August 25, 2008
Posted: 03:34 PM ET

From
Jon Stewart met with political reporters in Denver Monday.
Jon Stewart met with political reporters in Denver Monday.

DENVER (CNN) – As Comedy Central's "Daily Show" descends on Denver for four days of coverage, Jon Stewart took after the "established" media for getting too cozy with candidates and regurgitating campaign spin when it comes to political coverage.

In a breakfast with reporters, Stewart directed most of his ire at the 24-hour cable news networks, which he called "gerbil wheels," and said the media at-large had "abdicated" to what he called the "slow-witted beast."

He said the never-ending television news cycle creates a "false sense of urgency" and forces reporters to "follow the veins that have been mined," instead of pursuing serious and in-depth reporting.

Even as Stewart shredded reporters for, in his estimation, getting too cozy with and used by political candidates, he readily admitted that candidates flock to his show to attract his much sought after younger audience. "It's just one part of their sales pitch," he said.

Stewart said he found neither Sens. McCain or Obama particularly funny and it was "absolutely irrelevant" which one takes the White House because "the jokes will be there." He dismissed criticism that comedians are having a hard time joking about Obama because of his race and said "the age joke with McCain is somewhat meaningless because it's already trite."

The choice of Joe Biden as Obama's runningmate, Stewart said, was refreshing because of the Delaware senator's large personality and endless possibility for jokes. "Biden is really nice. His style is so effusive and unguarded," Stewart said. "He's emotion plus."

Stewart said politicians in recent campaigns are "animatronic" because all of the "humanity has been managed out of campaigns." He referenced the back-and-forth during the Pennsylvania Democratic primary over Obama's lack of bowling skills.

"It's stunning where this election is going to be decided on," he said. "Or what we allow it to be decided on."

Filed under: Barack Obama • Jon Stewart


HM   August 25th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

or maybe Clinton/Stewart in 2012!!!

Debbie Wilson   August 25th, 2008 5:45 pm ET

Go Jon Stewart! Finally someone that speaks the truth about political coverage! The interest in his influence is evident by just looking at the number of comments it has generated compared to the other ticker items! Hats off to CNN for reporting it, bet the so-called "fair and balanced" network does not!

xargaw   August 25th, 2008 5:44 pm ET

I don't watch a lot of CNN. Cafferty is the only one I really like because even when I disagree with him, I know he is being honest. The rest are sucking up the corporate ladder. Blitzer CANNOT interview, King is a GOP man, Crowley is always looking for a manufactured Obama weakness and most of the crew never even bring up the serious foundational gaffes made by McCain. I used to think they made an effort to at least look fair. Not anymore. They have a GOP bias, when they are not covering some totally unimportant gossip.

Zion   August 25th, 2008 5:42 pm ET

All of the news media is owned by the same rich, white men, who prey upon the ignorance of Americans. By gosh, it works. Stewart is right.

Jean   August 25th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Did you delete my comments????

THERE IS VERY LITTLE IF ANY INVESTIVATIVE REPORTING JUST REPEATIG SOUND BITES AND TALKING POINTS.

Greg   August 25th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

If McCain wins, America's economy will need a good mortician.

Brian   August 25th, 2008 5:41 pm ET

Yes he's a liberal, but a very funny one. But what he said about the media is not that funny, because it is so painfully true.

V   August 25th, 2008 5:40 pm ET

Jon Stewart is funny…but he's just a comedian on a fake news show. I'm tired of him constantly pushing his pansy, liberal agenda behind the facade of his comedy routine. He thinks nobody will notice because he has jokes about Obama, but they are always the nudge-nudge "laughing with him" kind instead of the biting humor he uses on everyone else (Hillary included). He's using his show's mindless youth appeal to add to Obama's youth vote – come on, he even told the audience to vote for Obama at the movie awards. It's enough to inspire foul man-love jokes, if this weren't on CNN. Just because Jon Stewart is funny doesn't mean that he should share his skewed view of politics. He needs to stick with that he is good at – starring in movies about marijuana.

For those of you wondering, I'm not a Dem or a Republican….just an Indpendent / Libertarian.

Oh, and about news channels….yes, Fox has a conservative lean, MSNBC is falling over liberal, and CNN has only one agenda….putting out whatever stories that bring the most viewers. Why? Because viewers = money.

Staci, LA   August 25th, 2008 5:39 pm ET

I love Jon Stewart and Colbert. I watch CNN & Fox(sometimes to see what the enemy is plotting) and then I watch my Comedy Central so I can laugh to keep from CRYING over how stupid some people in this country are…please people vote on issues this time and not your foolish pride. The Republicans would never turn on each other the way Dems do…they might not like McCain(which I am sure most of them do not), but they wont let us or the media know…they will go down fighting in the name of RNC. Lets be smarter this time people. I have a four year old daughter and she as well as your children deserve better.

Anne P   August 25th, 2008 5:38 pm ET

Amen to Jon Stewart… call it what it is they are slow-witted.

Republican for Obama   August 25th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Jon Stewart is right. While good reporting remains, by and large network news and cable news have done a marginal job at covering the candidates in a way that demonstrates balance and critical thought.

Anonymous   August 25th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Guess what — CNN is censoring (not just moderating) posts to this discussion. That's frightening.

maurice   August 25th, 2008 5:37 pm ET

Obama would rather lose then pick Hillary and thats
what he`s going to do.

Dale O.   August 25th, 2008 5:35 pm ET

Fresh off the Press…Stewart schools CNN…AGAIN!!!

Fiona McCarty   August 25th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

I wish Jon Stewart would run for President. Then maybe we'd see some honesty in office.

Dustin   August 25th, 2008 5:34 pm ET

If McCain wins, America will need some good comedians.

Lee Davis   August 25th, 2008 5:33 pm ET

I am a 58 year old white woman and I really wanted Hillary to win the primary. But Obama won instead. To put Hillary on the ticket with Obama would have been such an insult to her. It would be like giving power to a child to do the work while the parent, who has life experience, common sense, patience, perceptions and a level of knowledge that only comes with age is told that she didn't quite have what it takes to do the kid's job. Joe Biden, on the other hand, didn't run but was selected by Obama after Obama won. That makes a difference. When I was thinking I wouldn't vote at all, I have reconsidered. With Joe Biden alongside of him, Obama will be able to accomplish a lot more than anyone else he may have chosen. Joe Biden is definitely the perfect choose for me.

jay dee   August 25th, 2008 5:32 pm ET

has it really come to this. . .. lets just vote…..

Candice - Queens, NY   August 25th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

Once again, Stewart plays the part of "Captain Obvious".

Nick   August 25th, 2008 5:31 pm ET

Wow! I'm no fan, but CNN must be doing something right if both sides say CNN is in the other's pocket. Stewart's view is on point though. Too much coziness to take any stories seriously.

Shane   August 25th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

you taking notes, CNN?

U suck at news. Quit covering the PUMAtards (non-story)

Michelle   August 25th, 2008 5:29 pm ET

It's not news anymore; it's infotainment. Ratings, baby!

Investigative journalism? Ha!

If the media had done its job, Obama would have been out of the running long ago.

Susan   August 25th, 2008 5:28 pm ET

Jon Stewart for President!!

bert   August 25th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

CREATE A PAPER TRAIL WHEN CASTING YOUR VOTE FOR OBAMA. THE MEDIA IS TRYING TO GET US READY FOR THE COVER UP. NO WAY THE NUMBERS ARE RIGHT. THEY NEVER POLLED ME OR ANY ONE I KNOW AND WE ARE ALL VOTING FOR OBAMA. BACK UP YOUR VOTE WITH A PAPER VOTE AS WELL SO THAT WE COULD HAVE ALL THE EVIDENCE WE NEED TO FIGHT THE racist MEDIA. CNN IS IN THE TANK FOR REPUB'S. CREATE A PAPER TRAIL WHEN CASTING YOUR VOTE FOR OBAMA. VOTE FOR OBAMA 08 AND 2012.

Chitown Jason   August 25th, 2008 5:27 pm ET

Stewart/Colbert in 2012!!!!

Andy   August 25th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

I usually don't pay Jon Stewart much mind (nothing against him), but he's said probably the most sane thing I've heard in the last 24 hrs. Watching Blitzer & Cooper tag-team the lead-up to the convention last night was part entertaining, part nauseating, part panic attack. Lay off, guys, and report NEWS. I don't care about "security gaffes" that cause peopel to have to wait in line. I don't care about one state changing seating arrangements. I don't care about hypothetical delegate counts on your fancy touch-screen electoral map! If I want to hear a discussion about how frantic Obama should be in light of the latest polls, I'll listen to my peers have that discussion. You're not paid to chat, you're paid to report – do your job!

hey all   August 25th, 2008 5:26 pm ET

Anyone know if there is video of Stewart's 'talk' online?

Id love to see it!

Independent   August 25th, 2008 5:25 pm ET

Brenda S of NJ…I applaud you, very well said…Thank you….Prayers to you on your recovery from breast cancer…God Bless…

Rick K   August 25th, 2008 5:23 pm ET

Off topic – C-Span is showing a BRILLIANT DNC video on democratic leaders in the western states making progress toward renewable energy – CNN and Fox cut away from it.

draftedin68   August 25th, 2008 5:22 pm ET

Jon's "gerbil wheel" characterization of so many in the CCM (Corporate Controlled Media) is great but I think I'll stick with my "ball-chasing puppies" description of these lazy, gutless, incurious, brown-nosers.

If Edward R. Murrow came back and saw what was being done in the name of journalism, he'd never stop throwing up.

Susan   August 25th, 2008 5:21 pm ET

Absolutely dead on, Mr. Stewart!

alice   August 25th, 2008 5:20 pm ET

Thank you Jon!

Repugnantican for Hillary   August 25th, 2008 5:19 pm ET

I'm a Republican pretending to be a die-hard Hillary supporter to give CNN some spice! I want to interfere with Democracy and turn the Democratic Party against itself. I've been successful so far! Thank you, CNN!!! Thank you for your shoddy coverage.

Roy Mitchell   August 25th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Not a huge Jon Stewart fan but he hit the nail on the head on this one!

