It's really easy to launch firebombs of criticism and then back off and say you won't help because it's not your job. The "comedy show" guise is pretty disingenuous too, Jon. The Daily Show is an op-ed page and everyone knows it. That's why we watch it.
Jon Stewart, don't make me not like you.
The Daily Show was pretty good before you showed up, but you took it somewhere else. Craig Kilborn seemed like another stodgy guy who didn't get it after you replaced him. You made the same kinds of jokes that my friends made, but yours were better. We rehashed The Daily Show like others recalled that last drive into the end zone. Above all, the show was funny because it was true.
About a year ago, the hype machine took a permanent seat on the set of The Daily Show. Grown-up nerds found your show the place they could look cool. The place for wonks and weapons inspectors to be flattered and applauded for ... what they knew. The Daily Show was a secret clubhouse that had everyone inside the Beltway knocking at the windows.
And the media? Even as you gleefully mocked the press, the twinkle in your eye kept the pundits applauding. The critics liked you perhaps more than your regular viewers. Rick Kushman of the Sacramento Bee said in December 2003 said "Nothing on the planet" was funnier than your show. "At times, this Emmy-winning mock — and mocking — newscast seems to be the only honest take on world events, and one of the few news-related shows that actually reports them."
The St. Paul Pioneer-Press quoted you as saying (again in December 2003) "'I can't tell you how many times I run into government officials or people in the press who say, 'Yeah, you tell it like it is. I'd love to be able to say that.' And I say to them, 'Well, maybe you should.'"
It's almost a year later and you can't wait for them to follow your lead anymore, can you? Now that you've got some (well-deserved) Emmys on your shelf, it's time to say "Fuck it." Right Jon? You're tired of fighting the good fight against the mainstream press night after night on cable, alone.
And why not? Ratings are good. Archbishop Desmond Tutu agrees to be on your show. Everyone knows the kids are watching. You've got the pulse of America's youth, my friend. The kids listen to you. You'll teach the kids who Richard Butler is. And everyone will laugh and shake their heads over what a mess we're all in.
The critics wrote repeatedly that The Daily Show was the only voice of reason in all this. As the presidential campaign gained ground, newspaper covered you fake-covering the news. Several stories about how wacky you all were, staying in dorms during the Democratic conventions. The coverage indicated that reporters probably blushed and giggled when they met you. Maybe they loved you because they couldn't (or wouldn't) say the things you did. Or maybe it was because everyone in American knew your face. That's gotta be a little intoxicating. It's OK, Jon. I understand.
It takes a strong man to keep all this hot air from infiltrating his skull. It appears, Jon, that you are not that strong. You're seeing your chance and you're taking it. And you're consistent, I'll give you that. You're not going on Crossfire and saying anything different than you ever say on your show. And you're right about how stupid and empty Crossfire is. No argument here.
My question is, who are you again? Oh, wait. As you keep insisting, you're a guy who hosts a comedy show. So you're not responsible for any of the media's mishaps that have played a part in misleading this country in the past several years. I completely agree.
But there's something that rubs me the wrong way about you going on someone else's news show and telling them they do a shitty job. Wouldn't it be weird if Adam Clymer came to your show and told you it sucked and wouldn't you please make it better, for the sake of American laughter everywhere? Because really, Adam Clymer may tell some great jokes at dinner parties, but he probably doesn't know shit about how to make people laugh. And that's what you do — you make them laugh at the truth to keep them from crying.
The fact that Crossfire isn't exactly the pinnacle of American journalism isn't even the point. Walter Cronkite, the Boston Globe, the Washington Post, Ted Koppel — whoever. I have a hunch you would have taken whatever opportunity given to kick the Fourth Estate in the ass. Lord knows the media could use it. But still, Jon, I'm not feeling you on this one.
Because, you know, it's really easy to launch firebombs of criticism and then back off and say you won't help because it's not your job. The "comedy show" guise is pretty disingenuous too, Jon. Your show is an op-ed page and everyone knows it. That's why we watch it. Conan O'Brien makes us laugh. You make as laugh and think. You of all people should know that.
It really raises the level of discourse when you call Tucker Carlson a "dick" and make fun of his clothes. There you are, playing concerned citizen and funnyman. You demand the truth and meaningful discussions but then revert to the third grade. But, I forgot, you're a comedian.
I still watch your show and you still make me laugh. But stay behind the desk, my friend. Keep doing your comedy. It's what you're great at.
