908 --> 00:16:40,410
Ah, yes, the debt trap.
422
00:16:40,510 --> 00:16:43,547
It's like the thirst trap
of infrastructure.
423
00:16:43,647 --> 00:16:46,783
China's just strutting around
with its railroads hanging out.
424
00:16:46,883 --> 00:16:50,020
What is Africa supposed to do?
Not hit the light button?
425
00:16:50,120 --> 00:16:53,023
I mean, say what you want
about the European colonizers,
426
00:16:53,123 --> 00:16:55,559
but at least
they were upfront about it.
427
00:16:55,659 --> 00:16:57,561
(British accent): Right,
we're taking all your shit,
428
00:16:57,661 --> 00:17:00,130
and if you don't like it,
you can go to the U.N.
429
00:17:00,230 --> 00:17:03,633
Oh, wait, they don't exist
yet, bi-atch!
430
00:17:03,733 --> 00:17:07,437
But what China is doing is a lot
like terms and conditions.
431
00:17:07,537 --> 00:17:10,407
Yeah. They know
Africa can't afford
432
00:17:10,507 --> 00:17:12,509
not to take the deals
that they offer,
433
00:17:12,609 --> 00:17:16,179
and then, when Africa can't pay
it back, the Chinese are like,
434
00:17:16,279 --> 00:17:18,448
"Right,
we're taking all your shit,
435
00:17:18,548 --> 00:17:22,219
and if you don't like it,
read the fine print, bi-atch!"
436
00:17:22,319 --> 00:17:24,521
So, look, this isn't
a great situation for Africa.
437
00:17:24,621 --> 00:17:26,356
And the rest of the world
really needs to know
438
00:17:26,456 --> 00:17:28,625
what is happening here.
439
00:17:28,725 --> 00:17:30,093
Although, if there's anything
I've learned, it's that
440
00:17:30,126 --> 00:17:32,095
people don't really care
about Africa.
441
00:17:32,128 --> 00:17:33,997
In fact, people don't care
about most issues
442
00:17:34,097 --> 00:17:36,166
until it affects them
personally,
443
00:17:36,266 --> 00:17:38,635
or until they've seen, like,
a movie about it.
444
00:17:38,735 --> 00:17:41,605
I mean, these days,
killers get exonerated
445
00:17:41,705 --> 00:17:44,107
because of something
people watched on Netflix.
446
00:17:44,174 --> 00:17:47,244
Actually, maybe
447
00:17:47,344 --> 00:17:49,913
the only way to get people
to care about Africa
448
00:17:50,013 --> 00:17:53,116
is if we turn it into a movie.
449
00:17:53,149 --> 00:17:55,185
(ominous, dramatic music
playing, wind whistling)
450
00:18:04,160 --> 00:18:06,796
We're here for your airport.
Hand over the keys.
451
00:18:06,897 --> 00:18:10,667
We will hand you... nothing!
452
00:18:10,767 --> 00:18:16,273
You will never understand the
ways of our land or our airport!
453
00:18:16,373 --> 00:18:19,576
Too bad.
Now it's China's airport.
454
00:18:19,676 --> 00:18:22,112
The runways, the terminals,
455
00:18:22,212 --> 00:18:25,782
the soggy tuna sandwiches that
we made in 2019-- it's all ours!
456
00:18:25,882 --> 00:18:28,552
But the terms
of this deal are unfair!
457
00:18:28,652 --> 00:18:32,389
Well, then maybe you shouldn't
have agreed to it. Duh!
458
00:18:32,489 --> 00:18:34,891
We had no choice!
Tell him, man!
459
00:18:34,991 --> 00:18:36,993
♪ ♪
460
00:18:42,599 --> 00:18:44,134
Stop daydreaming
about Zendaya!
461
00:18:44,234 --> 00:18:46,803
Come on, man! China's about
to take control of our airport.
462
00:18:46,903 --> 00:18:49,205
-Focus!
-Sorry. I'm sorry. I focused.
463
00:18:49,306 --> 00:18:53,410
China, you are taking advantage
of Africa's plight,
464
00:18:53,510 --> 00:18:55,245
locking us
into onerous contracts
465
00:18:55,345 --> 00:18:57,113
so that you can
plunder our resources, huh?
466
00:18:57,147 --> 00:18:58,448
And by the way,
when I say "China,"
467
00:18:58,548 --> 00:19:00,183
I'm talking about the Chinese
government, huh?
468
00:19:00,283 --> 00:19:01,651
I'm not talking about
Chinese people, of course.
469
00:19:01,751 --> 00:19:02,919
-Mm-hmm. -You know,
nothing against Chinese people.
470
00:19:03,053 --> 00:19:04,921
Of course. I mean,
#StopAsianHate.