Hobo   August 25th, 2008 5:18 pm ET

Jon Stewart is marginally funny and very average. He likes to make fun of conservatives for being dumb but he lacks the resume to throw the first rock. He surely thinks he is bigger than he is… Which is a nobody…

Dan   August 25th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

When Americans take satirical comedy shows (and their hosts) as real news shows it means a large group of the population is not stupid (as so many haters seem to believe about the American public). It does mean they are just very confused.

The man (Stewart) is a comedian NOT a reporter NOT a journalist!!!!!

When I see people touting Obama and saying how stupid people are for voting for McCain and in the same blog say how insightful Jon Stewart is, and or call him a journalist or reporter, is I almost fell off my chair.

Oh wait SNL's Weekend Update has a news alert "America has lost its entire grip on reality"

Americans just wants to hate itself (eaiser to hate rather than heal). America wants to blame all its problems on the other party and others and not take any responsibility for their actions (if Obama looses it wont be his fault will it???? Polls going down the polls must be rigged right???? etc etc…….)

You can feel the love… no wait… thats H_A_T_E

Many Obama supporters do seem to be filled with disdain and hate for any one who has the audacity to vote for anyone other than Obama.

And the hate goes on……..

S. Piel   August 25th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

Jon Stewart is the one news source I trust. He may be comedy, but he's better and more authentic than all the others combined.

mango   August 25th, 2008 5:17 pm ET

stewart is the smartest democrat in the country..which is only fitting.a comedian from a joke of a political party.

Proud to be American   August 25th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

The news media should report the news versus letting the repugs determine the topic of the day…. the media is slanted and I am sure they do not represent the entire America heck I do not know anyone that has been polled ….. Stewart tells it like it is…..

Obama & Biden 2008!

Sylvia B   August 25th, 2008 5:16 pm ET

I am so glad people are seeing what a fraud CNN is. They are rooting for John McCain. It is evident every night with the likes of Wolf Blitzer, Gloria Borger, Lou Dobbs, Glen Beck and even David Gergen. I used to think David Gergen was objective, but he is always saying "Obama has a problem with blue collar voters". That is his MO. Candy Crowley is another McCain cheerleader. I have even been surprised by Anderson Cooper. There is not one person on CNN that I can consider objective or pro-Obama. MSNBC is not all pro-Obama. Only Keith Olbermann. Look at the pro-McCain Joe Scarborough, Pat (Disgusting) Buchanan, Chris Matthews (appears to favor McCain sometimes), David Gregory. So MSNBC should not be called pro-Obama just because of Keith Olbermann. Thank goodness for him. I despise CNN and have stopped watching it. They are competing with FOX News to become a one of the worst news organizations.

Peter (CA)   August 25th, 2008 5:15 pm ET

This is why I watch Stewart everyday…to get a laugh and to sometimes see some wonderful perspective. Like when Cheney says he never said a certain thing and then they show when he did.
The network news would never call them out. Why does it take a comedy show to do it?

And before you right-wingers get your underalls in a wad, watch his (and Colbert's) show. Although they slant liberal, they go after everyone in power. I have see lots of stuff on the Clintons and now the Obama stuff, too. McCain has been a frequent guest on both shows (and I give him big props for that).

Alexander Buls   August 25th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Jon Stewart is a victim of his own publicity. In his own narcissistic way, he believes he is saving us from the evil political establishment. Slow down jonny boy and remember you are just a pseudo-comedian with a show on comedy central and not the next MLK for political unity.

kima   August 25th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

Please Democratic Party, I want my country back. Heal yourselves and move on and give our nation two of the most intelligent people we could ever hope for. Take a cue from the Republicans, get in lockstep with each other and get behind Obama and Biden. I shudder to think of what the Supreme Court would look like with 1,2, or even 3 McCain appointees……

Texas Witch Twister   August 25th, 2008 5:14 pm ET

It will we decided on lies if you let the news media convince you of who you should vote for. People need to use their, "God Given Brains," for one in making this important decision. If you listen to CNN then OBAMA is your man, if you listen to Fox network then McCAIN is your man. I for one am am a past Democrat. One for 51-years who will now vote for the man. If anyone had any sense they would never consider someone of Obama's morality and bearing. He has no experience for being Presidential. He is a crook, a liar, anti-Christian and a terrorist supporter. I WILL SELECT JOHN McCAIN THIS GO AROUND BECAUSE HE IS THE BETTER OF TWO EVILS. BUT LET ME TELL YOU FOLKS AS LONG AS WE KEEP THE KENNEDYS, DEANS, PELOSIS, BYRDS, BUSHES AND OTHER REPUBLICANS WHO HAVE BEEN IN OFFICE OVER TEN YEARS. THERE WILL NEVER BE ANY BETTER SELECTIONS. THE AFRICAN AMERICANS WANT TO SAY WHEN PEOPLE LIKE ME SAY I WILL NOT VOTE FOR OBAMA THEN IT IS RACE. FAR FROM IT. HE JUST DOES NOT MEET THE QUALIFICATIONS OF A MORAL AND JUST MAN.

DJ Los Angeles   August 25th, 2008 5:13 pm ET

OUTSTANDING TAKE! Jon is 100% on the mark, great job speaking up about the tabloid style obsession of the media.

In Tears.....   August 25th, 2008 5:12 pm ET

CNN took the Poll-Of-Polls off the political front page because Barack is up by 4 points instead of 2 and they dont want to report it.

OBAMA 08!!

JPM   August 25th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

SO TRUE STEWART! KEEP'N IT REAL!

eric   August 25th, 2008 5:11 pm ET

Youcneed to take these words to heart…you and the other cable news have sunk to the lowest depths in NOT covering real news that I have ever seen…I watched MSNBC this afternoon because of Brokaw…a real reporter who has no need to sensationalize……no need to chase the pumas around…..you need to wisen up…fast!

18,000,000 plus the disenfranchised   August 25th, 2008 5:09 pm ET

Jon Stewart is pretty smart! He seems to catch what everyone else,in the media,is missing. The media's insistance in making Obama a household name,has sickened everyone with an Obama virus. We hear to name ,now ,and we want to throw up!. He has been linked with so many radically liberal activists,that we don't want to even hear the name….. It has been enough to turn blue people red,no joke! The people feel as if they are being force fed by the media,on Obama rations, and people just don't like being forced to do anything. The DNC and the Media,share this problem,equally. The DNC ,whether deliberatly or not, set in to motion a Primary geared for electing a minority,worthy or not,,while stealing the voices of millions of voters,and the media forced fed us til we all got sick! There it is, plain and simple.

NatSTL   August 25th, 2008 5:08 pm ET

Wow, I came to read the comments thinking there would be a lot of criticism of Stewart, and am instead SO pleasantly surprised that almost everyone agrees with his argument (Though perhaps I shouldn't be that surprised).

There is hope for Americans yet!

Big D   August 25th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

And another thing – the media lets the RNC/McCain camp drive the narrative day after day. Why do we hear so much about controversy in the DNC, and who supports who and who won't support who, and who dissed who. But we never hear any of that about the RNC side. And they have plenty of controversy too. Did you know that there actually are R's that are not supporting McCain? You'd never know it from the media. Ron Paul has refused to endorse McCain and his supporters are having their own convention in StPaul during the RNC convention. Why don't we hear endless drama about why Ron Paul won't release his delegates? Why don't we hear about 3rd party candidates and their supporters? Why don't we hear the actual statements of unity from the Democrats? Why – because the media would like us to think that the D's have endless drama and the R's are the ones united. But that's not actually true, is it?

Riney   August 25th, 2008 5:05 pm ET

You are absolutely correct, Mr. Stewart. The media (like most Americans) just want to collect salaries and do nothing of any substance to earn it. Seems sensationalism, triteness and junk reporting is what most Americans like.
Riney PA

Roger   August 25th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

It's embarrasing to watch the world's super power decide the future leadership of it's country and the direction fo the world by running attack ads and story lines that are better served in a junior school playground. Do the campaign staff and the media have no shame? Good on John Stewart. The way the media portrays the election – through inuendo, frequently without any basis on which to substantiate the trivia, which the vast majority of the country takes on face value, makes the rest of the world shake their head and worry for all our futures.

nic, bellingham wa   August 25th, 2008 5:04 pm ET

What's so amazing about stating the obvious? Speaking of biases…I wish Mr. Stewart would let go of his pro-Clinton stance.

He's no better than the MSM pundits, really. In fact, he's one of them.

Sonia G. MS   August 25th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

I am glad somebody has said something about this problem…

Chris   August 25th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

It's definitely cool of CNN to feature this article, because Jon has a good point, but he may be missing the real issue. It is amazing how CNN and many other news organizations have to scrape the bottom of the pan to keep people viewing and advertisers paying. It is excessive at most times, but urgency sells. Unfortunately the real problem isn't 24hr news, but the people like us who can't stop watching it. Drama is addictive any way you slice it and Americans are always "tweaked out!" for another hit of "spin". :)

Maybe we should call it intravenous advertising?

Brenda S. from NJ   August 25th, 2008 5:03 pm ET

I am a retired (21 1/2 yr) black female military officer who believes and knows for sure, that a great leader (Obama) enlists the best NCO (non-commissioned officer- Biden) along side of them enhancing everyone's chances of successfully completing the mission with their joint teamwork, even though the officer is ultimately responsible. You see the character and strength of a great leader like Obama when they acknowledge those weaknesses and for the greater good of the cause make that decision … because we ALL… have weakness but many want to be right rather than successfully like (GWB and McCain). I hope that for all of us females in the military and otherwise Hillary sincererly acknowledges that she has made a trememdous mark in this presidential campaign and now it is trully her victory by stepping aside. Her supporters who will support McCain and not unify the Dem. party were not true to her to begin with to me. If Obama contacted her and told her that he did not pick her ( which I believe in my heart he did )then she should say so!!! As I recover from breast cancer (even with insurance have to still pay additional medical bills) want to here about the issues not upset kids pouting from the playgroung sandbox !!! People will speculate about anything and I tell you if I were still in the military, I would want someone who would go to great lengths to talk thru peace options first than just jump to war, wouldn't most people? Lastly, the constant in life is change but we need to ask what type of change are we willing to stand up for? Remember how many fellow americans don't have a kitchen table to sit at and I believe Obama would be the first to understand what that is like don't you think? Thanks

Tonya, Richmond, VA   August 25th, 2008 5:02 pm ET

Wow, we love using that same ol tired excuse…HE'S INEXPERIENCED…

Bush had experience and look where it got us. So clearly having experience doesnt mean a thing. It's all about good judgement and taking the time to make clear thought out decisions. COMMON SENSE if you will and sad to say Bush and McBush lacks that. McBush is short of a few marbles therefore I feel he isn't right for the job. I dont care how long that man has been involved in politics. HE'S EVIL!

