I don’t know about you, but I’m feeling burned out in 2024 already. I’ll take whatever’s on offer if it gets me through the night. So. Jon Stewart is back on Monday nights to front the Daily Show on Comedy Central. Yes!!!
With the daily news a depressing horror-show, Stewart’s comedic delivery is very welcome. I remember watching him on the show during President Obama’s election campaign. He skewered George Bush at every opportunity. It was a delight and a pleasure at a time when Bush seemed dreadful. One is almost nostalgic for Bush, now, of course. I find that unbelievable, but it is what it is. God Bless America.
Now, Stewart is turning his focus to the 2024 election, which is shaping up to be a nightmare. You can watch Monday night’s show here on Youtube, if you fancy 20 minutes of light relief. He’s dubbed the election “Indecision 2024”, subtitle, “what the f**k are we doing?!”.
Most Americans do need an outraged comic to translate the news. But right now, it’s especially true. Humor is as powerful an antidote to some of the nonsense we’ve got to contend with as anything else. It also serves as a way of sharing the news with people—they watch the show instead of the news channels. Likewise, being funny gives us a way of being serious about what matters.
“It’s the candidate’s job to assuage concerns, not the voter’s job not to mention them,” Stewart said.
And…
“The stakes of this election don’t make Donald Trump’s opponent less subject to scrutiny,” he said.
“The next nine months or so are going to suck,” he said.
Those are all valuable and true statements. Stewart also delivered a close about the importance of working every day for justice. It’s not only an election-time issue. Every day, people show up in their communities to make a positive difference on issues that count. From your local neighborhood board to your kid’s playgroup, it takes commitment. Many of us do put a lot of energy into making the world a better place. We don’t run for President. But we do care about the world. That matters.
I liked that Stewart also took President Biden to task for his press conference where he mistook Mexico for Gaza. He also lightly alluded to his own departure from Apple TV because he had wanted to focus on discussing the Middle East there. Biden’s handling this specific issue could well decide the election, among other key issues. His campaign staff need to watch the Daily Show with urgency. So do I, but for slightly more relaxed reasons. It’s just great to have Jon Stewart back on television in this format. I’ve really missed him.