471
00:19:05,055 --> 00:19:06,423
Well, what are you
going to do about it?
472
00:19:06,523 --> 00:19:09,926
Huh? This is the best deal
you're going to get.
473
00:19:10,060 --> 00:19:12,729
People can only
be oppressed so long
474
00:19:12,829 --> 00:19:15,699
before those people
eventually get tired
475
00:19:15,799 --> 00:19:18,268
of oppression and stand up!
476
00:19:18,368 --> 00:19:20,770
Am I right?
477
00:19:20,870 --> 00:19:23,807
♪ ♪
478
00:19:23,907 --> 00:19:27,611
Stop thinking
about Zendaya, man!
479
00:19:27,711 --> 00:19:30,313
We're about to lose the airport!
480
00:19:30,413 --> 00:19:32,315
I don't know
why I keep doing it.
481
00:19:32,415 --> 00:19:33,483
Maybe she's got a plan for us.
482
00:19:33,583 --> 00:19:34,818
Maybe there's a deal, huh?
483
00:19:34,918 --> 00:19:36,086
It's not just daydreaming.
You know what?
484
00:19:36,119 --> 00:19:37,387
Let me go and try
and find this lady.
485
00:19:37,487 --> 00:19:38,755
You talk to this China guy, huh?
486
00:19:38,855 --> 00:19:41,892
I'll get back to you, huh?
487
00:19:41,992 --> 00:19:44,127
I hope you get eaten
by a big-ass worm!
488
00:19:44,227 --> 00:19:46,696
Wait. This is part one?
489
00:19:46,796 --> 00:19:49,432
How long is this movie?
490
00:19:49,532 --> 00:19:51,468
Sorry, guys. That would have
been better quality
491
00:19:51,568 --> 00:19:53,436
if I had a budget,
but I didn't want
492
00:19:53,536 --> 00:19:54,938
to take any money from China.
493
00:19:55,105 --> 00:19:56,940
All right, when we come back,
we'll get a preview
494
00:19:57,107 --> 00:19:58,742
of the season's
hottest Christmas movie.
495
00:19:58,842 --> 00:20:00,610
You don't want to miss it.
496
00:20:02,889 --> 00:20:04,157
Welcome back to The Daily Show.
497
00:20:04,257 --> 00:20:06,159
It is officially
the holiday season,
498
00:20:06,259 --> 00:20:08,995
the time of year
when we gather around the tree
499
00:20:09,095 --> 00:20:11,731
and sing classic holiday songs
that we realize halfway through
500
00:20:11,831 --> 00:20:13,533
are super creepy.
501
00:20:13,633 --> 00:20:15,701
It's also the time
when TV networks
502
00:20:15,802 --> 00:20:18,204
drop dozens of holiday movies
503
00:20:18,304 --> 00:20:20,807
where white people meet
and fall in love
504
00:20:20,907 --> 00:20:22,909
thanks to the power
of Christmas.
505
00:20:23,009 --> 00:20:25,244
It's a tradition
that we at The Daily Show
506
00:20:25,344 --> 00:20:26,712
want to get in on.
507
00:20:26,813 --> 00:20:28,414
So please enjoy this trailer
508
00:20:28,514 --> 00:20:32,118
for our own upcoming
holiday movie.
509
00:20:32,218 --> 00:20:34,253
♪ ♪
510
00:20:36,122 --> 00:20:38,024
ANNOUNCER:
She was a single mom
511
00:20:38,124 --> 00:20:39,792
hoping for a Christmas miracle.
512
00:20:39,892 --> 00:20:41,828
Hi. Do you have time
for a charity that's...
513
00:20:41,928 --> 00:20:45,998
He was a regular Joe
trying to do the right thing.
514
00:20:46,099 --> 00:20:48,935
And this Christmas,
they're going to find love
515
00:20:49,035 --> 00:20:50,770
in the most magical way.
516
00:20:50,870 --> 00:20:54,173
How dare you teach my child
about critical race theory?
517
00:20:54,273 --> 00:20:56,109
You are ruining America.
518
00:20:56,209 --> 00:20:57,844
-(others whooping)
-MAN: Ma'am. Ma'am.
519
00:20:57,944 --> 00:20:59,712
Please calm down.
520
00:20:59,812 --> 00:21:02,048
Don't tell me to calm down,
you woke elitist.
521
00:21:02,148 --> 00:21:04,016
And why don't you take
that mask off?
522
00:21:04,117 --> 00:21:05,985
Take it off
and face me like a man.
523
00:21:06,052 --> 00:21:07,820
-OTHERS: Yeah!
-(clapping)
524
00:21:07,987 --> 00:21:10,523
♪ ♪
525
00:21:10,623 --> 00:21:12,992
(quietly):
And keep it off.
