John Oliver criticized Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance on "Last Week Tonight," telling him to stop "scolding people for enjoying stuff" while campaigning. Oliver mocked Vance's attempt to downplay the enthusiasm at Vice President Kamala Harris' rallies by showing a clip of Vance accusing Harris of having fun while Americans suffer under her policies. Vance had claimed that while Harris laughs during speeches, families are struggling, unable to afford basic necessities, and grieving over lost children.

Oliver responded by pointing out how unreasonable it is to criticize people for enjoying themselves just because others are suffering. He humorously imagined Vance dampening the mood in other situations, like taking his kids to SeaWorld and reminding them of dark facts about dolphins. Oliver also made a self-deprecating joke, comparing Vance's negativity to his own show, saying that bringing everyone down with depressing facts is more likely to make people fall asleep than win a vice presidency.