Obama is the man.

OBAMA/BINDEN 08!!!

McShame…no way…

Kevin   August 25th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

CNN – we are done with your new station….You are worst than fox now. what happened to you guys.

The bogus polling results – you guys think America is that stupid and believe this BS.

NO your ratings will fall because of this type of BS reporting.

Mark my words

from Spring, TX   August 25th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

Stewart is sooooooo right on!!

Liz T, Tucson   August 25th, 2008 5:00 pm ET

The media and their pundits wallow in the same conjecture day in and day out. No wonder people are tired of this campaign that is the most important in several generations.

If there is no controversy, the media speculate about what it might be, and before you know it, some yokel out there is repeating it over the water cooler as fact. I heard it on CNN. Even NPR is starting to be apologists for truth.

Stephen Colbert and John Stewart have become the consumer watchdogs of the news media. We should demand better coverage from the 4th estate.

daryl   August 25th, 2008 4:59 pm ET

Stewart's opinion on the media is always right on. Just like cigarettes are nothing more than "nicotine delivery devices", CNN has become nothing more than a "spin delivery device" for the campaigns. CNN , and in particular Wolf Blitzer, seem more intent on acting like Don King the fight promoter than the true journalist and "truth delivery vehicles" they are supposed to be. The 24 hour news cycle has changed reporting for the worse.

bridgette   August 25th, 2008 4:58 pm ET

I think someone needed to tell these shows to grow up and get over themselves.

D in NC   August 25th, 2008 4:57 pm ET

Thank you John. I swear the next major topic regarding our candidates will be, who's the best at eating southern sweet potato pie?!?!

Only in America will people vote against someone because they're angry & bitter versus voting for that person b/c he's closest to their values.

We deserved the past 8 years because of American Moron-voters (and Moron-nonvoters), and we will deserve the next 4 if we elect McCain…

No wonder our schools are failing…join me and volunteer!!!

John in Memphis   August 25th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Why is this filed under Barack Obama? So it will get more hits? Geez, stop milking the man's name. He mentions other politicians in this, you know…

Steve, FL   August 25th, 2008 4:56 pm ET

Right on. The media has been absolutely disgusting during the campaign season and it's nice that a big name is finally starting to call them out on it.

Drew   August 25th, 2008 4:55 pm ET

Once again, Stewart shows that he is one of the best reporters in the country right now. Really sad that the media needs to take cues on journalism from a comedian….

BH   August 25th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

John Stewart is amazing. He is right on the money.

(1) FOX is right wing propaganda machine.
(Bill O reily, Sean Hannity)
(2) MSNBC is left wing propaganda machine
(Matthews, Olbermann, Rachel etc)
(3) CNN is slightly better but not up to the standard.
(Ronald Martin, Campbell Brown etc cozied up to Obama)

But there are a few good journalist or talking heads such as Anderson Cooper, Larry King, Chuck Todd, Wolf Blitzer, Joe Scareborough, Bill Maher.

I lost respect for all other biased talking heads on TV.

CNN go ahead delete my comment.

luckydj   August 25th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

The media is not doing its job in being more critical of McCain. There is a lot that voters may not realize like he is against equal pay for women. John Stewart has it right! The media has become a pawn for the Republicans again.

for Obama   August 25th, 2008 4:54 pm ET

Jon is so right about the deplorable state of so called "news". I wish these reporters would go back to journalism school. But they are getting well paid for this schlock, right?
They can't seem to tell the difference between gossip and actual signifigance. Yes– the current media definitely helped contribute to the dumbing down of the past 8 years of Bush's watch. No questions, no follow up, no ability to discern.

KKK for McCain   August 25th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

At least there is one group still united!

A CANUCK   August 25th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Jon Stewart and his ilk make more sense than most irritating journalists and talking heads!!!!!

Anonymous   August 25th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Yeah!!!

Phil in KC   August 25th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

I certainly agree that there is no in-depth reporting any more. I also agree that the news media focuses on some rather trivial and meaningless things. Everything now is "Breaking News". When I was younger, "Breaking News" meant that war had broken out, a world leader had died or some other truly significant event had occurred. Now, it could be a report on how the 2 candidates prefer their eggs cooked and how that might play with the electorate.
I would love to see the news media back off a little and give me some real information that's actually pertinent to the running of this country.

Randy   August 25th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

Dear John Stewart,
Your public shaming of the corporate news is failing because you don't pay their salaries like their owners( GE ) and their sponsors (the S&P 500). Hey let's start a news university so the professors/reporters can have tenure and be promoted based on the quality and truth of the news they report. Maybe you could provide a grant or develop a foundation. There is a draw back however. Where will you get new material.
Thanks Randy Funk

P.S. You are the H. L. Mencken of our time. Continue the good work.

luckydj   August 25th, 2008 4:53 pm ET

And CNN doesn't post criticism of themselves.

Kristina   August 25th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

He's absolutely right, not that that's going to change anything.

helen   August 25th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

All cable news channels are competing with trash like FOX NEWS.
PBS is much better they don't get pay for advertising.

So   August 25th, 2008 4:52 pm ET

Was anyone actually alive here for Edward R. Murrow. I mean seriously.

Ben   August 25th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Jon Stewart should run for office

Joel   August 25th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

Once again, it is proved that the court jester is the one who can get away with speaking the truth.

Don't run for office, Jon, we need you where you are, doing what you're doing.

ted   August 25th, 2008 4:51 pm ET

It seems that the media is doing there best to "prop Mccain up" because he's such a bad canidate,they need a good fight to make this coverage interesting.

Colonel   August 25th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

I love reading Jon Stewart quotes in the afternoon. They read like victory.

Jerry   August 25th, 2008 4:50 pm ET

I love MSNBC they are the best they are not bias against Obama CNN I like read your comment but majority of my time I watch MSNBC they report news better then CNN,

MSNBC=OBama/Biden 08

Karen Raleigh   August 25th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

The media is making a bigger deal of the Clintons than is necessary–and the media is trying to put words in everybody's mouthes–the clintons are history and without grace

Truth   August 25th, 2008 4:49 pm ET

EC – just about everybody voted for or was ok with the Iraq war. Senator Clinton voted for the war. Obama's running mate is not going to be perfect, but Biden brings a lot more to the table than his faults. Clinton would be bringing Slick Willie to the table.

matt   August 25th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Hey Idiots, I keep seeing comments about how bad of a job the GOP is doing running the government. You addle brained knitwits seem to forget the democrats control congress and have every bit as much to do with failed Washington politics. While GW has a low 30% approval rating and admittedly as a Republican I am dissatisfied with HIS (not McCains) last term in office. Your democrat controlled congress has an incredibly low 17% rating. Partisan politics are for weak minded gerbils in the first place. We should pick what is better for the country not what the media tells us to pick. I'm hoping everyone sees BHO for what he is a liar. If not our country is in for a rougher four years than you could ever imagine. One last point. CNN=OBAMA ,MSN=OBAMA , NBC=OBAMA, ABC=OBAMA, FOX=MCCAIN. Argue it all you want, the truth is it's four networks against one and all 5 are wrong. They should just report the news not the views.

Dee, Tx   August 25th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Jon Stewart is absolutely correct. When I heard on Sun that John McCain had Biden response AD walked over to the CNN News room, I nearly fell over. McCain using the media like an info commerical with these attack web attack Ad. Media, please come back to reality.

Anonymous   August 25th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Jon Stewart for President!

Fred   August 25th, 2008 4:48 pm ET

Right on, Jon!!
I used to be able to watch Wolf, Keith and Chris, but in the last 6 mos. they have become just as unbearable as Fox.
I am truly concerned that out media and political systems have gone beyond the point of return.

Nova from NV   August 25th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

John Steward has his style which is unique. I doubt that all the so-called journalist graduated from big name schools such as Columbia will ever get it.

Sue A   August 25th, 2008 4:46 pm ET

Jon Stewart is a national treasure. I find I get more "real news" on Jon Steewart's "fake news" thirty minute show.than I get from hours of CNN. I wish that reporters would watch his show and get some ideas for stories they ought to be pursuing. Frequently I forward information I have learned on the Daily Show to CNN in hopes that they will start doing real journalism. If any of you are so inclined, I would ask you to do the same. If anyone at CNN is reading this please get a clue and start being journalists. PS I'm an old lady.

Big D   August 25th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

He is absolutely right – the media is horrible. They have completely abandoned their journalistic integrity. They do echo the campaign's talking points without critical analysis (the RNC/McCain points especially, and don't point out the lies and distortions). And another point – they do stir up and exaggerate controversy. All in all, the coverage of this campaign has been atrocious and the media should be ashamed of themselves, especially the cable news.

Everyman   August 25th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Stephen Colbert for President!

June   August 25th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

Finally a voice of reason!!!!

Drewski   August 25th, 2008 4:45 pm ET

As John Stewart indicated this will be a pathetic election based on the fact that it is being usurped by a large percentage by uneducated, "blogosphere" political neophytes who believe that if you can post and vent an uneducated opinion based on knee jerk mentality versus real facts that you are a politico. Free speech is good but only as good as the substance that spews forth both verbally and on the keyboard. The fact is that this election stands to be the largest travesty to our democratic process since the inception of this country, and the way it looks could make the great depression and WW2 look mute in comparison. The country is at a crossroads and based on the majority of blog posters, they do not get it, do not have any understanding of foreign affairs, economics and the cancerous nature of how our politicians both Democrat and Republican are machinated. Perhaps and hopefully sound minds will prevail.

b. Krause   August 25th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

Jon Stewart for President!

John McShame, Obama Is Going to Tax You & Cindy, but Not Me & 95% Americans Making < $250,000/Yr   August 25th, 2008 4:44 pm ET

SAD TO SAY BUT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IS A TOOL!