526
00:21:13,025 --> 00:21:14,660
(exhales)
527
00:21:16,395 --> 00:21:18,598
(quietly): Looks like Santa
came early this year.
528
00:21:18,698 --> 00:21:22,769
Now, this holiday,
they'll both be learning CRT:
529
00:21:22,869 --> 00:21:25,271
Christmas Romance Theory.
530
00:21:25,371 --> 00:21:28,274
You know, oat milk is more
sustainable than almond milk.
531
00:21:28,374 --> 00:21:30,910
Oh, shut your cuck mouth
and kiss me.
532
00:21:31,010 --> 00:21:33,246
♪ ♪
533
00:21:35,915 --> 00:21:39,118
But can two people
who don't agree on history
534
00:21:39,218 --> 00:21:41,020
ever have a future?
535
00:21:41,120 --> 00:21:43,322
Does your sweater say
"Happy Holidays"?
536
00:21:43,423 --> 00:21:45,658
Yeah, it's more inclusive.
537
00:21:45,758 --> 00:21:48,027
You never understood me.
538
00:21:49,729 --> 00:21:52,298
Or Christmas.
539
00:21:52,398 --> 00:21:54,033
Aw, man.
540
00:21:54,100 --> 00:21:56,769
We're never gonna end up
together now.
541
00:21:59,138 --> 00:22:02,508
This season, one man
will have to put Christmas...
542
00:22:02,608 --> 00:22:04,777
over reason.
543
00:22:04,877 --> 00:22:07,079
Since our last
school board meeting,
544
00:22:07,180 --> 00:22:09,015
which was only this morning...
545
00:22:09,115 --> 00:22:10,850
Can you believe that?
So much has happened.
546
00:22:10,983 --> 00:22:12,852
I've learned that one thing
547
00:22:12,985 --> 00:22:14,754
is more important
than teaching children
548
00:22:14,854 --> 00:22:17,156
about
their own country's history.
549
00:22:17,256 --> 00:22:18,624
And that one thing
550
00:22:18,724 --> 00:22:20,993
is love.
551
00:22:21,060 --> 00:22:22,361
-(sighs)
-So tonight,
552
00:22:22,462 --> 00:22:24,697
the school board is announcing
that we are putting love
553
00:22:24,797 --> 00:22:26,232
-back into the curriculum.
-What?
554
00:22:26,332 --> 00:22:28,167
And it will replace
all the lessons about slavery.
555
00:22:28,267 --> 00:22:30,403
(cheering and applause)
556
00:22:31,537 --> 00:22:34,140
No, no, no.
We're overruling that.
557
00:22:34,240 --> 00:22:37,410
No, he doesn't have the power
to do that.
558
00:22:37,510 --> 00:22:40,079
Why does he have a gavel?
This is a school board meeting.
559
00:22:40,179 --> 00:22:43,883
ANNOUNCER: Don't miss
the movie event of the season.
560
00:22:47,220 --> 00:22:48,287
I got you this.
561
00:22:49,555 --> 00:22:51,257
(paper tearing)
562
00:22:55,528 --> 00:22:57,029
To burn.
563
00:23:02,969 --> 00:23:06,205
(crying):
Oh. Merry Christmas.
564
00:23:08,708 --> 00:23:10,343
Fascists.
565
00:23:13,546 --> 00:23:16,149
ANNOUNCER:
A School Board Christmas.
566
00:23:16,249 --> 00:23:18,151
♪ ♪
567
00:23:19,118 --> 00:23:21,387
Ooh, I can't wait
to angrily watch that.
568
00:23:21,487 --> 00:23:25,091
All right, when we come back,
the finance minister of France,
569
00:23:25,191 --> 00:23:27,527
Bruno Le Maire,
will be joining me
570
00:23:27,627 --> 00:23:29,996
right here in the studio,
so don't go away.
571
00:23:31,298 --> 00:23:32,599
Welcome back to The Daily Show.
572
00:23:32,699 --> 00:23:35,168
My guest tonight is French
finance minister Bruno Le Maire.
573
00:23:35,268 --> 00:23:37,137
He's here to talk
about the relationship
574
00:23:37,237 --> 00:23:39,039
between France and America
575
00:23:39,139 --> 00:23:41,675
and how the country
is responding to the challenges,
576
00:23:41,775 --> 00:23:44,578
from COVID
all the way through to Russia.
577
00:23:44,678 --> 00:23:46,413
Mr. Le Maire,
welcome to the show.
578
00:23:46,513 --> 00:23:48,415
-Thank you. Good evening.
-Thank you so much
579
00:23:48,515 --> 00:23:51,218
for joining us here today,
um, especially during this time.
