Jon Stewart

[Futility Personified]

He's quite funny, but what's he actually about? I've seen a bit of the Daily Show where he claims to be a socialist, and he's definitely more than a standard liberal, but does anyone have more on that? The impression I got was he was a social democrat, but i'd like to believe, man.

Can anyone shed some more light on his aims/views?

[Art Vandelay]

He's a liberal from what I can gather. Calling him a democratic socialist, is definitely an over stretch. Colbert is better anyways, he's a great troll.

[Sasha]

as he is an progressive newyork jew he is bound to have a bunch of old communists in his family, but he himself; social-dem at best.
but his (and colberts) value is not in thier private politics, its in their function of court-jester, they are the ones who point out that the emperor have no clothes on. and i for one am happy they do so regardless of whether the emperor claims to be right or left wing.

[bad ideas actualised by alcohol]

From what I've seen he is just another boring Liberal.
He is just as much a socialist as Obama is, being none. It isn't surprising that he regularly defends Obama and the Democrats.

I would also disagree with him being funny, but I guess that is more a thing of taste, as in me having it while he does not.

[Art Vandelay]

From what I've seen he is just another boring Liberal.
He is just as much a socialist as Obama is, being none. It isn't surprising that he regularly defends Obama and the Democrats.

I would also disagree with him being funny, but I guess that is more a thing of taste, as in me having it while he does not.

Yeah I'm not a huge fan of Stewarts comedy either.

[nativeabuse]

Yeah I'm not a huge fan of Stewarts comedy either.

He isn't funny at all in and of himself, his jokes are terrible. If he just went silent and let all the videos play out without his dumb commentary it would probably be a much better show, I watch it mainly for the displays of overall hypocrisy, lies, bullshit, and stupidity. The way he juxtaposes videos of stupid conservatives on fox, really bad reporting on cnn/msnbc/fox, weirdo conservative talk radio clips, completely out of touch with reality congressmen on cspan, and the compare and contrast videos of elected officials flip flopping dramatically, ect. it is just brilliant. Then again most of his other segments not dealing with analysis of media/politics through video clips are complete garbage.

[Lowtech]

his comedy is fantastic. i really don't get anyone not liking his humor, unless this thread is about being 'too hip' for Stewart.

although i'm sure its really just a matter of different preferences, like those who like it's always sunny in Philadelphia or glee..."whats your spaghetti policy here?" if i have to drink nine cups of hipster coffee to have the slightest glimmer of why someone would find that question funny, that's too much work to understand an unfunny joke.

Stewart however, is quite brazen to often go on fox shows as a guest, always at ease dealing with their attacks. if more of us were that way in public talking about socialism, we'd be much better at spreading awareness.

[Art Vandelay]

He isn't funny at all in and of himself, his jokes are terrible. If he just went silent and let all the videos play out without his dumb commentary it would probably be a much better show, I watch it mainly for the displays of overall hypocrisy, lies, bullshit, and stupidity. The way he juxtaposes videos of stupid conservatives on fox, really bad reporting on cnn/msnbc/fox, weirdo conservative talk radio clips, completely out of touch with reality congressmen on cspan, and the compare and contrast videos of elected officials flip flopping dramatically, ect. it is just brilliant. Then again most of his other segments not dealing with analysis of media/politics through video clips are complete garbage.

I still watch his show from time to time, mostly when I'm waiting for Colbert to come on.

[bad ideas actualised by alcohol]

his comedy is fantastic. i really don't get anyone not liking his humor, unless this thread is about being 'too hip' for Stewart.

although i'm sure its really just a matter of different preferences, like those who like it's always sunny in Philadelphia or glee..."whats your spaghetti policy here?" if i have to drink nine cups of hipster coffee to have the slightest glimmer of why someone would find that question funny, that's too much work to understand an unfunny joke.

Stewart however, is quite brazen to often go on fox shows as a guest, always at ease dealing with their attacks. if more of us were that way in public talking about socialism, we'd be much better at spreading awareness.

The difference is that It's always sunny in Phildelphia is hilarious, unlike Stewart.
Probably because his show is highly political so the Liberalism comes right back in his, horrible excuse for, jokes.