THE MEDIA DESTROYED HILLARY CLINTON; CALLED HER NAMES AND MADE HER LOSE THE NOMINATION!

NOW THEY ARE TRYING TO PROP HILLARY UP; BLAME OBAMA FOR NOT RESPECTING, DESTROY THE DEMOCRATIC PARTY AND MAKE HILLARY & BILL LOOK LIKE THE QUEEN & KING OF AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!

THE MEDIA DID THE SAME THING TO OBAMA – RAISED HIS PROFILE UP; TALKED ABOUT HIS CHANGE MESSAGE.

NOW THAT OBAMA HAS WON THE NOMINATION; THE MEDIA ARE OUT TO DESTROY HIM; CALL HIM INEXPERIENCE, EMPTY SUIT, DISUNITY IN THE PARTY….FOR GOODNESS SAKE; THIS MAN IS A LAWYER AND A SENATOR.

GEORGE BUSH IS THE MOST UNINTELLIGLE AND UNEDUCATED PRESIDENT AMERICA HAS EVER HAD!

THE MEDIA CAN'T ASK QUESTIONS OF McCAIN BECAUSE THE SAY, OH HE IS A POW AND GUESS WHAT THEY DID TO NY TIMES WHEN YOU START ASKING QUESTIONS ABOUT HIS LOBBYIST RELATIONSHIP……

THE MEDIA USE ALL OF US AMERICANS AS A TOOL….

THE MEDIA DONT DISCUSS ISSUES; THEY DISCUSS CONTROVERSIES AND THE MOST NEGATIVE ADS; PARIS & BRITNEY!

THE MEDIA TALK ABOUT WHO OWN HOW MANY HOUSES…

THE MEDIA STIR UP FABRICATED FIGTH BETWEEN OBAMA AND HILLARY & CLINTON IN BETWEEN

AND GUESS WHAT; SOME FOOLISH AMERICANS JUST SWALLOW IT ALL; HOOK, LINE AND SINKER!

NO WONDER AMERICA IS A MESS TODAY – WE HAVE A PRESIDENT CALLED GEORGE BUSH WHO DESTROYED OUR ECONOMIC LIFES AND STARTED AN UNJUST WAR!

YES, THE MEDIA WILL MAKE YOU VOTE FOR MORE YEARS OF GEORGE BUSH!

ASK QUESTIONS AND VOTE FOR A REASON, NOT TO SPITE THE OTHER GUY BECAUSE YOU CANDIDATE DIDN'T WIN

DO YOU THINK JOHN McCAIN CARE ABOUT YOU SO MUCH….PUHLEASE. HE JUST WANT TO WIN AN ELECTION AND CONTINUE THE REPUBLICAN FAILED ECONOMIC AND FOREIGN POLICIES!

DONT BE A TOOL FOR THE MEDIA AMERICA!!!!!!!!!!!!

Agnes   August 25th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

In this country we have freedom of speech and the censoring of that speech in any form is unamerican. While I agree some reporting is trivialized, it all deserves due consideration. Who are you to judge if some bit of information is relevant to another? If you don't like the reporting then don't watch/ read it. Further there is a very dangerous precedence in stating what may or may not be reported.

Tony   August 25th, 2008 4:43 pm ET

Talk about the pot calling the kettle black! And even worse, he's biting the hand that feeds him. And people say John Stewart's smart…

Over the past five years, John Stewart's ego has gotten out of control. Get back behind the desk and read your jokes prepared by others.

james   August 25th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

To the writer of the following and those of similar sentiment:

"Actually I guess that's a good fit for an inexperienced candidate because Obama is a joke in himself"

You say he's inexperienced, but would you like someone with a proven track record of getting nothing done and having viewpoints that would send the majority of us to financial and possible millitary ruin? Let look at the candidates' experience, but let's also look at their intellect and ability to really grasp the information and substance that is bound to fall upon their laps when in office. Being president isn't as easy as cracking a joke about someone's looks or a quick yes or no answer. There are some extremely complicated issues at the plate here. Let's pick the one with the ability to think through all our possibilities and not just the one being fed to you by others' uninformed opinions.

Neil K, Lake Forest CA   August 25th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Ironic that comedians are the truth tellers these days, and not the reporters charged with bringing the truth to us.

Jason, Los Angeles   August 25th, 2008 4:42 pm ET

Amen.

B.F. Pierce   August 25th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

My advice would be to not listen to any of the media — just listen to the candidates, consider their positions on the issues, inform yourselves as much as possible, then make a decision.

Danny in Chicago   August 25th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

CNN – why won't you even post my comment on The Daily Show? Just becaue I put -

The Daily Show – The most Trust Name in News

Doesn't mean it should be posted here……am I right? Look at some of the uneducated bogus put on here and here I am trying to atleast be a LITTLE ironic and you wont post it. Are you THAT scared????

bsmall   August 25th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

I just hope his words will be taken seriously.
STEWART
Colbert
08′

EC   August 25th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Biden voted for the Iraq war as did McCain. once again obama showes it all about politics. biden may bring him older white men, who he has had trouble attracting. Biden and McCain are much the same, infact those buddies should be running togeather. How can obama critize McCain on the war when the VP pick held the same "bad judgement", how can he bring something fresh to washington when his VP is a 35 YEAR washington vet ?? It's about history to obama, not governing for the American People

Observer   August 25th, 2008 4:41 pm ET

Well put, Jon! The 24-hour news cycle really can be a pain as each network tries to outdo the other, and everything is a potential catastrophe in their eyes. Also, you have an endless stream of polls, often contradicting each other, and the networks saying things like, "The latest polls could spell trouble for…(fill in the blank)… in the election." And then it's the other party's candidate that's in trouble the next day.

Chipster   August 25th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

"tedious898," you're spot on! PUMAs are behaving like spoiled brats. Believe me, I'm a Hillary Clinton supported from years before many of them knew her name. But Get Real! Pout all you want but don't vote against you own best interest and especially our country's best interest.

We cannot afford 4 more years of this incompetence, greed, and abuse of power.

So, grow up. Put on your big girl panties and suck it up! Vote for Sen. Obama because he will begin the process of restoring our national sanity. John McCain will embrace the insanity

roland   August 25th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

This is what I am talking about! The Press are just too cossy with Obama because of his race. I believe that if the press do not get hard on him now, the GOP will. If Obama is not grilled by the American people, he will be grillled by the outside world. And that will bring worst shame. Mark this.

Obama is not ready at all. As a matter of fact, he is a celebrity.

Jack   August 25th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

Right on Stewart!

Actually CNN, Fox News and MSNBC all feed us with garbage news and stuff that have been engineered to garner high rating. Especially CNN, has forgotten its role in a democratic process is to inform people so that they can make informed decisions and instead it is now too driven by corporate greedy and have lowered the journalism standards in the process. That to me is an unpatriotic act.

I personally miss Tim Russet, the most objective reporter of our time

Jack Nicholson   August 25th, 2008 4:40 pm ET

We still got two branches of government, and that ain't bad!

BROOKLYN   August 25th, 2008 4:39 pm ET

He is right…

We allowed the media to dictate when, where, who, how and why…

Sad that our minds are bent so easy… "Gerbil wheels" is exactly what they are…

Go Obama   August 25th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Finally Jon, where have you been…oh that's right reporting balanced news. THANK YOU!

Jack   August 25th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

Right on Stewart!

Actually CNN, Fox News and MSNBC all feed us with garbage news and stuff that have been engineered to garner high rating. Especially CNN, has forgotten its role in a democratic process is to inform people so that they can make informed decisions and instead it is now too driven by corporate greedy and have lowered the journalism standards in the process. That to me is an unpatriotic act.

Chuck   August 25th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

I was enjoying Stewarts comments and agreed with a majority of them until he got to the "ya but" part. When he was asked about the candidates appearing on his show and Stewart stated ya but it is just another way of the candidate's to make their sales pitch.

So although Stewart rightly criticizes the mainstream media for the manner in which they cover these elections Stewart has to admit that he makes a pretty good living at the expense of the candidates with interviews that rarely have anything to do with the serious nature of the issues we face today. And as with the mainstream media Stewart does have a certain amount of influence over some voters who may just cast their votes based on a comedy script rather than on the candidate's positions on these issues.

I like Stewart but he has to be careful that he does not create a false sense of reality when he interviews the candidiates.

Tom   August 25th, 2008 4:38 pm ET

While CNN, et al, are repeating the gist of the latest fraudulent attack ad, Stewart and company are analyzing the events of the day, albeit humorously. Which group is fulfilling the duties of a journalist in a free society?

Peggy Robson   August 25th, 2008 4:37 pm ET

Thank you Jon Stewart and I am in total agreement with you, it is irrevelant who takes the White House…neither one of them strikes a chord with me and I am thinking about after these 4 years what a mess we will have on our hands.

Jake   August 25th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

John Stewart is, as usual, right on point. On a more general point: America we CANNOT afford to vote another Republican administration into office. Especially one with much in common, ideologically, with Bush. I urge you – INCLUDING the Hillary backers – to vote Obama-Biden.

Tucker Carlson   August 25th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Darn you, Stewart!!!!!! We will meet again!!!!!!

James   August 25th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Swami says "McCain answer in all debates will follow this format-

NOUN-VERB-POW
NOUN-VERB-POW
NOUN-VERB-POW
NOUN-VERB-POW

LET LOOSE THE HOUNDS!!!
ALL GLOVES OFF OBAMA/BIDEN!!!
HIT MCCAIN UNTIL HE FORGETS HE HAS 7 HOUSES, A CLOSET FULL OF $500 DALLOR SHOES, ACCESS TO HIS FAMILIES OWN CORPORATE JET, AND A FAMILY NET WORTH OVER $100 MILLION.

I WANT TO HEAR HIM SAY UNCLE AND ROMNEY SAY THANK YOU SIR MAY I HAVE ANOTHER.

OBAMA/BIDEN 08,12

Ted, Washington DC   August 25th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Well done young man even though your comments are most often psychadellic in nature and irrelevant to reason.

United democrats   August 25th, 2008 4:36 pm ET

Please disregard all comments from Obama or Clinton 'supporters' who are nasty and insulting towards each other- they are actually REPUBLICANS who are trying to make the democrats fight.

