The Daily Show with Jon Stewart seems to be the sane voice of politics and all things generally obtuse, but last night [01/10/2011] he chose a different direction; something that’d be in line with 9/11— where he spoke seriously about the actions of the gun man in AZ and the deaths that occurred.
Normally, The Daily Show has it’s talking points and it’s highs and lows, but it’s always there to bring fun to the seriousness of the political system; a system he thinks is clearly broken.
And while he could’ve taken his show off in the same direction as he normally does; attacking the networks for finding someone to blame— to hold someone accountable for inscrutable actions, he completely declined and went humble and respectful on his viewing audience.
It’s one thing to tune in to watch a show, expecting to see comedy, but to tune in and find serious; that demands audience attention because the line has changed so much, you have to listen to why there’s no sounds of laughter.
The bulk of his show was his first 10 minute speech, another 5 minute video reel from 2 years ago and his interview with Dennis Leary; with his ‘book’ of tweets.
What’s surprising about this change is that The Daily Show is all about stopping the stupidity; he has been pointing his finger in the direction of the polarized political system for a while. In a recent interview with Rachel Maddow, he talked about the media is really pushing this pattern, and causing this break in the country.
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I believe this stands as evidence that while Stewart is a comedian, and he sustains his show by pointing out all the stupidity of politics; there’s a time to be respectful— unlike the news media.
Stewart also produces the Colbert Report [re-pore], and Stephen started his show with a serious piece on being respectful, and noting that he wasn’t going to point fingers; and then he shows clips of all the other news media outlets spewing their theories, opinion and rhetoric…
I believe that what Stewart did was respectful and called for… and what the news media is doing is utterly disrespectful. Even in a situation like this, the new media continue to polarize the Democrat and Republican parties— splitting parties, splitting America.
…And that beats all.
ThatBeatsAll