[Art Vandelay]

his comedy is fantastic. i really don't get anyone not liking his humor, unless this thread is about being 'too hip' for Stewart.

although i'm sure its really just a matter of different preferences, like those who like it's always sunny in Philadelphia or glee..."whats your spaghetti policy here?" if i have to drink nine cups of hipster coffee to have the slightest glimmer of why someone would find that question funny, that's too much work to understand an unfunny joke.

Stewart however, is quite brazen to often go on fox shows as a guest, always at ease dealing with their attacks. if more of us were that way in public talking about socialism, we'd be much better at spreading awareness.

Anyone who dislikes 'Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia' is getting sent to a gulag after the revolution.

[Geiseric]

I've watched Jon Stewart for years. He's an entertainer first and formost, along with the corespondents, who are debatably funnier than Stewart himself. I remember Al Madrigal went to Arizona to do a story on SB-1070 when they were trying to pass that shit. Overall he's whatever the writers want him to be, he was more radical during occupy than during the election for example.

[Geiseric]

Anyone who dislikes 'Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia' is getting sent to a gulag after the revolution.

I second this. Denim chicken? Vermhats Wormhats?

[Art Vandelay]

I've watched Jon Stewart for years. He's an entertainer first and formost, along with the corespondents, who are debatably funnier than Stewart himself. I remember Al Madrigal went to Arizona to do a story on SB-1070 when they were trying to pass that shit. Overall he's whatever the writers want him to be, he was more radical during occupy than during the election for example.

Well when Colbert was on the daily show he was by far the most enjoyable part of the show. Your last sentence is spot on too.

[Lowtech]

in fairness, i haven't watched sunny really. the little i've seen though sounds way too much like annoying workplace humor by people who think being dense and rude is somehow funny.

if you mumble some nonsense and you and your buddies laugh like monkeys that just flung shit at each other, all i can do is look at you and ask "why??"

[Brosa Luxemburg]

He is just as much a socialist as Obama is, being none. It isn't surprising that he regularly defends Obama and the Democrats.

This isn't exactly true. Yes, he does defend Obama and the democrats, especially during election time, but usually outside of election season he will, and has, criticized democrats and Obama. I would disagree with the characterization that he "regularly defends Obama and the Democrats".

[Brosa Luxemburg]

his comedy is fantastic. i really don't get anyone not liking his humor, unless this thread is about being 'too hip' for Stewart.

I agree with you here, but.........


although i'm sure its really just a matter of different preferences, like those who like it's always sunny in Philadelphia or glee...

No, It's Always Sunny is brilliant. You sir, deserve nothing less than a gulag.

[bad ideas actualised by alcohol]

This isn't exactly true. Yes, he does defend Obama and the democrats, especially during election time, but usually outside of election season he will, and has, criticized democrats and Obama. I would disagree with the characterization that he "regularly defends Obama and the Democrats".

regularly[ reg-yuh-ler-lee ]
adverb
1. at regular times or intervals.

Every four years, seems pretty regular.

I don't really care when he does. The fact that he runs right back to the right during election times really only shows his liberalism.

[Art Vandelay]

regularly[ reg-yuh-ler-lee ]
adverb
1. at regular times or intervals.

Every four years, seems pretty regular.

I don't really care when he does. The fact that he runs right back to the right during election times really only shows his liberalism.

Well I mean, just given the fact that he's on mainstream t.v., he's got to be a liberal. They wouldn't be letting some socialist host their own show.

[Os Cangaceiros]

He's one of those boring self-styled centrists who just wants politics to be less divisive, and kids himself that he represents some kind of 'silent majority' of rational people in the USA, who've been victimized by the national political conversation being dominated by 'extremists' of the left and right. Which is pure delusion, of course, and if anything I wish politics were MORE divisive in this country, not less.

[RadioRaheem84]

in fairness, i haven't watched sunny really. the little i've seen though sounds way too much like annoying workplace humor by people who think being dense and rude is somehow funny.

if you mumble some nonsense and you and your buddies laugh like monkeys that just flung shit at each other, all i can do is look at you and ask "why??"

Agreed. I seriously do not know how people even find most of these kind of FX or Comedy Central shows remotely funny. The only shows I find funny are Colbert and the Daily Show sans Stewart.

