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

‘How Do You Do That to People?’ Crash Victims Speak Out Against Hochul’s Car Insurance Agenda

"Her supposition that, 'There’s a lot of fraud and people are faking these injuries in order to get million-dollar payouts' is preposterous," said one crash victim.

March 19, 2026

Nassau County Police Are Enforcing an E-Bike Ban That Doesn’t Actually Exist

With no clear legal rationale for the ban, Nassau County e-bike riders are left in a tough spot.

March 19, 2026

Thursday’s Headlines: Backed into a Corner Edition

Another day, another demand for auto insurance reform from Gov. Hochul. Plus other news.

EXCLUSIVE: Mamdani Halts NYPD’s Criminal Crackdown on Cyclists, Ending Harsher Treatment of Bicyclists Than Car Drivers

Cops will no longer write criminal summonses to cyclists for minor traffic offenses starting on Friday, March 27, City Hall said.

March 18, 2026

Council Leaders Push DOT In Both Directions On Streets Master Plan Goals

Transportation Chair Shaun Abreu is passionate about bus lanes and bike lanes. Finance Chair Linda Lee? Not so much.

March 18, 2026

Albany Pols Seek Transparency From Insurance Giants As Hochul Pushes Premium Cuts

Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz and state Sen. Jamaal Bailey have stepped up their oversight of — and concern about — Gov. Hochul's auto insurance scheme.

See all posts