Late-night TV host John Oliver is known for his sharp humor and fearless takes on politics, but his recent roast took aim at one of the most powerful figures in the Democratic Party — New York Senator Chuck Schumer.
Oliver didn’t just poke fun; he called out what he says is a long-running political myth Schumer has been pushing for years.
The Curious Case of the ‘Baileys’
Oliver zeroed in on Schumer’s repeated references to a seemingly average middle-class couple from Massapequa, New York, known as the Baileys.
According to Schumer, this fictional pair embodies the fiscally worried but socially moderate voters he’s been trying to win over throughout his career.
Oliver pointed out how Schumer introduced the Baileys in his 2007 book Positively American, where they appear an eye-popping 265 times in just 264 pages.
But here’s the twist: Oliver insists the Baileys don’t actually exist.
He joked that Schumer basically invented them — a kind of “J.R.R. Tolkien-level” fictional creation, complete with elaborate backstory, meant to appeal to middle America.
Bringing the Baileys to Life — Kind Of
To drive the point home, Oliver’s team staged a hilarious sketch featuring two actors playing what could be the “real” Baileys.
These characters portrayed exaggerated, caricatured Republicans who proudly admitted to voting for Donald Trump multiple times, shared bizarre conservative views like wanting “straight pride parades,” and griped about things like store clerks not saying “Merry Christmas.”
The sketch ended with the fictional Baileys lamenting that even their own kids have cut ties with them — and cheekily suggesting that Senator Schumer shouldn’t listen to them either.
Schumer’s Popularity Takes a Hit
While Schumer holds the influential position of Senate Minority Leader, it’s clear he isn’t exactly winning hearts everywhere.
A recent Sienna College Poll revealed that just 39% of his own constituents see him favorably, while 46% view him negatively.
That’s not a great look for someone with such a prominent role.
Where Schumer Stands Among His Peers
The poll results were echoed in the latest DailyMail+ Power List, which ranks public figures on likeability, trustworthiness, bias, and knowledge.
Schumer ranked near the bottom — 26th out of 29 notable Democrats.
Meanwhile, Vermont’s Bernie Sanders led the pack of elected officials, placing sixth overall, with Pennsylvania’s John Fetterman right behind him.
New Jersey’s Cory Booker also outranked Schumer, taking ninth place.
What’s Next on the Power List?
DailyMail+ has been busy unveiling rankings of top media personalities, sports analysts, and even figures within former President Trump’s circle — all aimed at capturing who Americans truly like and trust, and who they don’t.
In the coming weeks, expect more profiles and rankings covering politics, fashion, sports, and beyond.