580
00:23:51,318 --> 00:23:53,887
I feel like
you're one of the best people
581
00:23:53,987 --> 00:23:56,356
who I could speak to
about one other country
582
00:23:56,456 --> 00:23:58,859
that's central to the direction
that Europe is gonna be taking
583
00:23:58,959 --> 00:24:00,260
in the coming years.
584
00:24:00,360 --> 00:24:02,395
Let's maybe start
with the biggest question,
585
00:24:02,495 --> 00:24:04,297
the pressing question.
586
00:24:04,397 --> 00:24:06,466
Great Britain has left
the European Union.
587
00:24:06,566 --> 00:24:10,504
Angela Merkel is stepping down
after 16 years,
588
00:24:10,604 --> 00:24:12,539
you know,
leading the European bloc.
589
00:24:12,639 --> 00:24:14,541
France is now seen
as one of the key players
590
00:24:14,641 --> 00:24:16,543
that has to step into a role
of guiding Europe
591
00:24:16,643 --> 00:24:17,811
in a certain direction.
592
00:24:17,911 --> 00:24:20,280
But it feels like,
with COVID, with Russia,
593
00:24:20,380 --> 00:24:23,483
with the world's economy,
there is a lot to do.
594
00:24:23,583 --> 00:24:26,453
What is France's plan
for moving Europe forward?
595
00:24:26,553 --> 00:24:28,588
And is it an optimistic outlook?
596
00:24:28,688 --> 00:24:31,658
Very optimistic.
And our plan is quite clear.
597
00:24:31,758 --> 00:24:33,260
We want a stronger Europe,
598
00:24:33,393 --> 00:24:35,996
we want a Europe
that will be more independent,
599
00:24:36,096 --> 00:24:39,232
and we want France to play
a key role
600
00:24:39,399 --> 00:24:42,235
in this "building back better"
of Europe.
601
00:24:42,402 --> 00:24:45,872
I'm totally against
this way of thinking,
602
00:24:45,972 --> 00:24:48,542
that France would be on decline.
603
00:24:48,642 --> 00:24:51,077
France is absolutely
not on decline.
604
00:24:51,178 --> 00:24:52,879
France is booming,
605
00:24:52,979 --> 00:24:54,581
Europe is booming,
606
00:24:54,681 --> 00:24:57,450
and our best years are
for our children.
607
00:24:57,551 --> 00:24:59,419
It's interesting that you say
France is booming
608
00:24:59,519 --> 00:25:01,421
and France
is not on the decline,
609
00:25:01,521 --> 00:25:03,223
and yet there are people
in France
610
00:25:03,323 --> 00:25:05,125
who may feel the opposite.
And I only say this
611
00:25:05,225 --> 00:25:06,726
-Yes, you're right.
-Because what I've learned
612
00:25:06,826 --> 00:25:08,695
in America, and we learn it
all around the world,
613
00:25:08,795 --> 00:25:10,664
is the reality
may not necessarily match
614
00:25:10,764 --> 00:25:12,265
the perception
that some people have,
615
00:25:12,432 --> 00:25:14,301
and that perception
can oftentimes be more powerful
616
00:25:14,434 --> 00:25:16,536
-in terms of determining who
gets to lead. -I fully agree,
617
00:25:16,636 --> 00:25:20,440
but, you know, we want to avoid
a kind of Trump's experience
618
00:25:20,507 --> 00:25:21,875
-in France.
-Interesting.
619
00:25:21,975 --> 00:25:24,578
I really think that it would not
be the best way for France.
620
00:25:24,678 --> 00:25:27,013
-Mm-hmm.
-But we have 30% or 35%
621
00:25:27,113 --> 00:25:29,516
of the French population
which stands ready
622
00:25:29,616 --> 00:25:32,719
-to vote for far-right parties.
-Right.
623
00:25:32,819 --> 00:25:35,155
So we need,
we need to understand why.
624
00:25:35,255 --> 00:25:37,090
I think that there is
a question of identity.
625
00:25:37,190 --> 00:25:39,059
There is a question of fear.
626
00:25:39,159 --> 00:25:42,662
People, uh, are concerned
by, uh, the COVID.
627
00:25:42,762 --> 00:25:44,898
People are concerned
by the rise of China.
628
00:25:44,998 --> 00:25:47,634
People are concerned
by their own identity.
629
00:25:47,734 --> 00:25:50,403
-Yeah. -And we need to respond
to those questions
630
00:25:50,470 --> 00:25:54,307
while avoiding new divisions
in the French society.
631
00:25:54,407 --> 00:25:56,009
Once again,
we don't want to live
632
00:25:56,109 --> 00:25:58,478
what you have lived
with the Trump experience
633
00:25:58,578 --> 00:25:59,913
in the United States.
