Stephen Colbert punctures Fox News' 'obsession' with Harris’s plastic straw ban in hilarious takedown

WASHINGTON, DC: Stephen Colbert took aim at Fox News on Wednesday night, July 24, ridiculing the network’s fixation on Vice President Kamala Harris’ stance against plastic straws.

On 'The Late Show', Colbert aired a compilation of Fox News hosts and guests railing against Harris’ environmental policy, portraying it as a major liability, especially in the wake of President Joe Biden’s departure from the presidential race and his endorsement of Harris as the Democratic nominee.

“Even Fox News is having trouble coming up with a good attack line against Harris. So far, this is the best they’ve got,” Colbert quipped, before airing clips of Fox personalities like Steve Doocy and Sean Hannity lamenting Harris’ alleged push to ban plastic straws.

Fox News 'obsessed' over Kamala Harris’ plastic straw ban policy

Steve Doocy remarked, “You know, a major liability for Kamala Harris. She wants to ban plastic straws,” while Sean Hannity complained, “She wants to ban plastic straws? I love my plastic straws! I hate those paper straws!”

Fox Business guest Mitch Roschelle also jumped into the fray, arguing, “Don’t forget, Kamala Harris is against plastic straws, so you don’t have to look beyond that as an economic policy.”

Colbert couldn’t resist a dig at the absurdity of the debate: “That’s the best you’ve got? Really seems like you’re grasping at something. I don’t know what exactly. Although, when you think about it, it does make sense that Fox News would be obsessed with straws. After all, they suck!”

The segment highlighted Fox News' repeated attacks on environmentalists and their opposition to plastic straws, including a memorable stunt by Laura Ingraham in 2019, where she attempted to drink a steak through a plastic straw to “trigger” liberals.

“Mmm. Tastes good,” she stated while sucking the meat through the straw.

In 2019, Harris voiced support for banning plastic straws saying “we do need to ban the plastic” while admitting that current paper straws are “flimsy” and difficult to drink out of, during a CNN town hall. 

Joe Biden plans to finish his term while endorsing Kamala Harris for 2024 race

Since Joe Biden exited the race on July 21, Democrats have swiftly rallied behind Kamala Harris. She now has just over 100 days to demonstrate her candidacy to voters before the November 5 election. However, Harris seems to be off to a strong start, raising $81 million within 24 hours of Biden's endorsement.

However, Biden's decision not to run for reelection has sparked criticism from some Republicans, including former President Donald Trump, who suggested if Biden "can't run for office, he can't run our Country." 

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre dismissed these calls as "ridiculous," emphasizing that Biden is committed to completing his term and continuing his work. "The president decided to not run for reelection," she claimed. "That's it. That's all he decided on. He wants to continue to do the work."

Fox News faces backlash for obsessing over Kamala Harris’ plastic straw policy

Social media users lambasted Fox News for fixating on Kamala Harris' environmental stance, calling it a weak attack and comparing it to the infamous "tan suit" controversy. Comments ranged from mocking the focus on straws to highlighting larger issues with the political right.

"That’s the best you guys can come up with? Straws? Irony. Keep on grabbing," commented a user.

"Fox News clutching at paper straws," a second said.

"Hurp de durp, the black lady wants to take away your plastic straws!" - Fox News It must be phuggin' embarrassing to be a Republican these days," another claimed.

"This is their new tan suit moment," added another.

"I was initially annoyed by getting rid of plastic straws but l learned to deal with it on move on with my life. It's like many on the right just want to find a reason to be angry," penned an individual.

"They have a problem with outlawing plastic straws, but are cool with: -a 34x convicted felon for falsifying business records to hide hush money payments to a p*rn star and playboy bunny -an adjudicated rapist -indicted for attempting to overthrow an American election -indicted for stealing classified national security secrets -guilty of business fraud-stole from children's charities -accused of sexual assault by 26 women -voted the WORST US president by presidential historians -bungled the covid response leading to thousands of unnecessary deaths -handed over an economy in shambles -and is aspiring to be an authoritarian dictator, threatening our constitution. These anti-American magat trash dimfcks can GF themselves...," read a comment.

"Conservatives are never happy," said a user.

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