Stewart is a blowhard. The way he lumped unions, left wingers and marxists as in the same "divisive" camp as right wing hardline Tea Baggers was just absurd. He was called out on it and I am glad he had egg on his face. He had a guest on last year I believe that wrote a book in defense of unions and Stewart was quick to point our the "corruption" in unions and drone on and on about it, trying desperately to be "balanced".

He's one of those boring self-styled centrists who just wants politics to be less divisive, and kids himself that he represents some kind of 'silent majority' of rational people in the USA, who've been victimized by the national political conversation being dominated by 'extremists' of the left and right. Which is pure delusion, of course, and if anything I wish politics were MORE divisive in this country, not less. Today 19:53
He's one of those boring self-styled centrists who just wants politics to be less divisive, and kids himself that he represents some kind of 'silent majority' of rational people in the USA, who've been victimized by the national political conversation being dominated by 'extremists' of the left and right. Which is pure delusion, of course, and if anything I wish politics were MORE divisive in this country, not less. Today 19:53
Os Cangaceiros hit it right on the nail. This whole moderate liberal centrist "extremism" where everything has to be completely "balanced", which usually translates into a CEO of a private charter school having a say as to whether teachers are being paid too much. I think Jon's ilk are worse than some liberals who actually take a stand. Instead Stewart and Co. blame "far left" Code Pink protestors for being too rigid in their call for peace? I mean the guy is a jerk, just a plain liberal douche like Cenk from TYT. These guys just believe they are the moderate center ground, the clear headed and everyone else are just "extremists".

Trust me these are the types that champion Waiting for Superman or failed NGO trends like microfinance, etc. They're trendy liberal centrists that believe the market with some mild social welfare can reform the system. I would put Stewart staight in the New Labour or New Democract camp.
He's one of those boring self-styled centrists who just wants politics to be less divisive, and kids himself that he represents some kind of 'silent majority' of rational people in the USA, who've been victimized by the national political conversation being dominated by 'extremists' of the left and right. Which is pure delusion, of course, and if anything I wish politics were MORE divisive in this country, not less. Today 19:53

[Comrade Samuel]

Perhaps he is just an apologist for the liberals and not our great socialist hero of comedy- so what? I still enjoy his humor and how he puts into perspective just how hypocritical and insane the far right is in this day and age.

Oh and I hate it's always sunny in philidephia.

[Ele'ill]

He's one of those boring self-styled centrists who just wants politics to be less divisive, and kids himself that he represents some kind of 'silent majority' of rational people in the USA, who've been victimized by the national political conversation being dominated by 'extremists' of the left and right. Which is pure delusion, of course, and if anything I wish politics were MORE divisive in this country, not less.

Thank you for this.

[RadioRaheem84]

Perhaps he is just an apologist for the liberals and not our great socialist hero of comedy- so what? I still enjoy his humor and how he puts into perspective just how hypocritical and insane the far right is in this day and age.

Oh and I hate it's always sunny in philidephia.

While at the same time painting Marxists, socialists and even a lot of progressives as "far left" loons on par with the right wing he so cleverly lampoons? He says we're hurting the national discourse in this country with our left wing rhetoric that goes full circle back to the right wing?

It's pure pompous newspeak to me. His march for sanity was so beyond stupid even liberals on MSNBC called him out on it and it butthurt him good. Almost apologized for it the following show after the rally.

His agenda is to lampoon the right while making the "left" appear more "legitimate" by severing the radical elements. That his schtick. If you like that, well then more power to you comrade. I enjoy some of his shows but for the most part prefer Colbert, who while is like Stewart is at least not as much of a blowhard.

[Comrade Samuel]

While at the same time painting Marxists, socialists and even a lot of progressives as "far left" loons on par with the right wing he so cleverly lampoons? He says we're hurting the national discourse in this country with our left wing rhetoric that goes full circle back to the right wing?

It's pure pompous newspeak to me. His march for sanity was so beyond stupid even liberals on MSNBC called him out on it and it butthurt him good. Almost apologized for it the following show after the rally.

