Normally, I listen to Jon Stewart for some good chuckles, but I dismiss his political comments as entertainment. However, this morning I feel compelled to commend his journalism regarding CNBC and Jim Cramer. Stewart asked the questions the media -- all of them -- should have been askng. I hope his show, despite being an entertainment show, becomes a seminal moment for my former profession. In a similar seminal moment for journalism Dan Rather founded "advocacy" journalism back in the early 70s when he declared he would get Dick Nixon. That started a trend -- no one could see the consequences -- that ultimately wounded unbiased journalism, perhaps mortally. Now, in this shining moment, perhaps Stewart's legacy will be that of journalist -- not entertainer -- by getting the media to ask tough questions of everybody rather than being propagandists of the left, right, political party, religion, business or cause. Only time will tell. In the interim, my Kudos go to you, Jon. How about you, Sigma Delta Chi, Society of Professional Journalists?
He's a partisan stooge that takes advantage of short clips lacking contextual information and his handy laugh track to make people think he has proven a point. I have little respect for him. He's taking the easy way out - trying his passive/aggressive approach to sticking it to the right with his tired act of "oh I'm just a comedian...." He's a good cheerleader for the Obama drones....and he's stepped up his vitriol of late due to Obama's piss poor handling of the economic mess
When a commendation is deserved, regardless of past sins or the perception of past sins, one must bestow a deserved commendation as a matter of fairness and, ultimately, honor.
JS might as well be the barometer for the country. The guy just reflects public opinion so amazingly well.
Haha. So typical. #35 The Daily Show/Colbert Report The Daily Show/Colbert makes up a duo that is held in such high regard by white people that to criticize it would be the equivalent of setting the pope on fire in Italy in 1822. It just isn’t done, in fact it isn’t even considered! White people love to make fun of politics, especially right wing politics. It’s a pretty easy target and makes for some decent humor, but white people are actually starting to believe that these two shows are becoming legitimate news sources. “Oh, I don’t watch the news,” they will say. “I watch the Daily Show and the Colbert Report. You know, studies show that viewers of those shows are more educated than people who watch Fox News or CNN.” White women all consider John Stewart to be the most perfect man on the planet. This is not a debate, it is law. The Daily Show also features guests like John McCain, writers, policy analysts, and actors. It is comforting for white people to see boring celebrities get interviewed in a funny fashion. It fills their need to do something productive, but also not work that hard at it. Take note that Tuesday through Friday during the working week, you can break ALL awkward silences with white people by saying “did you see the Daily Show/Colbert Report last night?” At which point they will start talking until it’s time for you to move on to more interesting activities. http://stuffwhitepeoplelike.com/2008/01/28/35-the-daily-showcolbert-report/?cp=17
Yeah, no irony in that post. Jon Stewart is like a super hero who uses his unstoppable humor to slay the enemies of freedom.
Not across the board, but, on this occasion, I agree. I also understand Artesticle's concern that there is a significant segment of market share that believes Stewart and John Colbert are news commentors rather than entertainers. That is scary.
You've posted this link all over the BBS. We get it, you think it's funny. Multiple chuckles have been had.
Humor is a valid form of editorializing. Shakespeare, Twain, Will Rodgers Expressing outrage with humor is really one of the most effective tactics for dealing with it. It cuts right through the shell of imperiousness. And, I don't think anyone has ever refuted a Daily Show report for shoddy research. Their video filing system is their best weapon.
Whereas I do not wish to diminish Stewart's accomplishment on this occasion, one can be accurate all day long without being fair. That's what advocacy journalism is all about. As for the examples you mentioned, anything is fair for a humorist and, I agree, they can be both insightful and enlightening.
The forces of the opinions he opposes are usually well funded and well represented within the media. One could argue that he is the balance of fairness to the monied establishment that controls the corporate media. I think Jon goes well out of his way to reinforce the idea that he is not a journalist. No one from The Comedy Channel is going out pounding shoe leather doing original journalism. They just re-organize and contrast existing reporting for a desired effect. That doesn't mean you can't get the gist of what the news is from it though.
I went to some pains to point out that Stewart is an entertainer who for one bright, shining moment became what journalists should be. If I didn't, I hope I just did.
so who's more stupid? people who watch the daily show for laughs? or people who listen to rush for moral advice?
Since when did Rush become Dr. Laura? I think you're mixing shows up, or more likely are basing your opinion of his program and listeners on second hand sources. Disregarding that, I'm going to have to go with people who watch TDS for laughs. Not to be too snobby, but it barely rates above the likes of Family Guy nowadays. Stewart is a dimestore Maher with an almost Olbermannian level of unwarranted self-importance. Colbert Report is brilliant though. The all-time best lampoon of the right.