Don't fall into their trap- please!

Paul B   August 25th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Dead on about the cable news monster. Too bad they wont realize how bad they have become until it's reported on the Daily Show.

Dave Barak   August 25th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

The thing about using comedy to report (and yes, it's a form of reporting) is that the humor will get the viewers thinking, and will either result in "Yes, I agree!" or "He** no, I don't agree!" Either way, humor has the ability to wake people up in ways mainstream "journalism" can't or won't.

Former Dem   August 25th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Funny how CNN refuses to report how Clinton has rejected McCain's latest ads. You just can't stand to give credit where credit is due, can you? How about a little coverage of her attempts to unify your sorry party of democrooks?

I hope someone sues CNN for blatant misinformation and for repeatedly withholding the truth. You have been the biggest smear campaign in this entire election!

R   August 25th, 2008 4:35 pm ET

Jon Stewart is criticizing the media? What a joke. It's amazing he can speak, at all – as buried in Obama's back pocket as he is.

anonymous   August 25th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Comedy Central? That's worse than the news media darlings thinking they're the almight source, now comedy central?? Jon Stewart? Another clown full of himself.

Mike D   August 25th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Stewart has got it right about CNN… they are a joke, regurgitating McCain talking points all day long.. you could learn a lot from the comedian

Cheyenne   August 25th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

He is totally right. I am in Germany at the moment and the only English channel is a 24-hour CNN network. They rerun the same stories constantly. And they keep talking about how angry Hillary is at Obama and how she's not VP, but they don't quote anything she actually said or did. And now they're building up all this hype about the huge rift between Hillary and Obama, and how they're going to handle it at the convention. It's all speculation, but over time it becomes news. Now I'm afraid that because of this false sense of urgency, more Hillary fans are going to think twice about voting for Obama because apparently everybody else is and Hillary is upset. It actually has made me very angry. The "liberal media" is hurting the liberals.

Jon, you really nailed that one on the head. Way to bring it to attention.

Chris   August 25th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

STEWART/COLBERT 08!

Indy in Ca   August 25th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Colbert/Stewart 08

FairMinded   August 25th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

CNN – you have been a disgraceful news network. Now that the man – who entertatiningly teaches you about politcs is coming to your turf. I cn't be happier.

Sigh   August 25th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

And the king/queen of generalized statements is tedious898. God…yes GOD… forbid somone votes what they think is right vs. the way tedious here thinks we should. As an independent I find the pious "My party is ALWAYS right" (Democrat OR GOP) schtik to reek of Communism, your party is WRONG, probably 75% of the time. Bush is an idiot, unfortunately Congress is a BUNCH of idiots (9% approval rating anyone?). Get over yourselves, your party politics, and help get the country to a better place already.

Sharon   August 25th, 2008 4:34 pm ET

Jon Stewart is absolutely right! I have been increasingly annoyed by even CNN and it's absolute willingness to accept as important any kind of campagin garbage that comes out of either candidates mouth.

I don't care about bowling scores, or Obama's father or minister I care about who is going to take care of the health care disaster, the economic recession and the frightening mess in the Middle East.

I am an habitual CNN watcher, but I have been annoyed more than not lately. We have become a nation of petty thinkers and CNN is playing along. It's time the responsible cable networks, obviously NOT FOX, started exposing Limbaugh and yes, Glenn Beck too for the bag of winds that they are.

The desire of the present administration is to get people so angry and tangled up in useless information that we forget what the true issues are. The ad lambasting Obama for NOT selecting Hillary should be exposed for the tripe that it is.

Some of us rely on CNN to bring NEWS and that includes exposing the lies for what they are, not repeating them. Olberman gets caught up in his own rhetoric half of the time, but he does have the cajones to reveal lies when they are uttered.

Roy   August 25th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

I hope CNN.com was listening to Stewart. This website's political coverage is devolving worse and worse as this campaign season goes on.

Obama-Junkie, IL   August 25th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

Sorry Jon Stewart, you are a comedian, plain and simple. Since when is a "fake news" satirical comedy show constituting real journalism.

Give me a break. I MISS TIM RUSSERT!

Dave   August 25th, 2008 4:33 pm ET

It's all true. Television journalism is particularly to blame for the downfall of the "in depth story." Instead we get 2 minute sound bites and "experts" who sum up their analysis in one minute or less. If you have a Republican strategist and a Democratic strategist doing political analysis on your show, is what he or she says really worth anything? Are they shedding new light on any issue or just repeating their party lines? It's just another wasted 2 minutes that you could have spent exploring issues in depth.

strong   August 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Jon Steward is not funny. He tries to be funny, but it doesn't come across. He is not a natural, he is boring. The candidates are far funnier than Stewart.

Mike   August 25th, 2008 4:32 pm ET

Did any of you ever even watch his show before Bush was in office..? It sucked and no body cared about it. He can't do comedy. He just makes fun of Bush and other Republicans. When a Democrat is in office, he doesn't have anything to make fun of. I caught a few when Clinton was president… He spent the ENTIRE show trying to make fun of the Iron Chef show, and another time it was a whole show about the life of a guy who cleans up at a peep show.

If you are a comedian you need to make fun of both parties, not just the one you don't like… The only reason I would want Obama to win is so that all his fans can see how much he sucks when he can't make fun of Bush anymore…

RGB in MN   August 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

When is the MSM going to surface the story about BO's half-brother living on $1 per month?
Thanks, and waiting.

Paula   August 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Thanks Jon! I read these blogs in disbelief as folks rip each other and don't even realize how their chains are being jerked!!
Obama '08

Stephen Colbert   August 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

WHAT!?! This monkey's uncle gets a whole page on CNN and I get nothing? What has happened to you American?

Jeannette, CT   August 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

Many of us don't get our NEWS from Stewart and Colbert. We get THEIR spin on the news. It's the only way we can laugh about something so appallingly pathetic as politics in this campaign, and something as appallingly obsene as the government and governing of the last seven plus years. Someone has to point out that the media seems to love the arguments and infighting more than giving us insights into policy and substance and, oh, say, NEWS. No one has to pay for campaign ad spots on tv. CNN will air the smuttiest fifty times for free and call it news. Stewart offers SATIRE. Satire is funny, but the best of it is spot on right. And Stewart's spin on things has turned out to be right more often than the media's, so why not watch him for his take? He's a he… heck of a lot smarter and more perceptive than the "experts" on CNN, NBC, CBS, or ABC… we'll not talk about Fox, the fair and balanced folks. C-Span to listen to speeches in entirety, PBS and Jon for perception. By the way, David Brooks is NOT a liberal, before someone throws that in my face about PBS. Thank GOD for Stewart and Colbert.

Luke in MN   August 25th, 2008 4:31 pm ET

CNN is almost as bad as Fixed noise when it comes to cheerleading for the GOP. They'll always mention Obama's faults, but never any mention Keating Five, how McCain left his first wife for the beer heiress because he didn't like how his first wife looked injured, or that he flip-flopped to GWB's side on just about every issue! By-the-by, You Know My Name, funny how you're too chicken to reveal your actual name. Hmm. Jon Stewart is correct. The Daily Show and Colbert report look like real news compared to the 24 hour news channels.

Mark G. St. Paul, MN   August 25th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Stewart may well be one of the few honest jounalistic voices in the U.S. media.

MidwestGal   August 25th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

I am over 21 but Stewart's show is not touted as a news show, it's a comedy show and he'll be the first to admit it.

Farrell, Houston, Tx   August 25th, 2008 4:30 pm ET

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and that Stewarts opinion. I personally have my own because I am a self thinker, but it doesn't make me newsworthy.

MidwestGal   August 25th, 2008 4:28 pm ET

<>

YES, I miss the old days of Miles O'Brien and Soledad O'Brien.

John ---> Portland   August 25th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

"Hi, my name is Jon Stewart. I make second-rate impersonations, and make half-hearted attempts at da-da humor. I'm only really known for taking out Tucker Carlson, which was actually cool, but it was also several years ago. Media does suck, but hey, it's not like I'm doing anything different. I too work for a corporation and would sell my soul if I was taken off it."

Steve - WY   August 25th, 2008 4:26 pm ET

I recently read that there is as much actual news coverage on Stewart as there is on the nightly news. Go Jon!

Shirley-Ohio   August 25th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

John Stewart you da man. Now you should take all these comment and read them on your show or most of them.

jimbo   August 25th, 2008 4:24 pm ET

Is everyone under 21 years old on these comments? Jon Stewart is as much a part of the media as cable and network news with a product to sell and sponsors to keep happy. Commenters' opinions on the overblown accuracy and freshness of this guy is laughable.

Butters   August 25th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

I have a degree in journalism and I couldn't agree more with Stewart. Thank goodness for the Daily Show and the Colbert Report. Somebody has to call it like it is. And it doesn't hurt that they're both funny either.

Meghan   August 25th, 2008 4:23 pm ET

Jon Stewart is the most trusted newsman of my generation. He was right when he told off Tucker Carlson a few years ago, and he is still right. Edward R. Murrow probably IS rolling in his grave; not because of what a comedian said about journalism, but because the comedian is right.

Shirley-Ohio   August 25th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

I ditto everything he said.

Ike , Austin   August 25th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

I don't know your name (You Know My Name), but I think you are dead-on with your analysis. Are we supposed to be glad that CNN is broadcasting Jon Stewart's contempt of political reporters. If everyone thinks he's asking all the "right" questions, why in the hell is 'goo-gooing' on his show? Comedy is one thing, but standing on a pedastal is another.

Thank you, Jon, I now will never watch comedy central again.

John in Ohio   August 25th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

"McCain compares to Bush about as much as Obama does. All you fools that repeat the McSAME mantra over and over are showing what moronic hypocrits you are."

McCain compares to Bush in voting the way Bush wants 95% of the time, and having a campaign staff full of former Bush campaign staff.

Nice try, liar.

NoMccain   August 25th, 2008 4:22 pm ET

I think we should leave the jokes to the comedians. The state of the economy and our nations' place in the world is no laughing matter.

Ben   August 25th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

John Stewart for President!!!