634
00:26:00,013 --> 00:26:01,414
Let's talk a little bit
about some of those things.
635
00:26:01,515 --> 00:26:02,949
You recently had a debate
636
00:26:03,049 --> 00:26:06,052
with, um,
a far-right conservative
637
00:26:06,152 --> 00:26:09,623
in-in France who, you know,
is on a news program
638
00:26:09,723 --> 00:26:11,157
that is...
that is very far right,
639
00:26:11,258 --> 00:26:13,593
and some people would say,
"Gee, it's similar to Fox News."
640
00:26:13,693 --> 00:26:15,462
And he-he's planning to run
in the country,
641
00:26:15,562 --> 00:26:17,764
and he's stoking those fears
and those divisions.
642
00:26:17,864 --> 00:26:19,866
I-I would love to know,
if we start with identity,
643
00:26:19,966 --> 00:26:21,268
'cause that's a key one
in France.
644
00:26:21,434 --> 00:26:24,171
France has always had
this beautiful idea.
645
00:26:24,271 --> 00:26:25,839
Forget religion,
forget your race,
646
00:26:25,939 --> 00:26:27,140
forget everything else.
647
00:26:27,240 --> 00:26:28,942
We are French,
and we are French together.
648
00:26:29,042 --> 00:26:32,946
It seems like there is
now starting to be a rift
649
00:26:33,046 --> 00:26:34,247
between some who say
650
00:26:34,381 --> 00:26:37,184
being French
is only attainable fully
651
00:26:37,284 --> 00:26:39,286
if you are white
and a Francophile
652
00:26:39,386 --> 00:26:42,189
or being French
is only fully attainable
653
00:26:42,289 --> 00:26:44,057
if-if you are willing
to, you know,
654
00:26:44,157 --> 00:26:46,293
get rid of all
of your-your cultural ideas.
655
00:26:46,393 --> 00:26:49,396
And some argue that being French
only should be reserved
656
00:26:49,462 --> 00:26:51,665
for people who are white
and of European descent.
657
00:26:51,765 --> 00:26:53,733
How do you... how do you bring
those two worlds together
658
00:26:53,834 --> 00:26:55,535
without anyone feeling alienated
659
00:26:55,635 --> 00:26:57,838
but also trying to get
to that-that ideal?
660
00:26:57,938 --> 00:26:59,873
But I think it would be
a total mistake
661
00:26:59,973 --> 00:27:01,608
to think
that you can only be French
662
00:27:01,708 --> 00:27:03,810
if you are, uh, white
663
00:27:03,910 --> 00:27:06,580
and if, uh, you have heirs
664
00:27:06,680 --> 00:27:09,716
of 100, 200 or 300 years.
665
00:27:09,816 --> 00:27:12,219
-Mm-hmm. -I think
it would really be a mistake.
666
00:27:12,319 --> 00:27:14,421
You can be Black.
You can be white.
667
00:27:14,521 --> 00:27:16,089
You can be a Muslim.
668
00:27:16,189 --> 00:27:18,191
You can be Jew.
You can be Catholic.
669
00:27:18,291 --> 00:27:20,760
You can come from Brittany,
or you can come from Morocco.
670
00:27:20,861 --> 00:27:22,262
That's not an issue
671
00:27:22,429 --> 00:27:25,198
provided that you love France.
672
00:27:25,298 --> 00:27:27,434
I've de-debated
with Éric Zemmour.
673
00:27:27,467 --> 00:27:30,770
He's pretending like Zorro. Zed.
674
00:27:30,871 --> 00:27:33,607
-Yes. -He's pretending
to rescue the people.
675
00:27:33,707 --> 00:27:36,443
He's not rescuing the people.
676
00:27:36,543 --> 00:27:38,011
He's dividing the people.
677
00:27:38,111 --> 00:27:41,481
He's filling the people
with fear
678
00:27:41,581 --> 00:27:42,849
and with hate.
679
00:27:42,949 --> 00:27:46,386
That's exactly what we want
to fight against.
680
00:27:46,419 --> 00:27:48,688
You know, there is, um,
an American dream
681
00:27:48,788 --> 00:27:51,758
based on the possibility
to become rich
682
00:27:51,858 --> 00:27:53,126
and to be successful.
683
00:27:53,226 --> 00:27:54,995
-Right.
-I like the American dream.
684
00:27:55,095 --> 00:27:57,197
But there is also a French dream
685
00:27:57,297 --> 00:27:59,633
which is based on freedom,
686
00:27:59,733 --> 00:28:01,701
which is based on equality,
687
00:28:01,801 --> 00:28:04,204
which is based on fraternity.
