The Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial has become a surprising tourist attraction due to algae issues and discoloration. During a recent episode of “The Daily Show,” comedian Josh Johnson discussed its new-found popularity.
Johnson dubbed it “the first breakout hit of the summer,” remarking, “Everybody’s complaining about the pool, but they’re coming out to see it.” He humorously compared it to Disneyland, joking, “Hey, kids, remember you wanted to go to Disneyland? Instead, we’re going to go see the world’s largest kombucha!”
Reflecting on historical significance, Johnson pointed out, “The last time we collected this many people around the Reflecting Pool was for civil rights. Sixty years later, it’s ‘A slimy pool? This I gotta see!’”
He mused about pool maintenance, noting, “Anyone who’s ever owned a swimming pool or a fish tank knows there’s algae in the pool. In hot weather, a shallow pool like this, with a dark bottom, is particularly hard to keep clean. I know that because half the people I follow on social media are pool experts all of a sudden.”
In a playful critique, he added, “Trump, you’ve got to wait until after you do something to flex. The reflecting pool turned into a Kool-Aid bucket, attracting people nationwide. It’s like shooting a buzzer-beating game-winning shot, celebrating, then missing and hitting a baby duckling.”
Johnson’s humorous reflections highlight the unexpected fascination with the historic site.