Sean   August 25th, 2008 4:21 pm ET

The problem is news has become dominated by business. The 24 news channels make tons of money, and since we the people didn't flinch when journalism lost its integrity to businesspeople, we're left with impotent reporters shooting blanks and news channels striving towards marketability. Is it possible to crawl back to responsible and hard-hitting journalism?

Ryan   August 25th, 2008 4:19 pm ET

By the way, CNN, you did NOT break Biden. Just so you know.

Jack - Des Moines   August 25th, 2008 4:18 pm ET

Amen John Stewart.

Mike, TX   August 25th, 2008 4:17 pm ET

Stewart is a comic, a so-so one at that.

DM   August 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

CNN should take note and evaluate their continued production of trash-TV shows hosted by, e.g., Glenn Beck and Nancy Grace. Let FOX "News" cover that territory and put the News back in CNN.

Kerri   August 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

Bob in Indianapolis – you're completely dead on. I watch both shows for the comedy and find that I'm given a more accurate depiction of current events than the main stream media gives me. At least Stewart and Colbert don't take themselves too seriously, and they are so good at pointing out how absolutely ridiculous the coverage of this election has been.

SB   August 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

If anyone is interested ,CNN's John Roberts experience in journalism is as a Canadian video Disc Jockey with zero education. Only he called himself JD Roberts at that time.

bob in L.A.   August 25th, 2008 4:15 pm ET

His remarks are true but his ratings have dropped, so his opinion means very little.
He may as well have just posted them here!

Tammy - KCMO   August 25th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Jon Stewart the only reporter that actually tells it like it is. Other than to watch the weather I've given up on getting actual unbiased reporting from the MSM.

toohip   August 25th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

Thank you, Jon Stewart, for once again exposing the media, particularly CNN and Fox, the most disgusting names in news, for their careless punditry. And thank you, e-mail person, "notfallinginline" for the sound, detailed, issue-based accounting of the Republican party debacle. People, you've got to get past the "fluff" and media generated so-called "controversies" and look at the real issues when deciding how to cast your vote! Don't let the pundits choose your next President. Look at the real issues!

Dave Barak   August 25th, 2008 4:13 pm ET

One of the last straws for me when it comes to trusting the mainstream media with political coverage was when, on August 13, CNN.com posted a yellow "Developing Story" banner at the top of the page, advising readers that "John McCain's wife was hospitalized with a minor hand sprain after shaking hands with supporters, the senator's campaign says."

you know my name   August 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

What a puppet. Stewart makes ambiguous accusations while decrying the main operations of news broadcasting. When we will learn that this is not a man to be taken seriously. How about a little less whining and a little more action.

Bill Pettingill   August 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Anyone who wants real news and real confronting the candidates on what they say must watch The Daily Show, which time and again and demonstrated that ut takes the time to research archives and come up with footage that the Big News repeatedly fails to uncover. No one else is asking this question of Clinton supporters who refuse to vote for Obama, so maybe Jon Stewart will: Are you willing to sacrifice the lives of young American men and women –in the war you presumably wanted stopped– at the altar of your own self-centered bitterness? Is your own sensibility really more important than the lives and limbs of our troops?

K   August 25th, 2008 4:11 pm ET

Well it seems one of your own feels the same way I do about how CNN covers the news…..coincidence? no such thing, there is a reason behind everything that happens or in CNN's case a hidden agenda. Be better reporter's and report the news not make it up.

Shawn   August 25th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

I respect John Stewart. He's a liberal, but is as even handed as one can be with their own international forum.

bobb dobbs   August 25th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

One gas bag lecturing the others.

Critic   August 25th, 2008 4:10 pm ET

Couldn't agree more, John. And Soledad's performance on day 1 of the convention is just awfullllll.

And her voice is all trebled out. She sounds like a mouse.

Todd   August 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

As usual, Stewart hits the nails squarely on their dull little heads. Mainstream media's coverage of politics and government is AWFUL — the focus is always on soap opera and personal issues, almost never on policy. If I never hear another story about a presidential pet, a candidate's favorite band or ANYTHING ABOUT BLOGS again, I'll be happy. Lazy reporting, lazy reporting, lazy reporting.

Monica for Obama in Indiana   August 25th, 2008 4:09 pm ET

Well spoken, any of the media listening? If the shoe fits, wear it.

gt   August 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

HE IS NOT FUNNY ,,, BUT OBAMA IS A JOKE

Peter   August 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

There are well-known educational studies proving that students rise or fall to the level of expectations placed upon them. Treat them as smart and they will become smart. The news media has treated the whole country as dumb for the last 20 years and the fruits of that expectation were harvested in the 2004 presidential vote.

Josh in Denver   August 25th, 2008 4:08 pm ET

While I totally agree with Jon and think he is one of the great thinkers of our time, I don't think all the blame should be placed on the news agencies. They run businesses and have families to raise. The truth is, while so many complain about biases and lack of real reporting, we all still watch. The viewers need only stop watching the non-sense spouted on 24-hour news networks and they will change.

Vote Nader   August 25th, 2008 4:07 pm ET

It must be nice to complain about the media attention one's candidate gets. I have no idea what that's like.

** Nader/Gonzalez 2008 **

Henry Miller, Cary, NC   August 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

"It's stunning where this election is going to be decided on."

Nothing stunning about it–it's only what you'd expect when the choice of the next president is left to a population that lives on "reality" TV shows. This election is just one more of the same, yet another reality show, and the winner will be the man who isn't voted off the set.

J   August 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

I hope you were paying attention CNN… Repeating the garbage from racist emails is not Journalism, show a little dignity and ignore the garbage and just report news…. keep your opinions to yourself.

deepintheheart   August 25th, 2008 4:06 pm ET

Thank God for Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert! So many of our young people actually have an interest in current events because of these men and their shows. Also, while poking fun at everyone and everything (including themselves), they still manage to provide intelligent analysis of the news and the news presenters. I just hope the MSM was listening and will actually heed his words. I'm tired of a certain political party dictating what is and what is not news and I know I'm not alone.

Scott, Wichita   August 25th, 2008 4:05 pm ET

Colbert/Stewert '08

Because America needs a sense of humor!

Bob in Austin, TX.   August 25th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Oh BTW, love Jon Stewart… And he's right, ya know?

Mat   August 25th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

I wish this guy was running for office – although then we'd loose the best news coverage in the country!!

Dominique   August 25th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Proving once again that Jon Stewart actually gets it. The sad part is that we have to go to his fake news show to get real political commentary.

Anonymous   August 25th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

Olbermann should be Obama's Press Secretary.

beth - tampa   August 25th, 2008 4:04 pm ET

How desperate is the Obama camp…

They basically forced Ted Kennedy into making a speech tonight.

ObamaAllTheWay   August 25th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

I like this guy, tell them journalism died in 2008 when Foxnews and other networks start hiring high school granduates like sean hannity.

Anonymous   August 25th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Why is it that the only people doing real journalism are two comedians and a sportscaster?

bert   August 25th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

John McCain will be worst than W Bush because at least W had his pops to lean on and he still couldn't get it right. Even W sees that we should set a time table in Iraq. Get John McBush to admit that Obama's strategy is right as far as getting the hell out of Iraq. If you think it's a mess now let Mcain win and it will be ten times worst. Vote for Obama 08 and 2012.

Steph   August 25th, 2008 4:03 pm ET

Obama made a great choice. Biden was my 1st choice for President and I voted for Hillary in the primary election but I feel fortunate in that I believe Obama, Clinton & Biden to all three be excellent choices for the Presidency for differing reasons.
Those who aren't voting now or are voting for McCain simply because they didn't get their way when Obama didn't pick Hillary are a good example of the selfishness and frankly juvenile attitude that has hurt our political system in the past. These are all excellent choices and people need to mature enough to vote on the democrat who can win, rather than pouting like children and giving fuel to the republicans. I wish Hillary would address this on national TV so her former backers (of which I was one) will quit thinking with their egos and get behind this GREAT Obama/Biden ticket! And more so, behind the democratic party so we don't have to deal with McCain!
Peace, Steph

Anonymous   August 25th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

THE MEDIA KNOWS EXACTLY WHAT THEY ARE DOING, THEY RECEIVE TALKING POINTS FROM THE CURRENT ADMINISTRATION JUST BECAUSE THEY DON'T WANT TO PAY "HIGHER" TAXES.

Vincent VDW   August 25th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Go Obama.

Hill Supporter   August 25th, 2008 4:02 pm ET

Stewart is so highly overrated. Why does he invite politicians? He is part of the same old spin that he accuses everyone else of. My husband thinks Stewart’s funny and relevant; I think Stewart’s full of himself that way Obama is. That’s why I don’t watch him.

Peter   August 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

It is sad that it takes a comedian to tell the news media what is wrong with them. That whirring noise is Edward R. Murrow spinning in his grave. (Note to 20-something cable news vice presidents who don't know who Edward R. Murrow is: see Wikipedia.)

Obama/Biden 08   August 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

You tell them, Jon! You're probably the best television reporter out there (besides perhaps Jim Lehrer), so stick it to 'em!

Obamalism   August 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

McCain compares to Bush about as much as Obama does. All you fools that repeat the McSAME mantra over and over are showing what moronic hypocrits you are.

We get it, NO ONE really likes Bush. The republicans never really liked him either…just more than Kerry or Al 'lockbox' Gore.

I honestly laugh at all the Obamatards that are voting for Barack because they hate Bush… That like me voting for McCain because I don't like Bill Clinton.

I'm sorry, but I'll take the politician that doesn't talk out both sides of his mouth, change his opinion based on weekly polls or vote near 100% along party lines. Hope and Change means NOTHING to me.

I'll take someone with a record that I can judge over a community organizer with nice speeches everytime.

JB, Boston   August 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

It is the giant elephant in the room. All news organizations are driven by viewers or listeners. More of them increases the amount of money they make.

What drives viewers in the US? Tabloid news. That is why TMZ is getting so big. Therefore, the more tabloidesque the better they do. As a result, the news is starting to morph into TMZ. Treating their politicans like celebrities.

It is a road we shouldn't travel. The argument that certain organizations should not be public(and therefore responsible to their stockholders) is valid as far as I am concerned. News organizations and Healthcare should not be driven by earnings, but by satisfied customers.

JB from NH   August 25th, 2008 4:01 pm ET

Jon should host a Presidential debate!

