Aiexpress – John Oliver and his team at Last Week Tonight continue to dominate the late-night scene, consistently earning Emmy Awards. Unlike other hosts, they don’t just talk the talk – they take action.
In a bold and audacious move, Oliver concluded Season 11 by extending an extraordinary offer to Justice Clarence Thomas. He proposed an annual payment of $1 million, along with a luxurious motor coach valued at $2.4 million, as an incentive for Thomas to step down from his position as a sitting Supreme Court Justice. The offer comes with a 30-day expiration period, adding a sense of urgency to the proposition.
“Clarence Thomas, considered by many as the most influential justice on the court today, has never hidden his disdain for the job. In fact, he has openly expressed that the position is not worth the trouble and grief it entails. With this in mind, what if he could retain the lavish perks he clearly enjoys without having to endure all the challenges? This intriguing proposition was put forth by Oliver, who proposed, ‘We have a special offer for you tonight. We are willing to provide you with $1 million per year for the rest of your life if you simply agree to resign from the Supreme Court immediately and never return.'”
Oliver presented a contract, emphasizing its seriousness. “This is not a joke,” he asserted. “It is real. It entails a million dollars annually for either of us until one of us passes away.”
According to the host, he consulted with legal experts who confirmed the legality of the offer. “It seems unbelievable to me because it goes against common sense. However, as the experts have repeatedly emphasized, there are no existing regulations to prevent me from proceeding with this. I want to make it clear that HBO is not funding this endeavor. I am personally taking responsibility.”
Oliver acknowledged that he may come to regret his offer if Thomas decides to accept it. He humorously commented, “I could find myself doing stand-up tours to fund your retirement for many years to come.”
Oliver dedicated a significant portion of the episode to delving into the numerous conflicts of interest surrounding several members of SCOTUS. He highlighted how the public’s approval of the court has plummeted to a mere 18 percentage points. Moreover, Oliver emphasized the immense significance of the cases currently before SCOTUS, which extend beyond the issues of whether former President Donald J. Trump should be disqualified from the 2024 ballot due to insurrection under the 14th Amendment or whether Trump enjoys immunity from prosecution. He underscored that these cases also encompass matters concerning abortion rights and the federal government’s authority to regulate various aspects.
Oliver focused on Thomas, highlighting not only his failure to recuse himself from cases involving his wife, Ginni, but also the numerous financial favors he has received from his wealthy associates since he became a member of the court.
In a 2017 episode of 60 Minutes, it was revealed that the Thomas’ received a $267,000 loan for their motor coach, which they used to travel across the country. Surprisingly, they were never asked to repay the loan.
According to Oliver, the current Supreme Court of the United States (SCOTUS) is said to be at a “breaking point.” He suggests that implementing legislative measures such as enforceable ethics codes, term limits, or increasing the number of justices could potentially address this issue. However, Oliver acknowledges that these ideas may not be realized in practice.
During his confirmation hearings, Oliver pointed out the pretense of Supreme Court nominees claiming to have no predetermined stance on controversial matters. He highlighted the need to recognize that these individuals, like anyone else, can be influenced by personal ideology and greed. Oliver emphasized the importance of acknowledging the human nature of these justices and not treating them as infallible beings who will serve until their death.
Oliver had high hopes that a brand new rig, worth ten times the value of Thomas’ current one, would be enticing. The motorcoach showcased in the Last Week Tonight studio boasts a luxurious bedroom with a king-sized bed, one-and-a-half bathrooms, a cozy fireplace, four state-of-the-art TVs, a spacious fridge, and even a convenient washer and dryer.
Oliver emphasized the importance of true friendships and reassured Clarence that real friends will love and support him regardless of his job. He acknowledged that some people may judge or make assumptions, but genuine friends will stand by him through thick and thin. Oliver believed that friendship transcends societal expectations and material wealth, emphasizing that true connections are not based on external factors like job titles or possessions.
Oliver dramatically scattered a pile of bills into the air as he stood in front of the impressive “condo on wheels.” With a sense of urgency, he emphasized the deadline once again, saying, “Thirty days, Clarence. Let’s make this happen… It’s your move now, Clarence. Your move.”
