The news can be less than trustworthy these days. From Fox News and MSNBC’s overt partisanship to Brian Williams’ recent admission that he lied to the public, it is hard to find someone who will deliver the news without bending the truth. Surprisingly, many millennials have found that person in a comedian. Political commentator and comedian Jon Stewart’s position on Comedy Central’s The Daily Show with Jon Stewart has made him one of the most unexpectedly influential individuals of the decade.
The Daily Show with Jon Stewart has had a larger influence on politics than any other show today. By connecting comedy and political commentary, Stewart makes current events easy to digest for those who are disinterested by more serious reporting on actual news networks. His show is also accessible–short, five-minute clips available on Comedy Central’s website and app make it easy for young people with short attention spans to watch Stewart.
Admittedly, Stewart is not a substitute for real news. He presents a liberally-biased view on events and especially enjoys skewering conservatives. However, he also mocks some liberals and is not afraid to point out corruption or lies where he sees them. He scorned Hillary Clinton earlier this month for not following the rules, and enjoys deriding CNN for their partisan politics. The media on both sides of the aisle is a frequent target. Fox News is an obvious victim for a liberal comedian’s jabs, but Stewart also criticizes MSNBC and other liberal sources. Even if he is guilty of it himself, Stewart points out the bias that runs rampant in the media.
If the Daily Show has any negative repercussions, it is that it has contributed to a culture of apathy and cynicism. Jon Stewart’s sarcasm is contagious, and his scathing criticisms of society do not provide any suggestions for its improvement. The show is not very constructive. However, in an age where most comedy shows are busy cracking jokes about pot and sex, the Daily Show is a more educated alternative. Its informed comedy is more productive than any Seth Rogen movie a Comedy Central viewer could be watching.
Stewart is ranked as one of the most influential and trustworthy people today. In a TIME poll after Walter Cronkite’s death, he was chosen as the most trusted newscaster on television. Despite his efforts to be seen as a comedian, he has emerged as a political figure, having more influence on young opinions than many politicians. Stewart’s success is also reflected in his show’s status as a launching pad for comedic greats. Steve Carell, Stephen Colbert, John Oliver, Frozen voice actor Josh Gad, and SNL “Weekend Update” anchor Michael Che all got their starts as correspondents with Stewart.
Jon Stewart’s future is unsure as he leaves the Daily Show. He wrote and directed a film last year, Rosewater, about a journalist arrested in Iran, which received lukewarm reviews. His fans have speculated Stewart may also go into politics. It would not be the first time an entertainment star ran for office, with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan as precedents. He could also have a career in serious journalism ahead, as Brian Williams’ post as NBC anchor may open up. No matter what his course of action, even retirement could not erase Stewart’s legacy as a seminal figure in politics.
