American politics got a lot less interesting when Jon Stewart left The Daily Show earlier this month. The comic had been on the air for over 15 years pointing out the hypocrisy of the news media and the politicians they covered, but fans still haven’t had enough of Stewart’s wry wit, which is why one petition has been gaining traction quickly.
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“Over the last 16 years, Jon Stewart has played an influential and iconic role in covering US politics and media. We believe he should continue that tradition as a moderator at one of the 2016 Presidential Debates,” reads the opening paragraph of a Change.org petition that has garnered over 180,000 supporters in the two weeks it’s been active.
“In addition to his vast experience working with political figures, Jon Stewart is accomplished in presidential election coverage,” the petition continues. “His work on The Daily Show received the prestigious Peabody Award for its coverage of the 2000 and 2004 presidential races.”
Although there are certainly those who would prefer for a presidential debate to be taken seriously rather than leaving it in the hands of a comedian, even Jon Stewart couldn’t have orchestrated a scene as ridiculous as what we saw during the first Republican presidential primary debate.
Whether or not Jon Stewart, the candidates, or anyone else involved in the upcoming debates would be game for this, there’s no question that it would draw a crowd. We’ll have to wait and see as the petition continues to gather signatures.