Mussmelon   August 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

Sadly in this country the most honest and forthcoming place to get your news are sources like Stewart, Colbert, Bill Mauer. Watch a documentary once and a while people. You might just learn that you don't have it all figured out yet. Life is a continued process. You don't stop learning when you graduate (although it seems like some do) you need to continue to educated yourself.

Think for yourself, question authority.

Dan, Maryland   August 25th, 2008 4:00 pm ET

John Stewart for president 2016.

Unfortunately, a comedian recognizes the responsibility of the news media long before the producers and talking heads ever will. It's time for the media to actually do their jobs. Report ont he issues, report on the platforms of each candidate. Study the candidate's plans and report on them. Explain to the average American what the numbers would be, what the plan would look to do. The news needs to get out of the horse race mentality and catch up with what the people want to hear, the facts.

Political Junkie   August 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

Kudos to Jon Stewart for saying like it is!!!
Its downright disgusting to watch how all the media outlets spew out one sided garbage instead of being the independent and impartial observers they need to be.
Hope the media will soon wise up and report on the issues in a fair and accurate manner instead of being campaign mouth pieces!

Bob Indianapolis, IN   August 25th, 2008 3:58 pm ET

"Nobody ever went broke underestimating the intelligence of the American people." -H.L. Mencken

More true today than it was when he wrote it…

bernj   August 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

CNN is airing false information about their so called poll of polls. The margin of error is gigantic. This kind of deliberate misleading of the public is reprehensible. Looks like Fox all over again. CNN you should be ashamed.

Mark   August 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

The sanest voice in this election….Jon Stewart. Hopefully the MSM puppets were actually listening when he made his speech.

Jennifer   August 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

He is so right. I have thought for some time that CNN is in the same league as Fox News, and that is not intended as a compliment.

EMJ   August 25th, 2008 3:57 pm ET

Anyone who can't see Fox News is a Republican organization is brain dead. I was hoping CNN would be the real 'fair and balanced' news but saw a large slant towards Hillary. CNN is so scared their going to miss out on a story, they blindly follow 'anything' the McCain camp says. Doesn't matter if it's true, we just don't want to get the fake story out there last! Fox is McCain, CNN now goes with anything from the Republican attack machine, and again, WHERE IS THE VETTING OF JOHN MCCAIN???? Let's here about his long senate record, his trying to vote down the MLK holiday, the Keating 5, … CNN WHY does MCain get a free ride but no negative story on Obama is ignored?

Bushwhacked in Eugene, OR   August 25th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

He speaks the truth. Are you listening, CNN?

TonyS   August 25th, 2008 3:56 pm ET

Right on Jon. We are the change we have been waiting for.

Luis   August 25th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

August 25th, 2008 2:21 pm ET
Your comment is awaiting moderation.
Obama/Biden, Socialism you can believe in, LOL

All you Zombies for the false messiah will need crying towels in November. The majority of American people (55-60%) will wait until judgement day and show CNN and the mainstream media the consequesnces of insulting their intelligence by creating this media idol. No experience, no judgement, questionable dealings and a product of Chicago politics. I am from Chicago and know all about Barry Obama.

Nice try Obamites, but it ain't gonna happen………peace out! LOL
http://lmosworld.blogspot.com/

Vancouver, BC   August 25th, 2008 3:55 pm ET

Canadian journalists also see their role as questioning the person being interviewed objectively and respectfully and don't find it necessary to have a balanced "panel" of party hacks that basically yell over each other with pandering slogans. Nor do journalists, like many on American media, think that their ego and agenda is more important than the person they are interviewing. I miss Tim Russert!!!

Will watch the coverage of the convention on Canadian news !!

Rick FL   August 25th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

Jon Stewart tells it like it is.

I have to admit being disappointed in CNN, as it seems to be more of tabloid journalism. I stopped watching Fox News for that very reason. CNN, please report the news and quit with the inciting spin. Your viewers would appreciate it.

bert   August 25th, 2008 3:54 pm ET

He can't find anything to say about Obama other than race because he is a racist. There are plenty of lighthearted things to say about anybody and if he can't think of any, he is not that good of a comedian. The fact that he does not care who wins shows you just how out of touch this guy is. I don't have anything against rich people, I just have something against stupid one's. Vote for Obama in 08 and 2012.

deb   August 25th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

right on jon stewart!! it's a sad state of affairs when you get more truth out of a late nite comedian than from the traditional news media.

Martin Agnew   August 25th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Absolutely right on! The media parrots the press releases without critical analysis. The media personalities set themselves up as commentators and experts, but their opinions are special only to themselves and their buddy journalists.

Hard-nosed news gathering and analysis is gone. Critical thinking in the media is gone. Unfortunately there seems no way to bring such practice back.

REG in AZ   August 25th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

What I seek is an honest, transparent, fair, equitable and responsible government that represents all of the people. The Republican Party has currently clearly demonstrated that not one of those things is of interest to them; they simply arrogantly and aggressively pursue a private agenda to benefit Special Interests and a select few, those who return support, contributions and later kickback compensation, and they then give the average American only apathy, the costs and subterfuge. If you are one of the few, you probably are happy with Bush-Cheney-Rove-etal and feel good about continuing with more of the same. However, if you are not of that small group, which most of us aren’t, you may think you are, which many do, and then you are part of the problem. The Republicans have deceptively appealed to us using negative attacks, false accusations, exaggerations, distortions of the terms ‘liberal’ and ‘conservative’ and with efforts to excite our emotions over biases, prejudices and even religious beliefs; all efforts intended to confuse the reality of things. The only way to really understand is to look at your own status: are you better off today with more security and more spending power; are you satisfied with the Iraq War or do you believe it was falsely justified, falsely reported, has cost us too much and greatly benefited only a select few; do you feel the War on Terror has been neglected in favor of positions that benefit the few; do you feel too much has been neglected, like America’s infrastructure, education, medical costs, Global Warming and so on; do you feel that we are handicapping future generations, our children and grand children, with deficits and the current concentration on immediate gratification for the wealthy and powerful; do you feel the Bush administration has been consistently lying to us and so on. The Democrats are not perfect either but just noting how the Republicans focus on the meaningless garbage and avoid the issues, tells a story; they have literally developed dirty-politics into their art form. How can they seriously fault a lack of experience when their pride and joy was a movie actor and while McCain has a lot of time in as a Senator, there simply is still nothing impressive? Then there are the attacks on Obama because of those who are mere acquaintances and yet McCain was the one actually investigated during the Keating scandal and likely was excused only because he cooperated. No, it is really time for change, desperately needed change. Change from Bush-Cheney (-McCain) and change from Washington as usual (which is something Hillary didn’t offer). More of the same is really nothing but more negatives and even just a chance for change is what we really need!

karen-phoenix   August 25th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

Thank you Jon Stewart!!! I've started watching C-Span just because of the pundents arguing and stiring up trouble!!! Time to send Obama some more MONEY $$$$$ Love being part of his campaign this way and I'm an OLD republican who NEVER sent a republican money!!!! McCain will bring back the draft and we will be in wars for 50 years!!! McCain is NOT getting my kids or grandkids!!!
GO OBAMA/BIDEN

NotFallingInLine.org   August 25th, 2008 3:53 pm ET

How interesting the turns of events were on the 21th of August and none of the major news outlets noted it.
John McCain has touted his foreign Policy experience and awareness from the beginning of his campaigning while at the same time tried to categorize Senator Obama as inexperienced and lacked judgment.
John McCain has also touted Senator Obama as an elitist.
John McCain self-admittedly stated he knew very little about the economy.
John McCain called Senator Obama inexperienced because of Obama’s reaction to the Georgian crisis.
John McCain has stated that he is a maverick and fights against Washington insiders.
Well on 21 August 2008 John McCain failed on all of his points.
John McCain has been calling Senator Obama irresponsible about Obama’s willingness to set a timetable for US troop removal in Iraq. On 21 August 2008 the Bush administration along with the Iraqi government has signed the first phased timetable agreement for US troop removal of Iraq. John McCain is now 100% wrong in his position to continue fighting a war that both America and Iraq wants to end.
Also on 21 August 2008, the US military has issued a notification that there will be 11,000 more troops sent to Afghanistan. This is the follow-up to Senator Obama’s push for troop increase in Afghanistan that he has been making for month. This also follows John McCain’s error in judgment that Afghanistan did not need any help. A supplemental note to that is John McCain stated Senator Obama was wrong for wanting to curtail troops from Iraq to Afghanistan because the US had plenty of available force to deploy to Afghanistan. However, the top military official Admiral Mullen stated that the military had no spare troops to deploy anywhere. Once again John McCain is wrong.
John McCain has been trying to label Senator Obama as an elitist. Senator Obama has one home (which he purchased at a sweet deal that some find questionable – 1.5 million estimated value). John McCain has at least seven homes of which he did not know (estimated total value of 13 million dollars). John McCain jokingly said (so he wants us to believe) that in America you are rich when you make at least 5 million dollars. Senator Obama said 250,000 dollars per income is a good start, the national average income hovers around 31,000 per year. So now who is the elitist?
During the start of the Russian-Georgian conflict, John McCain came out publicly with a detailed counter attack strategy for the Russian aggression in Georgia. Senator Obama stated his position and left it there. John McCain accused Senator Obama of being out of touch in America’s foreign policies because he did not attack Russia. Well John McCain forgot he was not the President of the US when he made his bullish statements, then the Georgian President called him out but John McCain did nothing. Whose judgment was best, Obama who allowed the President of the US to do the President’s job, or John McCain who made promises he could not support?
John McCain on the economy – John McCain touts that he has fought big oil his entire career. It seems that every other day he is posing and campaigning in an oil field, rid, or platform. John McCain talks about drilling now, even after admitting that the best scenario is improved psychological confidence (and 200,000 barrels per day added to the global pool in five to ten years). Even if we increase the supply by 5 million barrels per day, oil will still be sold at market price.
John McCain still fails to rid his campaign of the lobbyists he claims to have fought for the last 26 years as a public servant (a very loose use of this description). The once favorable label of maverick has long left John McCain. The only thing maverick about him is that his has more Bush cronies in his camp than Bush originally had.
After all these failures of John McCain, one has to ask himself what can John McCain for America. Anyone seriously considering voting for John McCain needs to himself why. Is it because Senator Obama is that bad or is John McCain that safe?

