Jon Stewart Returns to ‘The Daily Show’ Ahead of 2024 Presidential Election
After nearly nine years, Jon Stewart made a triumphant return to his role as the host of “The Daily Show” on Monday evening. The timing couldn’t have been more perfect, as Stewart is back just in time for the 2024 presidential election. In his comeback episode, Stewart wasted no time in sparing both President Biden and former President Donald Trump from his pointed jokes.
Stewart highlighted the fact that both front-runners in the 2024 election are 81 and 77 years old, respectively. He humorously pointed out that the upcoming election is shaping up to look a lot like the previous one in 2020. To emphasize this, he even suggested a slogan for the 2024 election coverage: “What the f#@k are we doing?” Alternatively, he offered: “Indecision 2024: Antiques Roadshow.”
In his candid monologue on politics and the elections, Stewart acknowledged that while Biden and Trump may not be the most vibrant or capable candidates, they are both pushing the limits of handling the toughest job in the world. He noted that it’s not crazy to think that the oldest people in the history of the country to ever run for president might face some challenges.
Stewart’s return to “The Daily Show” was met with cheers from the studio audience. He promised to delve into politics, technology, and even tackle lighter topics like the Israel-Palestine conflict. With a touch of humor, Stewart acknowledged that the next nine months or more might be challenging, referencing the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the U.S. Capitol. However, he lightened the mood by joking that at least we can look forward to the sun running out of hydrogen at some point.
One particular focus of Stewart’s monologue was a line from special counsel Robert K. Hur’s report that described President Biden as “an elderly man with a poor memory.” Stewart mocked the White House’s efforts to reassure voters of Biden’s fitness for office, playfully referencing Biden’s angry response to questions about his mental fitness. He also highlighted a geographical blunder made by Biden during a discussion about facilitating aid into Gaza, where he mistakenly referred to Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi as the president of Mexico. Stewart couldn’t resist quipping about the mix-up, pointing out that Gaza and Mexico do not share a border.
Stewart defended his swipes at Biden, stating that the stakes of the election make it necessary to subject both candidates to scrutiny. He also criticized Biden’s foreign policy, particularly his language in characterizing Israel’s military campaign in Gaza. Stewart humorously compared Biden’s description of the bombings to his mother’s description of the Super Bowl halftime show, saying, “It was a little much.” He highlighted the high death toll in Gaza and questioned the appropriateness of Biden’s remarks.
In a lighter moment, Stewart poked fun at Biden’s attempt to appeal to younger voters by joining TikTok. He commented on a video where Biden declined to choose between footballer siblings Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce, instead favoring “Momma Kelce” for her chocolate chip cookies. Stewart jokingly wondered how Biden managed to look older on TikTok.
Stewart’s return to “The Daily Show” is highly anticipated, and he will be hosting the popular Monday night slot throughout the 2024 election cycle. The show plans to have rotating hosts for the rest of the week. During his previous tenure as host from 1999 to 2015, “The Daily Show” transformed late-night comedy, won numerous Emmys, and became a viral sensation on social media. Comedy Central has announced that the show’s next permanent host will be revealed in 2024, filling the seat left vacant by Trevor Noah since December 2022.
As Stewart reflected on his own aging, he humorously acknowledged the passage of time. He invited the camera to zoom in on his face, jokingly referring to himself as the lunar surface. With his sharp wit and thought-provoking commentary, Jon Stewart’s return to “The Daily Show” promises to be a captivating and entertaining ride through the 2024 presidential election and beyond.