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: Visionary NYC Edition

New York City stands out among U.S. cities with "Vision Zero" programs. Plus more news.

December 5, 2025

DMV SCANDAL: New York Faces Uphill Battle Getting Back Fraudulently Obtained Licenses

A longtime NYC driving teacher dishes on a pair of shocking scandals at the New York State DMV.

December 4, 2025

State DOT Hurts Cyclists in Rt. 9 Draft Plan: Advocates

The plan to redesign the spine of the river towns misses opportunities to equalize road access and safety for all travelers, according to advocates

December 4, 2025

ANALYSIS: With ‘State of the Agency’ Celebration, DOT Sends Its Resumé to Mamdani

Commissioner Ydanis Rodriguez held an invitation-only valedictory address that misrepresented the agency's accomplishments — and called out reporters just trying to do their jobs.

December 3, 2025

Wednesday’s Headlines: Biden Their Time Edition

All the signs point to not wanting to piss off the president. Plus other news.

December 3, 2025
See all posts