10 years ago, a group of politically aware comedy writers had an idea. Create a "fake news" show that was actually funny. They succeeded in that and more. Today, The Daily Show is "THE" show to be on according to both political and entertainment circles.
It used to be that Saturday Night Live had the "premier" fake news show, and with the Tonight Show (with Johnny Carson) was "THE" show to be on way back when. Then it was Letterman, Today, it is Stewart. This week's guests have included former President Bill Clinton, Al Franken and Pakistani President Mussariff (sp?) and last night, Jim McGreevey, the ex-gov. of New Jersey. In previous weeks, Stewart has entertained the likes of John McCain, Bill O'Reilly, and a "who's who" of hollywood stars. Politicians and stars alike are pressing their agents to get them on the show to have access to The Daily Show's growing audience.
That audience, which in the past was mischaracterized (and proven wrong) as just a bunch of "stoned slackers" by O'Reilly last year seems to be the "prize" everyone is trying to get their message to. And it's not just liberals clammering. It doesn't matter what walk of life or political persuasions one comes from, if they actually have a little sense of humor themselves, they want to be in Stewart's "seat of heat." The only people who don't want to be on, are those afraid of the brutal honesty that is often behind the jokes on the show.
And Stewart's audience knows their stuff as well as anyone. Since O'Reilly's comments, there was a study done that showed Stewart's "fake news" audience to be better educated and have a higher median income than those of O'Reilly's. And the numbers are growing. Of course, Bill could have saved himself the embarrassment of apologizing to Stewart and his audience by simply realizing that when watching the daily show, in order to actually get the jokes, one must be familiar with the backround and subject matter. The last thing The Daily Show is, is a show for unaware dummies.
To further represet the show's success, look at the track record of people who have "moved on" from the show. The 1st host, Craig Kilborn went onto a network gig. Steven Colbert has gotten his own show and is seen on other folks shows as well. He has been a top interviewee for others looking for a good interview and a ratings boost. Steve Carrel is the star of NBC's hit "The Office" as well as having a blockbuster hit with "The 40 year old Virgin." Ex commentator Mo Rocca is seen on entertainment and political "talking head" shows offering his opinion on everything from Iraq to Brittney Spears. Other writers and "reporters" have been able to go on to other projects and gigs as well. It appears having The Daily Show on one's resume is a valuable asset.
As we sit 39 days before the election, it is almost impossible to watch a cable news show or morning talk show without a snippet or 2 from a recent Daily Show. The show makes headlines almost universally at this point. This is amazing for a little cable show with a modest budget.
Of course, all this attention on the show has led people to speculate what influence they may have on the upcoming elections. I really don't think anyone can measure that or say definitively what that influence may or may not be. what is probably more solid specualtion is when Stewart will finally be presented with a big enough of a check to jump ship from Comedy Central and go network.
If you haven't seen John Stewart's great interview style, which keeps the audience entertained and growing, Keep a look out for his great interview with the Pakistani President. Stewart opens the interview by respectfully greeting him. Stewart then serves up traditional Pakistani tea along with an American "delicacy", twinkies. As the President and Stewart sip on their tea, Stewart leans over and matter of factly and directly asks the pres "where's osama bin laden?" a laugh erupts from the audience and the Pakistani leader and they go from there to discuss both serious and humourous matters. The interview will probably rerun on Comedy Central or be found on a web site, it's definitely worth watching, especially if you haven't had "the john stewart experience."