Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Transportation Policy

The Bailout: Won’t Someone Please Think of the Car Dealers?

Cap'n Transit pointed out the other day how US Senators, including Majority Leader Harry Reid, were pushing Bailout 2.0 by emphasizing the precipitous drop in new car sales and the slowing of highway construction as indicators of national crisis. (Mayor Bloomberg, by the way, also alluded to empty dealer showrooms during yesterday's third term pitch.)

To keep things in perspective, we again turn to "The Daily Show." Queuing up a Senate testimony montage at the five-minute mark of this clip, Jon Stewart explains the initial House bailout clusterf#@k:

"No wonder it didn't pass the House. Their explanations in no way explain the problem. To do this you've gotta at least use highway wreckage metaphors. It's the only way Americans understand things. I think the Senate knows what I'm talking about."

Hilarity ensues.

Video: Comedy Central

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Friday’s Headlines: From Hero to Zero Edition

Mayor Mamdani's sympathy for cyclists over the Williamsburg Bridge has yet to trickle down to his NYPD. Plus more news.

January 9, 2026

Bill Watch: New York Still Needs to Commit to Lowering Vehicle Miles Traveled

The state Legislature could use 2026 as a year to find a solution to reducing the number of cars traveling across the state, but it may be more of the same. The post Bill Watch: New York Still Needs to Commit to Lowering Vehicle Miles Traveled appeared...

January 9, 2026

‘Zohramp’ At Williamsburg Bridge Still NYPD Ticket Trap … For Cyclists

Meanwhile, driver after driver blew the adjacent red light with impunity.

January 8, 2026

The ‘Affordability Crisis’ Conversation Can’t Leave Out the Cost of Cars

We can't talk about Americans' empty wallets without talking about our empty buses and sidewalks.

January 8, 2026

What Is A Life Worth In NYC? In Fatal Crashes, Sometimes Just $50

Drivers who kill pedestrians often face minimal punishment, a Streetsblog investigation found.

January 8, 2026
See all posts