He is arguably this generation’s most celebrated political satirist.
Jon Stewart
And after 16 years as the host of “The Daily Show”, Jon Stewart is calling it quits on Thursday, August 6, 2015, when the last episode of his show will air.
Stewart always noted that “The Daily Show” was never meant to be anything more than a comedy program. Millions of viewers may disagree.
He had the unique ability to use humor and jokes to tackle weighty issues and point out hypocrisy. This rare talent was one of the main reasons that “The Daily Show” became the primary source for news for many Americans, especially young adults.
A recent Pew Research Center poll showed 17 percent of 18-to-29-year olds cited the “Daily Show” as the most accurate news program, behind only CNN. The poll also showed that viewers were consuming comedy-show news about as much as broadcast news.
Jordan Ragusa
College of Charleston Political Science professor Jordan Ragusa says he is not surprised that young Americans are dedicated “Daily Show” viewers.
“The regular news can be boring and—for young people who don’t know a lot about politics—somewhat complex,” says Ragusa. “I think Stewart has helped engage people in political issues that otherwise wouldn’t consume any political information. Second, I think young people are generally disaffected by the sad state of contemporary American politics. Satire resonates with that dissatisfaction and helps cut through the noise.”
Young viewers were not the only ones attracted to the program. Politicians saw the show as a way of reaching a certain demographic. Prominent “Daily Show” guests like President Barack Obama, first lady Michelle Obama, Vice President Joe Biden, former governors Mike Huckabee and Rick Perry, and others saw the show as a way of getting in front of a huge captive audience and also gaining credibility with a younger generation.
Kendra Stewart
Professor Kendra Stewart says she understands Jon Stewart’s appeal to college age students. She says it not unusual for her to show a clip from the “Daily Show” while she is lecturing in her political science classes.
“He has great appeal to the college crowd and has a way of conveying complex issues in a straightforward manner and bringing up the irony in our political system,” says Stewart.
Kendra Stewart thinks that Jon Stewart leaves a profound legacy.
“I think his legacy will be as the man who wasn’t afraid to honestly talk about the problems we are facing while making us laugh about them. Jon is never afraid to call someone out or create a joke about a bad decision. He’s like the boy who pointed out that the Emperor wasn’t wearing any clothes.”
