All-American comedian Jon Stewart just ended his 16 year hosting gig on "The Daily Show,” but certain fans believe they can convince the satirical ex-news anchor to come out of retirement for one last political showdown. First, though, supporters have to persuade the COP, the Commission on Presidential Debates, to agree to their grand plan.
On August 6, 2015, New Jersey resident Mariel Waters began a petition addressing the COP, a private company in charge of producing the presidential and vice presidential debates for the United States, regarding a potential candidate to fill a moderator position for one of the three major 2016 presidential debates. Her ideal moderator? Jon Stewart.
Hosting Comedy Central's “The Daily Show,” Stewart has accumulated a hefty list of credentials by focusing his sarcastic opinions on U.S. politics and media. Interviewing more than a handful of politicians over the years, including members of the U.S. Cabinet, Senate, and House of Representatives, Stewart is a well informed and qualified political satirist with a large fan base. So large, in fact, that the petition has acquired over 320,000 signatures in a little over a month, and the number is steadily growing. Stewart has also led the “The Daily Show” to receive several awards, including two Peabody Awards for the show's coverage on both the 2000 and 2002 presidential elections. Peabody Awards are given based on exceptional storytelling, something Stewart has a knack for doing, while still getting the facts across. Jon Stewart’s resume alone stands as reason enough, for many, to sign the petition.
Another favorable reason drawing people to sign is that in the 2012 election, a group of high school girls began a petition requesting a female moderator. Remember Candy Crowley? The teenage girls’ petition secured over 120,00 signatures, and is noted as a “confirmed victory” on change.org, the same website where Mariel Waters posted her petition to get Jon Stewart on as a moderator. At double the number, Waters’ appeal is not such a far fetching obtainability. No more far fetching than Donald Trump’s dream of becoming the republican candidate, apparently.
Jon Stewart has spent a large portion of his professional career building his credibility and trustworthiness. Since the campaign is shaping up to be a free for all, many voters are looking for stability. Stewart has proved his dependability consistently, which is more than what majority of the presidential candidates can say. His supporters have been gained overtime. His face is a familiar one that has the potential to draw in more viewers to the presidential debates then ever before, and, likely, enable voters to relate to the topics discussed in a more clear-cut manner.
Mariel Waters, and all supporters of the petition, may be at the beginning of a long, uphill battle, but their request couldn’t come at a better time. Following politics these days is like watching a reality show; all entertainment and no content. Jon Stewart exemplified a fair balance of both amusement and information throughout his time on “The Daily Show,” making him a suitable person to organize the chaos. Yes, Jon Stewart started his career as a stand-up comedian, but at least he was making the jokes and not the blunt of them. Right Trump?
