Behind The Show | Fingering the Pulse at Trump's Second Inauguration | Jordan Klepper - Ian Berger
Jan 27, 2025
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Join Jordan Klepper and Ian Berger, a seasoned producer and segment director at The Daily Show, as they humorously dissect the chaos of Trump's second inauguration. They share behind-the-scenes tales of icy conditions and mixed emotions among the crowd. The duo explores the absurd intersection of celebration and disappointment, touching on blanket pardons for January 6th attendees and the unexpected delight of a MAGA garbage truck. With playful anecdotes and political reflections, they reveal the surreal landscape of a divided America.
The podcast highlights the extensive preparations made by the production team to navigate extreme cold weather during Trump's second inauguration.
Attendees express mixed feelings about blanket J6 pardons while revealing surprising vulnerability when confronted with images of police violence.
Deep dives
Weather Preparations and Inauguration Atmosphere
The episode highlights the extensive preparations made by the production team in anticipation of extreme cold weather during Trump's second inauguration. Discussing their meticulous layering strategies, the producers emphasize the stark contrast in comfort levels, joking about the temperatures feeling far less severe compared to their experiences in Michigan. The conversation reveals the heightened anxiety among attendees regarding the weather, juxtaposing it with humorous reflections on the MAGA supporters' resilience in braving the elements for an event they deemed crucial. The team cleverly points out the irony of Trump's followers struggling with mild temperatures while simultaneously expressing ambitions of taking control of colder regions like Greenland.
Navigation Challenges Amidst a Celebration
As the team navigates the chaos and confusion surrounding the inauguration, they recount the stark difference in atmosphere compared to previous events. Unlike the uncertain reactions seen during Trump's first inauguration, this time the crowd is characterized by jubilation among MAGA supporters. Despite logistical difficulties due to street closures and lack of clear event details, attendees show enthusiasm and sense of belonging among fellow supporters. The inability to find specific locations is met with a carefree attitude, reflecting a desire to simply celebrate their shared allegiance, underscoring the communal spirit felt during the event.
Confronting Views on January 6th
Throughout the episode, interviews reveal surprising insights into the MAGA followers' perceptions of the January 6th events. Many attendees express overwhelming support for blanket pardons for those involved but push back against violence when shown images of police being assaulted. This moment of confrontation opens up discussions about media consumption, as one individual acknowledges the selective exposure of information they received through conservative sources. This moment highlights a rare instance of vulnerability among supporters, suggesting the potential for introspection and change as they grapple with the realities of that day.
Cultural Reflections and Iconic Symbols
The episode humorously examines the cultural peculiarities that emerge during MAGA events, particularly the excitement surrounding a garbage truck that has become a symbolic figure. Attendees express unrestrained joy upon hearing that the truck, initially thought to be a VIP appearance, might make an appearance, which serves as a metaphor for the oddities of the movement. The depiction of onlookers becoming giddy over something as mundane as a garbage truck suggests a deeper commentary on the nature of fulfillment and spectacle within the MAGA culture. This quirky enthusiasm echoes the overall ambiance of misplaced priorities and simplistic joy that the attendees associate with their political identity.
Jordan Klepper joins Supervising Producer and Segment Director Ian Berger to deep dive on their latest Fingering the Pulse segment, talking to the crowds at Trump’s second inauguration. They discuss the thrill of victory, the disappointment of a cancelled outdoor ceremony, mixed feelings on blanket J6 pardons, and the absolute joy of a MAGA garbage truck.
