Jon Stewart, the beloved former host of “The Daily Show,” made a triumphant return to the show on Monday night, much to the delight of fans and the studio audience. After a year-long search for a permanent replacement, Comedy Central decided to bring back Stewart as a Monday night-only host through the 2024 presidential election. The decision came amidst uncertainty about the future of the show, but Stewart’s return injected new life into the program.
Stewart wasted no time in diving into the current political landscape, using his first show back to critique both Joe Biden and Donald Trump. He began by addressing the race between the two candidates, exclaiming, “These fucking guys?!” In his signature style, Stewart humorously highlighted the shortcomings of both men, poking fun at Biden’s age-related gaffes and Trump’s inability to recall basic facts during depositions.
The host emphasized that both candidates were “chronically outside the norm” of previous presidential contenders, pushing the boundaries of what it means to handle the toughest job in the world. Stewart rejected the notion that voters should silence their concerns and criticisms, arguing that it is the responsibility of the candidates themselves to address these issues.
While acknowledging that Biden is not Donald Trump, Stewart stressed that the stakes of this election should not exempt Biden from scrutiny. He reminded viewers that regardless of who wins, the country will not be saved or destroyed. This nuanced perspective challenged the prevailing narrative that this election is a do-or-die moment for America.
Later in the show, correspondent Jordan Klepper playfully called out Stewart’s tendency to adopt a “both sides-ism” approach. Klepper humorously imagined Stewart simplifying the 2000 election as “George Bush is dumb! Al Gore is so boring!” He argued that Stewart’s comedy bits often perpetuated a corrosive status quo rather than inspiring people to actively pursue change.
Stewart’s return to “The Daily Show” comes at a crucial time, as the 2024 presidential election looms on the horizon. While he does not believe his comedy could have prevented Trump’s rise to power, Stewart aims to have a greater influence on the discourse leading up to the next election. By using his platform to highlight the similarities and flaws of both candidates, he hopes to encourage Americans to critically evaluate their choices and engage in meaningful discussions about the future of the country.
As Stewart settles back into his role as host, fans eagerly anticipate the unique blend of humor and political commentary that he brings to the table. With his sharp wit and insightful analysis, Stewart is poised to make a lasting impact on the political landscape once again.