In a mix of humor and satire, John Oliver offered Justice Thomas with a tempting deal: $1 million annually for the rest of his life if Thomas agreed to resign from the Supreme Court immediately and never return.
“One million dollars a year for the rest of your life, if you simply agree to leave the Supreme Court immediately and never come back,” Oliver said about his “special offer.”
Oliver began the segment by expressing his concerns about the state of the Supreme Court, characterizing it as being at a “breaking point.” He outlined potential solutions, ranging from implementing an enforceable ethics code to exploring term limits and expanding the number of justices.
“Clarence Thomas is arguably the most consequential justice on the court right now, and he’s never really seemed to like the job. He said, ‘It’s not worth doing for the grief.’ So, what if he can keep the luxury perks he clearly enjoys without having to endure all of that grief,” Oliver continued.
Turning his attention to Clarence Thomas, Oliver noted Thomas’s reported dissatisfaction with the job, quoting him as saying, “It’s not worth doing for the grief.”
The late-night host used Thomas’s supposed discontent as a backdrop for his unconventional offer. He suggested that his proposal would allow Thomas to retain the luxurious perks associated with his position while sparing him from the challenges of the Supreme Court.
To emphasize the seriousness of his offer, Oliver held up a contract during the show, reassuring viewers that it wasn’t a joke. He claimed to have consulted legal experts who assured him that he wasn’t violating any laws with this proposal.
Despite the unusual nature of the offer, Oliver clarified that HBO would not be contributing the funds; instead, he committed personally to covering the expenses. He acknowledged the absence of rules preventing such an offer and humorously mentioned the potential regret he might face, joking about funding Thomas’s retirement through stand-up tours for years.
To sweeten the deal and add extra allure, Oliver included a $2.4 million tour bus in addition to the $1 million annual payment. He declared that the offer would only be available to Clarence Thomas for 30 days, concluding the segment by playfully challenging Thomas with, “Your move, Clarence. Your f—–g move.”
While presented in a humorous and theatrical manner, Oliver’s proposal serves as a satirical commentary on the ongoing discussions about the structure and dynamics of the Supreme Court. The use of a monetary offer, albeit fictional, draws attention to the broader debate surrounding Supreme Court reform.
Oliver’s unique take contributes a comedic twist to a serious and complex topic, sparking conversations about the potential for change within the highest court in the United States.
The comedic approach to political commentary has been a trademark of “Last Week Tonight,” where Oliver often tackles serious issues with a blend of humor, research, and advocacy. This particular segment showcases his willingness to push boundaries and use satire to shed light on the challenges and controversies surrounding the Supreme Court.