688
00:28:04,304 --> 00:28:07,607
-We are all responsible for
the future of the nation. -Hmm.
689
00:28:07,707 --> 00:28:10,177
And that's the key point
of the French dream.
690
00:28:10,277 --> 00:28:13,613
I have the French dream
in the roots of my heart.
691
00:28:13,713 --> 00:28:15,815
And I will fight
against those people
692
00:28:15,916 --> 00:28:18,919
which are trying to divide
the French society,
693
00:28:19,019 --> 00:28:22,789
which are trying to put the
people against one each other,
694
00:28:22,889 --> 00:28:26,026
because I really think that it
cannot be the future for France.
695
00:28:26,126 --> 00:28:29,029
Do you think France
could do a better job of...
696
00:28:29,129 --> 00:28:31,531
giving everybody access
to the French dream
697
00:28:31,631 --> 00:28:32,732
-who is in France?
-Yes.
698
00:28:32,833 --> 00:28:34,201
You know, like,
we-we've seen stories
699
00:28:34,367 --> 00:28:36,670
of people who have names-names
700
00:28:36,770 --> 00:28:38,471
like Diallo
not getting interviews
701
00:28:38,572 --> 00:28:39,739
or people who are Muslim
702
00:28:39,840 --> 00:28:41,408
struggling to integrate
into French culture.
703
00:28:41,508 --> 00:28:43,043
Do you think France
could do a better job of that?
704
00:28:43,143 --> 00:28:45,579
Yes. Yes,
let's-let's be very frank.
705
00:28:45,679 --> 00:28:47,681
We could do a far better job,
706
00:28:47,781 --> 00:28:50,116
and we have to take into account
the difficulties
707
00:28:50,217 --> 00:28:53,053
of the people, uh,
who are of foreign origins
708
00:28:53,153 --> 00:28:55,155
who are trying to do their best
to be successful
709
00:28:55,255 --> 00:28:56,556
in the French society
710
00:28:56,656 --> 00:29:00,227
to, uh, have access
to the highest position.
711
00:29:00,393 --> 00:29:02,629
And they are facing big hurdles.
712
00:29:02,729 --> 00:29:04,531
We should get rid
of those hurdles,
713
00:29:04,631 --> 00:29:07,934
and we should make its place
for everybody,
714
00:29:08,034 --> 00:29:10,170
which is sticking
the right decisions
715
00:29:10,270 --> 00:29:13,707
and which is doing its best
efforts to be successful.
716
00:29:13,807 --> 00:29:16,743
I think that we can do
far better on that field.
717
00:29:16,843 --> 00:29:19,212
Let's talk a little bit
about geopolitics.
718
00:29:19,312 --> 00:29:22,048
Right now, one of the biggest
pressing issues in Europe
719
00:29:22,148 --> 00:29:24,284
is the conversation
around Russia.
720
00:29:24,417 --> 00:29:26,486
I know that President Macron
recently spoke
721
00:29:26,586 --> 00:29:29,189
to the president of Russia,
Vladimir Putin,
722
00:29:29,289 --> 00:29:31,258
and it seems like all
of these discussions,
723
00:29:31,358 --> 00:29:33,159
whether it's with Putin,
whether it's with Biden,
724
00:29:33,260 --> 00:29:35,362
seem affable on the surface.
725
00:29:35,395 --> 00:29:37,264
But on the border of Ukraine,
726
00:29:37,364 --> 00:29:38,598
there's an army
that has gathered,
727
00:29:38,698 --> 00:29:40,100
and-and Europe
seems to be worrying
728
00:29:40,200 --> 00:29:41,201
about what that might mean.
729
00:29:41,368 --> 00:29:43,470
Now, most countries
seem to believe
730
00:29:43,570 --> 00:29:46,106
that any militaristic
intervesh-- intervention
731
00:29:46,206 --> 00:29:47,908
would be
the worst possible outcome.
732
00:29:48,008 --> 00:29:49,242
We see Afghanistan.
We see the world.
733
00:29:49,376 --> 00:29:50,944
People do not have
an appetite for war.
734
00:29:51,044 --> 00:29:53,380
However, many people wonder
735
00:29:53,413 --> 00:29:55,448
what the European Union would do
736
00:29:55,549 --> 00:29:57,450
if Russia
were to invade Ukraine.
737
00:29:57,551 --> 00:30:00,620
Uh, is there any idea
of a plan in place?
738
00:30:00,720 --> 00:30:02,822
The plan is to be very clear
739
00:30:02,923 --> 00:30:05,058
towards Vladimir Putin.
740
00:30:05,158 --> 00:30:09,596
If there is any attempt
to, uh, the Ukraine border,
741
00:30:09,696 --> 00:30:13,667
then the consequences
for Russia will be very bad.