Ken Kaplan   August 25th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

NEWS ?
Are you a news group or a talk show? Stop with the analyst already! Unless you are promoting your candidate why am I not hearing hard news instead of gossip? Have the American people become that brain dead were entertainment is more important than real news?
There is so much happening on this small planet run by children fighting for oil and power. As America expands there power demanding others follow stritc Human Rights while at the same time violating those same Rights with tourcher and abuse of Justice. There are a few other Super Powers out there, what are their ambitions and goals. Not our view, but an honest view from them.
All countries whitewash their news to reflect accepted views for that region. I find it very enlightening to read all opinions in order to see the real picture on what is happening. I see hope, yet those over grown children that run governments are marching us to a painful future. We could have a city on the Moon if it wasn’t for world greed.
Well that my opinion, now you can dump it into the Recycle Bin
Ken Kaplan

Why do you hate me?   August 25th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

God Bless Jon Stewart. Maybe he should run for President.

Jim   August 25th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Is this true CNN you guy's are using old numbers and lieing about the 5% to make it seem like an issue…wow I need to look into this because I trusted you over the like's of fox news, if this is true I'm going over to msnbc.

CC from Chicago   August 25th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Spot on Jon! The media is the fool maker in the whole process, in their effort to make news instead of reporting items that will actually benefit us instead of bowling abiity and useless polls.

Salina   August 25th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

He's right, the media is disgraceful and shameless. Its no longer about reporting the facts, its about thier mindless opinions, talking points, and entertainment. I stopped watching FOX-FIXED news long ago but now CNN and MSNBC are falling into place. There's no credibility. Its shameful.

Travis   August 25th, 2008 3:52 pm ET

Finally someone to call it what it is…..

ARE YOU LISTENING CNN?……go back to basic journalist school

Pratti   August 25th, 2008 3:50 pm ET

Why is this article filed under Barack Obama and Jon Stewart. McCain was mentioned in the article but he was not tagged? Another case of media bias ???

Steve   August 25th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

"He said the never-ending television news cycle creates a 'false sense of urgency' and forces reporters to 'follow the veins that have been mined,' instead of pursuing serious and in-depth reporting."

Case in point: the concentration on the PUMA-tards.

It really is sad that one of the very few people in the corporate media worth trusting on these issues is the guy with the "fake news show".

Ken   August 25th, 2008 3:49 pm ET

Right on Mr. Stewart. The kind of shallow idiocy within our electorate, fostered by the MSM, that allowed Bush to be elected in 2000, and then even more ignominiously elected in 2004, should not go uncriticized. McCain is counting on the very same kind of shallow idiocy, maybe we'll call it neo-idiocy.

Alyce   August 25th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

Finally a grown up in the media.
Maybe he should be the new host of Meet The Press!!!

Kiboko   August 25th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

"Gerbil Wheels"! I love it!

Stewart '08!

Rob Kole   August 25th, 2008 3:47 pm ET

We have a comedian telling the media how they should behave….

Morrow, Cronkite and the rest of the old time reporters must be rolling over.

Chris, Denver CO   August 25th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

It is really sad when the only person in this whole national media conversation who talks any sense is a comedian!

Anonymous   August 25th, 2008 3:46 pm ET

Ahhhh, Jon Stewart. Along with Colbert and Olbermann, reminders that there is intelligent life in the universe.

Todd, Lancaster PA   August 25th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

AWESOME.. Someone who gets it!!!

Report facts and policy, not just spin and political cheap shots.(ON BOTH SIDES)!!!

David Stein   August 25th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

So true. Come to Canada to learn a lesson. The media are intelligent, sharp and give politicians the roughest ride. Love being in Canada!

tedious898   August 25th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

How come the Obama campaign doesn't point out John McCain's record on the treatment of women? Both via his policies and comments.

You need only one surrogate to remind the PUMA's of his statement about Chelsea to really reclaim those disaffected Hillary supporters. I do not know of a mother or father for that fact that would let McCain get away with that …much less benefit from it during this particular election. Bill should really talk to John McCain about disrespecting both his wife and daughter….letting the Senator know "Leave my wife and child out of your ads and conversation from here on"

CNN lying about Hillary supporter numbers   August 25th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

CNN is cherry picking an old poll about the # of Hill supporteres bot voting for Obama.

The latest New York Times /CBS poll out this morning says 60% for Obama, 30% Not happy about Obama but will vote for him becuase he is the dem nominee.
Finally, only 5% thats right 5% will not Vote for Obama. Not 27% that CNN is trying to feed all of us.

CNN is cherry picking polls based on old data and is hyping this. See Chuck Todd's excellenet and fair analysis on MSNBC.com.
Its b5% folks, they are hyping this division for their ratings.

SHAME ON CNN…….guiess Im going to MSNBC for the REAL news coverage. Just lost a viewer CNN.

Haven't made up my mind yet!?!?   August 25th, 2008 3:45 pm ET

God Bless Jon Stewart. Maybe he should run?

susie   August 25th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

Obama could never be like us with his Chicago style politics. He's not even going to let all the states at the convention have a roll call because he's afraid he will lose to Hillary. Shame on him!!!

thank you   August 25th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

thank you, jon stewart, for summing it up better than i ever could.

Bruce   August 25th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

What ever happened to “REPORTING THE FACTS”? There was a time when lies and untruths were reported as being lies and untruths, those days are long gone. Now all we get spewed at us from FOX and CNN are regurgitated LIES that are presented as if they are truth. Both Fox and CNN have gone out of their way to provide FREE political advertising for one of the parties by endlessly replaying the adds propagating the distribution of the LIES.

Once there were real journalists that reported the facts, now we have willing dupes that seek to invent sensational stories out of every scrap of innuendo. Now every talking head on TV thinks they know more than the people that they are supposed to be reporting about.

CNN Reporter   August 25th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

He's SO accurate! CNN heads the pack of lemmings running after every scrap of lint from Obama's navel!

Mickey the Fish   August 25th, 2008 3:44 pm ET

All of the comedians in America will probably vote for Obama, but secretly hope for a McCain victory. I predict that if McCain wins, an entirely new generation of new comedians will, in fact, be sustained by that presidency.

John in Ohio   August 25th, 2008 3:43 pm ET

The media coverage of this election has been absolutely atrocious. I'm surprised FOX, CNN, MSNBC, etc, haven't yet had to face torch-waving mobs of Republicans and Democrats.

This year the Democrats are really getting the short end of the media stick, because the media feels it has to create a narrative that the race is much closer than it is, and doctor the polls and the poll results to further that illusion.

Mander   August 25th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Amen! I love Jon Stewart. It's actually a pretty sad state of affairs when I'm starting to to rely on Comedy Central for fair and unbiased reporting.

Ian Wright, Laurel, MD   August 25th, 2008 3:42 pm ET

Dead on, Jon. The establishment media spends so much time spitting out what has been leaked to them, without any independent work on their part, that watching cable news is pretty worthless. The DNC and GOP should just make their own news channels with openly paid flacks at this point.

Or, CNN could take what he says as serious advice and do something about the problem… Like that will happen.

fa   August 25th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Home run, mr. Stewart!

CNN is guilty on this charge. Innocent until proven guilty???. Youjust have to see the stuf CNN reports as news, and you say gush. The problem the next best option is FOX. I have too much common sense to listen or take FOX any serious.

I still do have my hope on the likes of Wolf Blitzer and John King… and from an unexpected hook: Joe Stewart?

Todd   August 25th, 2008 3:41 pm ET

Jon Stewart, the voice of reason for America

Michelle, PA   August 25th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

It is stunning, absolutely stunning, how often Jon Stewart is right on the money. Just because journalists are called "Reporters" doesn't mean they have to dutifully report word for word every talking point they get from the campaigns. Might as well refer to them as "Parrots", with a choice of 3 breeds: CNN the Clinton News Network, FOX the 24-hour Neocon Free Advertisement, and MSNBC the Obama Democrat Cheerleader.

Realpolitik   August 25th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert ARE COMIC GODDSSSSS!!!!!!! Big Fan right here!

Jim   August 25th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

WELL SAID! Can you believe a comedian has a better and clearer head on his shoulder's than half of America!

Bob Indianapolis, IN   August 25th, 2008 3:40 pm ET

Is it any wonder that thinking people get their news form Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, two comedians whose journalistic insights show how shallow and 2-Dimensional REAL NEWS has become. THe Fourth Estate is largely responsible for allowing the criminals in the White House to operate without oversight for eight years while these tools followed Paris and Britney around like the second coming….

Linda from Prescott AZ   August 25th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Good for Stewart.
Another thing, did you ever notice, particularly during the 4 to 6am coverage how John Roberts and Kirin what's her name have to add their two cents into every story, political or not.

paulie_nj   August 25th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Personality and ability to tell jokes, really, those are great qualifications for a running mate. Actually I guess that's a good fit for an inexperienced candidate because Obama is a joke in himself.

Amanda   August 25th, 2008 3:39 pm ET

Jon Stewart also said that "as a comedian, a person, a citizen and a mammal" he cannot wait to see Bush out of the White House, and he is right.

Billy   August 25th, 2008 3:38 pm ET

MS = tabloid newspapers these days. All of them.

TO ALL MCCAIN VOTERS   August 25th, 2008 3:37 pm ET

Stewart is right.

vote for the DEMOCRATS

tedious898   August 25th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

Yeah PUMA's let's support John McCain…the same John McCain that said "Chelsea is so ugly because her dad is Janet Reno".

To tell you the truth, if I were Bill , John McCain would have hated seeing me coming. But instead you PUMA's are going to get this guy elected for his wonderful record on the treatment of women.

You are idiots one and all…just admit it!

Lindsay   August 25th, 2008 3:36 pm ET

I really love Jon Stewart. Okay, yes, there are times he's very very obviously liberal, but that doesn't stop him from ripping on anything and anyone and telling it like it is.

90% of the stuff he says, I'm pretty sure it's what everybody else is already thinking but doesn't have the guts to say.

Linda31   August 25th, 2008 3:35 pm ET

I knew their was a reason I loved Jon Stewart!

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