John Oliver is as over the US presidential election as the rest of the country.
During last night’s episode of HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, the talk show host summarized the disgust and despair many Democrats may have felt last Friday, when Hillary Clinton’s “October surprise” came courtesy of disgraced former congressman Anthony Weiner. Weiner is the estranged husband of Huma Abedin, Clinton’s longtime aid, and the current vice chair of her presidential campaign.
As part of an investigation into an alleged sexting scandal involving Weiner and a teenage girl, the FBI reviewed emails stored on a laptop which Weiner shared with Abedin. During this investigation, it appears the FBI unearthed new emails tied to the private server Hillary Clinton used as secretary of state, prompting them to reopen the previously closed investigation (paywall) on the matter.
“The grinding hell of this election has thrown in yet another twist with the election potentially hanging in the balance,” said Oliver, “all thanks to the fact Anthony Weiner allegedly sexted with a 15-year-old girl…This is obviously a disgusting way for the email case to come to life.”
Little is known about the newly uncovered emails, and it’s likely to remain that way, as the investigation reportedly won’t be completed until after Election Day.
“Nine days out from the election the FBI has basically delivered us the equivalent of a mystery box,” said Oliver. “And like the box from the end of Seven it could contain anything from nothing, to Gwyneth Paltrow’s head. Although it almost definitely contains Anthony Weiner’s penis.”
None of the emails were reportedly sent to or from Clinton, according to the LA Times, which cited a law enforcement official’s cursory review. Some were messages Abedin had forwarded to herself, and others were reportedly between Abedin and other Clinton aides.
In a clip Oliver ran during the show, vice president Joe Biden perfectly captured the response of Democrats upon learning in an interview with CNN that Weiner was behind the latest revelations: “Well, oh god, Anthony Weiner,” Biden said.
This latest development has pushed an already tumultuous US presidential race far beyond rock bottom, Oliver said.
“We have burrowed through, not just rock bottom, but through the core of the earth and we’ve come bursting through the other side, startling kangaroos,” he said. ”We’re currently hurtling toward outer space where there is no up, down, light, or darkness—just an endless void in which death comes as sweet, sweet relief.”
Oliver concluded with one final plea that most Americans, regardless of political affiliation, would probably agree with: “Please let this thing be over soon.”