742
00:30:13,767 --> 00:30:15,202
And, you know,
there is one thing
743
00:30:15,302 --> 00:30:17,604
that we should really a-avoid,
744
00:30:17,704 --> 00:30:20,440
which is any kind
of military action.
745
00:30:20,540 --> 00:30:23,243
Because military action
is never the solution.
746
00:30:23,410 --> 00:30:24,878
So we have been very clear,
747
00:30:24,978 --> 00:30:27,013
both President Biden
and President Macron,
748
00:30:27,113 --> 00:30:29,783
we will never accept any attempt
749
00:30:29,883 --> 00:30:32,652
and any threat against Ukraine.
750
00:30:32,752 --> 00:30:36,122
Do you think financial sanctions
will be enough as a threat?
751
00:30:36,223 --> 00:30:39,893
Financial san-sanctions,
uh, might be a possibility
752
00:30:39,993 --> 00:30:41,862
but not the only one.
753
00:30:41,962 --> 00:30:44,531
Another conversation
in and around France--
754
00:30:44,631 --> 00:30:46,066
very dear to my heart,
obviously,
755
00:30:46,166 --> 00:30:48,535
coming from the continent--
is the conversation between--
756
00:30:48,635 --> 00:30:51,972
or around France
and its former colonies.
757
00:30:52,072 --> 00:30:55,775
For a long time, many Africans
have felt like France--
758
00:30:55,876 --> 00:30:57,277
And not alone in this, you know?
759
00:30:57,377 --> 00:30:58,612
The same thing
with Great Britain, et cetera--
760
00:30:58,712 --> 00:31:00,947
has done a terrible job
761
00:31:01,047 --> 00:31:04,050
in reconciling
with its past actions in Africa
762
00:31:04,150 --> 00:31:06,019
to Africans,
763
00:31:06,119 --> 00:31:07,220
who speak French,
764
00:31:07,387 --> 00:31:08,822
who have lived
under the French for so long
765
00:31:08,922 --> 00:31:10,824
and who now say,
"We are struggling
766
00:31:10,924 --> 00:31:13,293
because of a past
of colonialism."
767
00:31:13,393 --> 00:31:16,096
What do you think France could
be doing better on the continent
768
00:31:16,196 --> 00:31:17,764
to try and right
some of its wrongs?
769
00:31:17,864 --> 00:31:19,132
I mean,
we know we live in a world
770
00:31:19,232 --> 00:31:20,700
where everyone was conquered,
everyone was invaded,
771
00:31:20,800 --> 00:31:22,302
so I'm not even saying
it's a blame thing.
772
00:31:22,402 --> 00:31:23,904
Do you think there's something
France could be doing
773
00:31:24,004 --> 00:31:25,505
to try and improve
the relationship
774
00:31:25,605 --> 00:31:28,408
between these African countries
and the country of France?
775
00:31:28,475 --> 00:31:32,445
I think that we are doing
our best to, uh, try to be...
776
00:31:32,546 --> 00:31:34,347
reconciliation.
777
00:31:34,414 --> 00:31:36,816
-And reconciliation is the
key word, of course. -Mm-hmm.
778
00:31:36,917 --> 00:31:39,920
Reconciliations means
understanding the past
779
00:31:40,020 --> 00:31:41,688
of all those countries.
780
00:31:41,788 --> 00:31:45,859
Reconciliation means
that you have to be respectful.
781
00:31:45,959 --> 00:31:48,495
Reconciliation also means
providing help
782
00:31:48,595 --> 00:31:49,729
to those countries.
783
00:31:49,829 --> 00:31:51,998
You were just
speaking about COVID.
784
00:31:52,098 --> 00:31:54,668
-COVID is a nightmare
for everybody. -Right.
785
00:31:54,768 --> 00:31:56,736
But what the hell.
If you have all
786
00:31:56,837 --> 00:31:58,672
the Western countries
being successful
787
00:31:58,772 --> 00:32:00,373
in fighting against COVID,
788
00:32:00,473 --> 00:32:04,444
and you have African countries
without the possibility
789
00:32:04,544 --> 00:32:08,381
of fighting COVID
and facing the pandemic,
790
00:32:08,481 --> 00:32:10,617
the result will be negative
for all of us.
791
00:32:10,717 --> 00:32:12,619
-Right. Definitely.
-So helping the other countries
792
00:32:12,719 --> 00:32:14,287
could be also a solution.
793
00:32:14,387 --> 00:32:15,922
The last point on that.
794
00:32:16,022 --> 00:32:19,559
The economic, um, support
that we are giving
795
00:32:19,659 --> 00:32:21,595
to African countries
is absolutely key.