His agenda is to lampoon the right while making the "left" appear more "legitimate" by severing the radical elements. That his schtick. If you like that, well then more power to you comrade. I enjoy some of his shows but for the most part prefer Colbert, who while is like Stewart is at least not as much of a blowhard.

Really? I have never once seen him try to paint the radical left in a negative light and I watch his show pretty much every night. The closest thing I've ever seen him do is refer to communism as a "failed ideology" when talking about the situation in Greece but to be fair he also said the same about fascism and that compromise between the two is impossible- he did not proceed to tell us why American styled two party politics are great or anything either but maybe that part was supposed to be implicit.

I honestly think the "rally to restore sanity" was just to take a stab at Glenn Beck (and do a little charity as well). The fact that Colbert did the "rally to restore fear" on the same day and at the same time probably serves as evidence enough that he didn't actually have any serious intent with the rally.

[GPDP]

Perhaps he is just an apologist for the liberals and not our great socialist hero of comedy- so what? I still enjoy his humor and how he puts into perspective just how hypocritical and insane the far right is in this day and age.

Oh and I hate it's always sunny in philidephia.

I'm beginning to see a pattern emerge here.

In any case, Colbert is better. He even did that thing some time back where he worked with migrant farm workers or something and testified before a panel in congress on his experience, if I remember correctly, and after a little bit of humorous back and forth, stated that his intent was in putting the spotlight on the plight of those who have little to no power.

Even though the action was more akin to NGO-esque work than revolutionary activity, I'd like to know if Stewart ever did something like that.

[Fourth Internationalist]

I love Stewart and Colbert! They're awesome!

[RadioRaheem84]

Really? I have never once seen him try to paint the radical left in a negative light and I watch his show pretty much every night. The closest thing I've ever seen him do is refer to communism as a "failed ideology" when talking about the situation in Greece but to be fair he also said the same about fascism and that compromise between the two is impossible- he did not proceed to tell us why American styled two party politics are great or anything either but maybe that part was supposed to be implicit.

I honestly think the "rally to restore sanity" was just to take a stab at Glenn Beck (and do a little charity as well). The fact that Colbert did the "rally to restore fear" on the same day and at the same time probably serves as evidence enough that he didn't actually have any serious intent with the rally.

I suggest you read the speech he gave at the end of the rally. He explicitly said that Marxists are akin to right wing militia tea bagger types. He didn't allow unions into the rally, this was reported in Huff Post. His very well known tiff with Code Pink is well known and his promoting of anti-union myth talking points while talking to a union historian speaks volumes.

Even average liberals on MSNBC were attacking him to equating them with tea baggers. Maddow sliced him in two and Stewart didn't thrown a hissy fit like he usually does when someone questions him. He swallowed his pride and apologized (I think it was the closest thing to an apology I've seen from this smug jerk).

[Red Banana]

I feel like Colbert is more about mocking the far right in this country while Stewarts thing is just about pushing his own garbage.

I used to watch the Daily Show regularly but eventually I just got sick of the topics they cover (petty quarrels between bourgeois politicians, "pop politics" with a few current events thrown in) and the suffocating liberalism that penetrated every aspect of the show. He can be funny sometimes, sure, but over all it's just not for me. I still watch Colbert if he's on and I'm in the mood, though not nearly as much as I used to. That's more to do with me having less time though rather than being disillusioned with his work, as was the case with Stewart.

[RadioRaheem84]

I think it's that Colbert isn't a smug prick like Stewart. Colbert really does want to lampoon the right wing and has no desire of being this legitimate "rebel" news source like Stewart does.

[Geiseric]

http://www.thedailyshow.com/watch/thu-march-8-2012/the-socialist-network

The coorespondants are the ones to watch the show for. I will almost fully contest that, although Stewart is pretty funny, but it's an opportunist game depending on what's going on in the news, during elections Stewart dickrides the democrats, and during say Egypt or Occupy he seems more left wing. This is typical of most political, liberal entertainers.

[B5C]

Jon Stewart may not be our perfect satirist, but as for today's America media I will give him high standards. His political views may not side with us, but he does give the message that no other media wants to do through normal channels. Satire is a great tool to provide a message.

Jon Stewart is 21st Century version of Mark Twain, but without the writing skills of Twain.