I Heart Jon Stewart Posted by Michael Cohen

Last night I caught up on a few of the Daily Shows from the past week and let me just say Jon Stewart is one of the best interviewers on TV -- and a very funny guy. But then I've been a fan of the guy since his priceless cameos on the best comedy show to ever grace our TV airwaves.

This week he had Bill Kristol and Cheney hagiographer Stephen Hayes on. I'm not a fan of either man and while part of me wonders whether someone like Kristol needs another platform to spout his mistruths about Iraq, I appreciated the opportunity to hear Stewart debate them.

It's certainly not because I agree with these two folks, but because I believe sunshine is generally the best disinfectant. Stewart is seemingly one of the few interviewers who actually makes an effort to directly confront the arguments of those who enable this Administration's policies in Iraq.  For example, when Kristol pulled out the names of O'Hanlon and Pollack to defend his pro-surge views and portrayed them as skeptics of the war, Stewart correctly pointed out that was . . . well BS.

Stewart doesn't rely on insults and personal attacks. And I'm sure one of the reasons why these folks go on his show is because while they know they'll get tough questioning, they will also be treated with respect. He debates with these folks honestly and graciously, points out the holes in their reasoning and, in effect, hoists them on their own petard. Replaying Cheney's comments from 1994 advocating against the invasion and occupation of Iraq is a classic example. It's a sad statement on the level of our national discourse that one of the best places for honest and constructive debates on foreign policy issues is occurring on a comedy show.

In short, the guy is a national treasure and in his approach there is a lesson for all of us: civil debate with those whom we disagree is a heck of a lot more effective than personal attacks.

Comments

[kickstand]

Jon Stewart is smart, funny, and unafraid to speak truth to power. Quite a combination indeed.

[Crimson]

Wow, what a well-written article! I think we all - true fans of Jon and The Daily Show - agree with everything you just said. I know I do :)
His politneness never fails to amaze me. And I have to say, I don't think that ANYONE can ask such hard-hitting questions and manage to remain so wonderful. In fact, I don't think that anyone actually wants to do it.
Jon's an astoundingly wise and sharp-witted person, but before that, he's a truly fantastic comedian.
I'm delighted and relieved that there's something like TDS and someone like Jon in the world.

[Thers]

Did you miss the non-interview parts of the Daily Show where political figures are often subject to biting satire and insults? Is "Douchebag of Liberty" a very civil thing to call someone you disagree with?

Your analysis is incomplete.