Trevor Noah: What Is An Extreme Liberal?

On CNN’s “The Messy Truth With Van Jones,” Trevor Noah, host of The Daily Show on the Comedy Channel, discussed the issue of divisiveness in the United States. Naturally, both Jones and Noah took this opportunity to bash conservatives. Noah said,

“Realistically, when people are saying this, they’re going, “It’s the same. There’s extremes on either end.” And I go, yes, but what is one extreme shown us that they’re capable of repeatedly.”

The sad part is that Noah is correct; one side of the political spectrum has shown us what they are capable of. Unfortunately for Noah, it isn’t people on the right who are the problem. The majority of political violence is coming from the left. Noah also said “When people say that, I go, like, what is an extreme liberal? Like, what is that?”

I’m so glad he asked! Since Trevor Noah apparently does not pay much attention to the news — which is odd because he hosts a show about the “news” — but we are more than happy to enlighten him.

It is fact that the left is causing most of the politically-motivated violence happening in our current political climate. In Berkeley, California there have now been two violent protests against conservatives. The first occurred when conservative provocateur Milo Yiannopoulos came to give a speech at UC Berkeley. Students came out in full force to protest Yiannopulos’ speech. The protest soon turned violent. Demonstrators set fires and destroyed property. One student was pepper-sprayed.

The second incident in the city of Berkeley occurred when Trump supporters held a rally. Conservatives showed up to express their support for President Trump and his policies. Leftist protesters came to the rally and used violence to disrupt the event. The Chicago Tribune noted:

In Berkeley, California, Trump supporters fought counter-protesters during a march in support of the president. People wearing goggles, motorcycle helmets, gas masks or with their face half-covered with bandanas are pushing each other, throwing punches and hitting each other with the sticks holding their signs.

At New York University, comedian Gavin McIness held a seminar for young Republicans. Protesters arrived and started fights with McIness’ supporters. They also attempted to assault McIness as he entered the building. The violence resulted in several arrests.

During President Trump’s inauguration, leftist activists started a riot. Black bloc protesters set fires and attacked multiple buildings and vehicles. Six police officers were injured while attempting to stop the violence. Over 200 protesters were arrested.

These are just a few examples of the leftist violence that has occurred over the last few months. Trevor Noah’s statements are patently false, and he knows it. The comments he made on Van Jones’ show were completely disingenuous. One only has to read the news to see clear examples of “extreme liberals.” They are willing to engage in violent behavior to silence their opponents. They demonize people on the right by calling them racists, sexists, and xenophobes. You do not typically see this type of behavior on the right.

The problem with Noah’s statements is that they do nothing to promote civil political discourse. Instead of recognizing that there is an issue with violence on the left, he ignores it completely. It is an egregious example of intellectual dishonesty. It would have been far more helpful if Noah had acknowledged and condemned the extremism on the left. Unfortunately, it seems Noah is more concerned with furthering a false narrative than he is with speaking honestly on the issues.