796
00:32:21,695 --> 00:32:25,999
You run the risk of having
a new, great divergence
797
00:32:26,099 --> 00:32:27,767
-from an economic point
of view... -Mm.
798
00:32:27,868 --> 00:32:28,902
between the European continent
799
00:32:29,002 --> 00:32:30,871
and the United States
on the one side,
800
00:32:30,971 --> 00:32:32,939
-and African countries
on the other side. -Right.
801
00:32:33,039 --> 00:32:37,143
We should definitely fight
against that big gap
802
00:32:37,244 --> 00:32:38,712
between the two continents.
803
00:32:38,812 --> 00:32:42,349
Are you doing anything to try
and insulate African countries
804
00:32:42,382 --> 00:32:44,885
from China and the influence
that they're in?
805
00:32:44,985 --> 00:32:46,353
-Because it seems like
a new type... -Good question.
806
00:32:46,453 --> 00:32:47,988
It seems like a new type
of colonization.
807
00:32:48,088 --> 00:32:51,258
Very good question. I think
that there is the old type
808
00:32:51,358 --> 00:32:55,428
of colonization, and we are
trying to build reconciliation.
809
00:32:55,529 --> 00:32:57,397
And there is a new type--
810
00:32:57,497 --> 00:33:00,233
I would not use the word
"colonization"--
811
00:33:00,367 --> 00:33:01,902
-but a type of influence...
-Mm-hmm.
812
00:33:02,002 --> 00:33:03,370
-which is a hard one...
-Mm-hmm. Mm-hmm.
813
00:33:03,436 --> 00:33:06,006
coming from China,
and we are explaining
814
00:33:06,106 --> 00:33:08,575
to all African countries
that we have
815
00:33:08,675 --> 00:33:12,913
to build a new partnership
based on an equal footing.
816
00:33:13,013 --> 00:33:15,081
-Equal footing
is absolutely key. -Mm-hmm.
817
00:33:15,182 --> 00:33:16,449
And maybe they could be
818
00:33:16,550 --> 00:33:18,885
a little bit more cautious
vis-a-vis China.
819
00:33:18,985 --> 00:33:20,620
Well, Minister Le Maire, thank
you so much for coming here.
820
00:33:20,720 --> 00:33:22,522
-Thank you, Trevor Noah.
Thank you so much. -Thanks.
821
00:33:22,622 --> 00:33:24,291
We're going
to take a quick break,
822
00:33:24,391 --> 00:33:26,393
but we'll be right back
after this.
823
00:33:28,661 --> 00:33:29,963
Well, that's our show
for tonight, but before we go,
824
00:33:30,063 --> 00:33:32,966
please consider supporting
Vibrant Emotional Health.
825
00:33:33,066 --> 00:33:34,534
They're a non-profit dedicated
826
00:33:34,634 --> 00:33:36,970
to helping people achieve
emotional well-being
827
00:33:37,070 --> 00:33:38,671
and to giving them the support
828
00:33:38,772 --> 00:33:40,473
and the skills
that they need to survive.
829
00:33:40,573 --> 00:33:42,809
So, if you want to support them
in their work,
830
00:33:42,909 --> 00:33:45,245
especially during
the stressful holiday season,
831
00:33:45,345 --> 00:33:48,214
then please donate
at the link below.
832
00:33:48,314 --> 00:33:50,116
Until next time,
stay safe out there,
833
00:33:50,216 --> 00:33:52,619
get your vaccine, and remember:
834
00:33:52,719 --> 00:33:56,189
if China offers you money
to make your life better,
835
00:33:56,289 --> 00:33:58,258
you take that money and run.
836
00:33:58,358 --> 00:34:00,927
Now here it is--
Your Moment of Zen.
837
00:34:01,027 --> 00:34:03,897
(playing
"Somewhere Over the Rainbow")
838
00:34:03,997 --> 00:34:10,403
♪ Somewhere past the pandemic ♪
839
00:34:10,503 --> 00:34:14,808
♪ When we're free ♪
840
00:34:14,908 --> 00:34:19,679
♪ There's a life I remember ♪
841
00:34:19,779 --> 00:34:24,083
♪ Full of activity ♪
842
00:34:24,184 --> 00:34:30,490
♪ Somewhere past the pandemic ♪
843
00:34:30,590 --> 00:34:34,360
♪ We'll hug our friends ♪
844
00:34:34,461 --> 00:34:38,932
♪ And thank the people
in science ♪
845
00:34:39,032 --> 00:34:44,771
♪ That brought
the pandemic's end ♪
846
00:34:44,871 --> 00:34:47,574
♪ Let's end ♪
847
00:34:47,674 --> 00:34:50,210
♪ COVID ♪
848
00:34:50,343 --> 00:34:54,347
♪ Now. ♪